Transcript Highlights:

• By strengthening collaboration, aligning systems, and investing in our workforce, the Collaboration,
• In practice, it risks perpetuating inequities even as we make progress toward universal access.
• Families likewise make early learning decisions based on an array of practical and cultural considerations
• To support progress in UPK and support ongoing collaboration at the local level, I think you heard that
• things of that nature, but also supporting curriculum and supporting developmentally appropriate practice

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its third hearing, focused on how transitional kindergarten (TK) fits into California’s mixed-delivery early learning system, with an emphasis on the Central Valley. Opening remarks stressed that TK and child care should complement each other, not compete, and that families need both part-day school-based options and full-day, year-round care. Committee members outlined hearing goals around aligning TK with existing programs, understanding family needs, and examining the economic impact of early learning on workforce participation and local economies. Panelists from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, Every Child California, Early Edge, Children Now, and others described TK’s rapid expansion to all four-year-olds, the growth in enrollment, and related changes to state preschool and after-school programs. Witnesses generally supported TK but warned that its expansion has shifted enrollment away from community-based providers, especially centers and family child care homes, creating financial strain, vacant classrooms, and staffing challenges. They urged stronger partnerships between school districts and community providers, more flexible licensing and facilities support, higher and more uniform reimbursement rates, permanent authority for state preschool to serve two-year-olds, and better compensation and training for educators across settings. Parents and providers testified about the importance of trusted, culturally and linguistically responsive care, the need for infant-toddler and home-based options, and the difficulty of affording child care when TK is not full-day or does not fit family schedules. Several speakers emphasized that many families still face long waits for subsidies and that reimbursement and payment delays threaten provider stability. Public comment echoed these concerns, with providers calling for true cost-of-care rates, more vouchers, support for transportation and nontraditional hours, and protection from insurance and facility costs that can force programs to close. State education officials said California’s UPK system works best when TK, state preschool, Head Start, and community-based providers are treated as a shared system, and noted that planning and implementation grants and local coordination efforts have helped build mixed-delivery partnerships. The hearing ended without formal votes or actions, but committee members indicated they would continue gathering input to inform future policy and budget decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also look at our best practice. Is there something that we can do, and what can we do better?
• I have strong collaborations with community partners. That's another piece.
• I'm unapologetic when it comes to carrying out the practices in regards to the department's values.
• My superpower, if you will, is that I bring a passion and collaborative mindset to everything I tackle
• And so we do have established processes and practices to mitigate layoffs.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:03:53.440><c> outdated</c> by legacy practices, outdated by legacy practices, outdated assumptions
• </c><00:19:38.760><c> is</c> the the the current practice is the the the current practice is effectively
• . practice. practice.
• This truth is already being used to change policy practices in communities around the nation.
• change policy practices in communities around<01:40:09.280><c> the</c><01:40:09.360><c> nation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tribal land management practices.
• In conclusion, the position will strengthen our partnerships and foster collaborative stewardship for
• What's the best practice? What's the best chemical? How do we move forward?
• What is the best practice so we can safeguard people from the rodents, but also make...
• An example from Seattle: In 2021, we collaborated with Seattle Parks and Recreation to pilot a carbon

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion focused on tribal representation and natural resource management. On HB 2117, which would add a tribal representative to the Board of Natural Resources, the prime sponsor and DNR officials said the bill would strengthen government-to-government relationships without replacing existing consultation duties. Tribal leaders from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation testified in support, as did the Commissioner of Public Lands and DNR’s tribal relations director. County and timber interests said they were not opposed to tribal representation but raised concerns about trust responsibilities, beneficiary interests, and whether the representative should come from a tribe with commercial forest management experience. The committee later closed testimony on HB 2117 and read into the record 192 pro, 124 con, and zero other sign-ins. The committee also heard HB 2516, which would impose a two-year moratorium on the use of certain anticoagulant rodenticides and bromethalin after a Department of Agriculture report and while the Washington State Academy of Sciences studies alternatives and impacts. The prime sponsor argued the bill balances rodent control with concerns about wildlife, groundwater, and human exposure, while opponents from the pest management industry warned it would remove effective tools and worsen rodent problems, especially for low-income and manufactured-home communities. Supporters included the Washington Poison Center, wildlife rehabilitators, Birds Connect Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and other advocates who cited poisonings in wildlife and children and pointed to non-toxic alternatives and integrated pest management. The committee read into the record 754 pro, 176 con, and five other sign-ins. For HB 2554, which would repeal RCW 77.110 and related language tied to Initiative 456 and tribal fishing rights, the sponsor and the Attorney General’s Office said the statute is unconstitutional and inconsistent with federal treaty law and court rulings. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also supported repeal, describing the measure as removing an unenforceable anti-tribal statute. The committee then moved on to HB 2327, a bill directing JLARC to audit the county forest board lands trust and DNR’s management of those lands. The sponsor, former Rep. Jim Buck, county representatives, and forest industry witnesses supported an independent review of the trust structure and performance; some asked for amendments to address reconveyance options, broader legal and ecological considerations, and consultation with tribes and the Board of Natural Resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it came from years of thoughtful advocacy, collaboration, and persistence.
• the commission, which way back then included screening for postpartum mood disorders in pediatric practices
• So I guess I'm just giving voice early on in our process here to offer up as much collaboration as we
• So I guess I'm just giving voice early on in our process here to offer up as much collaboration as we
• Whether we are clinicians, I am a perinatal psychotherapist in private practice.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to reopen its work for the year, with roll call and attendance confirmations followed by remarks from the co-chairs and members. Senator Liz Miranda stepped down as co-chair, citing multiple responsibilities and personal losses, and Senator Adam Gomez was welcomed as the new Senate co-chair. Gomez said he would listen and learn from commissioners and advocates, and both outgoing and incoming leaders emphasized continuing the commission’s work on maternal health, postpartum depression, and equity. Members discussed several current policy and implementation issues. The Department of Public Health reported a new regulation to implement the 2024 midwifery access law, including temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. Commissioners also raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, OB-GYN workforce shortages, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand midwifery, doula, and birth center capacity. Other topics included substance use and perinatal mental health supports, the limited $220,000 appropriation for community-based perinatal mental health organizations, and the need for stronger funding in the budget to implement the maternal health law. The commission also focused on future priorities and information sharing. Members suggested more presentations from clinicians, regulators, infant and early childhood mental health experts, and PSI of Massachusetts; greater attention to parent-child relational health and postpartum screening in pediatric settings; and possible commission action such as a letter to the governor on workforce and access issues. The group agreed that there was not enough time to plan a May event and instead would use the commission to publicize related events, including Black Maternal Health Week activities. Commissioners voted to create a biweekly digest for sharing updates, with urgent items to be sent by email, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It ensures our government reflects the people it serves in a way that is both practical and profound.
• It ensures our government reflects the people it serves in a way that is both practical and profound.
• and responsible implementation, helps identify and mitigate risks to employees, and strengthens collaboration
• We have raised general concerns with the author about the scope of the bill and the practical impact
• had helpful conversations with the author's office and believe there's an opportunity to work collaboratively

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of legislators that bridges the divide between states and helps connect legislators to have best practices
• and conversations around policy and trading, ultimately best ideas and collaboration to address all
• of legislators that bridges the divide between states and helps connect legislators to have best practices
• and conversations around policy and trading, ultimately best ideas and collaboration to address all
• and conversations around policy and trading, ultimately best ideas and collaboration to address all

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's a very practical application that has a very real impact.
• I mean, is that a practice or a policy? I just haven't known of that.
• process on the research project that we collaborated with the universities on.
• For which y'all are collaborating, it would be very helpful.
• Guys, this panel represents best practices, whether it's...

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the Civil Practice and remedies code.
• It only ensures that once a licensed attorney has submitted an application to practice law in Texas,
• So let's say there's an attorney that is licensed to practice law in Florida, has been practicing for
• I've been licensed to practice law in Texas for 45 years.
• To intimidate them and to silence their speech has been a big part of my practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a measured, common-sense approach rooted in best practices.
• Third, the Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair competition or deceptive practices.
• And then finally, a violation of the pricing practices is June 30, 2029.
• HB 2418 is a practical step in that direction, and I urge your support. Thanks.
• HB 2418 is a practical step in that direction, and I urge your support. Thanks.

Bills: HB2675, HB2681, HB2714, HB2688, HB2481, HB2116, HB1408

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• But about 10 years ago, I took over my father's practice, who had practiced in New Mexico. in Las Cruces
• This isn't the state to practice in," which is my home state, the state that I chose to practice in.
• And medicine is a collaborative team sport.
• So, we've done... things to drive people out of private practice, to drive doctors out of private practice
• Physician daughter practices in Texas, and the attorney daughter practices in New Mexico.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and costly treatments, and whereas the physical therapy profession is committed to evidence-based practice
• , prescriptive authority, independent practice, and displaying credentials.
• In the GoFar Louisiana Coalition, it's collaborative of fatherhood-focused partners designate Tuesday
• practice, displaying credentials.
• Senate Bill 54 by Senator Kathy, Title 37, Aesthetics, Practice of Aesthetics. Amers.

Bills: HR91, HR92, HR93, HCR44, HR84, HR85, HR86, HR87, HR88, HR89, HR90, HCR42, HCR43, SCR21, HB483, HB484, HB893, HB1087, HB1088, HB1089, HB1090, HB1091, HB1092, HB1093, HB1094, HB1095, HB1096, HB1097, HB1098, HB1099, HB1100, HB1101, HB1102, HB1103, HB1104, HB1105, HB1106, HB1107, HB1108, HB1109, HB1110, HB1111, HB1112, HB1113, HB1114, HB1116, HB1117, HB1118, HB1119, HB1120, HB1121, HB1122, HB1123, HB1124, HB1125, HB1126, HB1127, HB1128, HB1129, HB1130, HB1131, HB1132, HB1133, HB1134, HB1135, HB1136, HB1137, HB1138, HB1139, HB1140, HB1141, HB1142, HB1143, HB1144, HB1145, HB1146, HB1147, HB1148, HB1149, HB1150, HB1151, HB1152, HB1153, HB1154, HB1155, HB1156, HB1157, HB1158, HB1159, HB1160, HB1161, HB1162, HB1163, HB1164, HB1165, HB1166, HB1167, HB1168, HB1169, HB1170, HB1171, HB1172, HB1173, HB1174, HB1175, HB1176, HB1177, HB1178, HB1179, HB1180, HB1181, HB1182, HB1183, HB1184, HB1185, HB1186, HB1187, HB1188, HB1189, HB1190, HB1191, HB1192, HB1193, HB1194, HB1195, HB1196, HB1197, HB1198, HB1199, HB1200, HB1201, HB1202, HB1203, HB1204, HB1205, HB1206, HB1207, HB1208, HB1209, HB1210, HB1211, HB1212, HB1213, HB1214, HB1215, HB1216, HB1217, HB1218, HB1219, HB1220, HB1221, HB1222, HB1223, HB1224, HB1225, HB1226, HB1227, HB1228, HB1229, HB1230, HB1231, SB1, SB54, SB82, SB87, SB92, SB93, SB99, SB104, SB113, SB114, SB115, SB123, SB129, SB133, SB161, SB162, SB224, SB236, SB275, SB280, SB289, SB305, SB310, SB325, SB330, SB339, SB350, SB359, SB382, SB410, SB412, HCR10, HB54, HB55, HB67, HB73, HB125, HB133, HB158, HB168, HB169, HB191, HB195, HB205, HB225, HB245, HB280, HB283, HB296, HB319, HB325, HB339, HB399, HB407, HB448, HB482, HB550, HB591, HB821, HB826, HB992, HB995, HB1085, HB1086, HR15, HR20, HCR14, HCR6, HCR19, HB861, HB889, HB904, HB907, HB908, HB929, HB1009, HB13, HB23, HB25, HB32, HB41, HB90, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB127, HB138, HB139, HB141, HB179, HB187, HB213, HB247, HB286, HB332, HB344, HB357, HB367, HB370, HB462, HB505, HB527, HB537, HB605, HB680, HB681, HB725, HB780, HB782, HB847, HB892, HB911, HB916, HB1012, HB81, HB134, HB154, HB163, HB170, HB194, HB217, HB220, HB254, HB259, HB290, HB308, HB311, HB360, HB382, HB401, HB410, HB417, HB463, HB575, HB592, HB718, HB723, HB750, HB755, HB776, HB812, HB844, HB882, HB888, HB961, HB966, HB980, HB228, HB289, HB735, HB796, HB284, HB301, HB722, HB468, HB546, HB746, HB842, HB923, HB46, HB166, HB349, HB352, HB436, HB588, HB140, HB429, HB827, HB953, HB901, HB9, HB52, HB58, HB193, HB400, HB570, HB577, HB582, HB733, HB747, HB868, HB952

Keywords: Tulane University, education, research, economic impact, healthcare, Louisiana, condolences, memorial, community service, faith, legacy, centenarian, tribute, honor, longevity, philanthropy, youth leadership, fundraising, nonprofits, physical therapy

Transcript Highlights:

• DCYF is doing this work, and we're doing it in collaboration with the Department of Commerce.
• DCYF is doing this work, and we're doing it in collaboration with the Department of Commerce.
• And so the Ed Collaborative will be serving as a convener, and I think a great place to help uplift and
• This bill takes a practical step.
• By supporting collaboration, shared planning, and public-facing data tools, this bill helps ensure students

Bills: SB6078, SB6089, SB5859, SB5861, SB6065, SB5956, SB5901

Keywords: SB 6078, child care, childcare, daycare, licensed child care provider, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, prelicensing, licensing support, resource guide, child care center, family home child care, family home provider, outdoor nature-based child care, school-age child care, early learning, provider application, local permit notice, city permit, county permit

Transcript Highlights:

• People having inappropriate sexual relationships in their practices, and then of course Dr.
• So her doctor kicked her out of the practice. That was traumatizing for her.
• Senator Polsky: Do you practice something called NaProTechnology?
• Senator Polsky: As an individual practicing physician.
• practice doctor who keeps me and my family safe.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it an evidence-based practice? And will the technology or the treatments change in the future?
• Is it an evidence-based practice? And will the technology or the treatments change in the future?
• And so what we're trying to do is work with you collaboratively to see what needs to be addressed.
• What was considered best practice years ago can now be outdated and ineffective.
• We had in terms of why these things are important to work through and collaborate on.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options. Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process. PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.

Transcript Highlights:

• The student ADM recommendation and the historical practice of the K-12 funding model utilized the greater
• So this has been a collaborative effort.
• The city of Lander and FCSD 1 have worked collaboratively for years on placing SROs in the...
• . ...within a school, and um, practicality.
• , but rely on that collaboration effort.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Employment Practices Practices Act. Employment Practices Practices Act.
• It directs the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Board of Medical Practice, to report to
• with the Board of Medical collaboration with the Board of Medical Practice<00:46:24.080><c> to</c><00
• Practice Practice to<00:47:39.920><c> issue</c><00:47:40.200><c> provisional</c><00:47:40.880><c> licenses
• </c> the extent practicable. the extent practicable.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yeah, we very much collaborate with them and we have to maintain those relationships.
• So, yeah, we very much collaborate with them and we have to maintain those relationships.
• He said they collaborate with federal and local partners.
• </c> critical so we would love to collaborate critical so we would love to collaborate and<00:32:23.360
• Have you spoken with... about collaboration and not division as about collaboration and not division

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• National Safety Council, Inc., is a data-driven organization that relies on research to inform best-practice
• And I really want to thank our Senate President, Madam President, for your collaboration, your common
• I want to conclude again by thanking my friend from Brookline, who has collaborated, who's engaged in
• And again, this particular extension order highlights the very limited, practical, appropriate use of
• Predatory, unfair, or deceptive marketing practices, or financial harm.

Summary: The Senate took up several local and special bills for final passage, including measures on culverts and dams in Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook, alcohol license conversions and additions in Milford, Salem, and Bridgewater, and special legislation allowing William Pilarie to take a firefighter civil service exam in Arlington despite the age limit. All five bills were passed to be enacted. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to bills on alcohol licenses in Bolton and conservation restrictions in Hanson, and adopted a resolution commending the National Safety Council and recognizing June as National Safety Month. The chamber then considered Ways and Means reports and orders for House bills on improving Massachusetts home care and requiring health care employers to prevent workplace violence. Both bills were amended with new Senate text and ordered to second reading on July 16, 2026, with the new text pending and further amendment procedures specified. The Senate also advanced several House bills passed to be engrossed, including land transfers in Norton, transportation bond terms, and Watertown property tax classifications, each being ordered to a third reading. The main debate centered on Senate No. 30, a bill to protect children from addictive social media feeds, which was taken up with a Ways and Means substitute draft, Senate No. 3164. Senators supporting the bill argued it targets addictive design features such as algorithmic feeds, autoplay, infinite scroll, and overnight notifications while preserving access to social media, privacy, and First Amendment rights; opponents and some supporters raised concerns about parental authority and the role of the state. The Senate adopted a series of amendments, including changes to the definition of user, stronger limits on minors’ nighttime notifications, parental consent and privacy protections for location sharing and age verification, exemptions for nonprofits and open-source platforms, age-signal clarifications, dark-pattern restrictions, and data-security/reporting provisions, while rejecting several other amendments. The debate remained ongoing at the end of the transcript, with additional amendments and discussion still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• long as the regional transit authority complies with those development regulations to the extent practicable
• A regional transit authority complies with those development regulations to the extent practicable, given
• These collaborate with market forces without burning taxpayers.
• Farvar's attention to food security issues and her collaborative stakeholder process this session.
• Our solution required direct notification. work with sound transit to identify a practical solution.

Bills: HB2313, HB2451, HB2298, HB2566, HB2517

Keywords: grocery stores, public ownership, food accessibility, community services, economic development, tax increment financing, local government, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, municipal permitting, transit projects