Transcript Highlights:

• Number two is the workforce space. Number three is how do we bring providers closer to people?
• Number two is the workforce space. Number three is how do we bring providers closer to people?
• Optimizing our workforce is the next, and we've talked about adding folks to get the work done.
• And so that's the first optimizing our workforce.
• is, and it is because of the labor. ...diverse that workforce is.

Keywords: House Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• federal reductions on financial aid, which have been heard in Subcommittee No. 1 as it relates to workforce
• Development Agency, is the opportunity of workforce Pell and what that could represent.
• And not just the education they need, but the need we have as a state for a workforce.
• make sure that we're putting out the workforce of the future.
• We have done some analysis on key workforce areas and impact.

Summary: The subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s budget proposals and higher education financial aid trends, with a major focus on the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), Cal Grant spending, and the effects of recent federal student aid changes. The Department of Finance said the budget would fully fund Cal Grant at projected levels and reduce MCS coverage from 35% to 17.5% of unmet need in 2026-27, while the Legislative Analyst’s Office supported considering the reduction as a cost-saving measure given out-year deficits. UC and CSU representatives opposed the cut, saying MCS is important to affordability and debt-free degree goals; they estimated average awards would fall substantially and that campuses do not have funds to backfill the loss. The Student Aid Commission said the proposal would reduce aid but simplify administration, and members questioned how lower awards would affect students, borrowing, and work-study options. No vote was taken, and the issue was held open for possible future action. The committee then discussed federal changes to student loans and Pell Grant policy under H.R. 1, including caps on Parent PLUS loans, elimination of Grad PLUS loans, and new proration rules for federal direct loans based on enrollment intensity. The LAO said these changes would likely push some borrowers into the private market, especially graduate and professional students and some parents of students at private institutions. CSU said the changes would affect thousands of graduate and part-time students and could reduce access by about $97 million in loan availability for part-time borrowers, while UC said the new definitions of professional degrees were too restrictive and would reduce access for nursing, teaching, law, dentistry, and other programs. Community colleges said they use relatively little federal loan aid but are monitoring Workforce Pell. Members raised concerns about workforce impacts, social mobility, and whether the state should consider alternative loan programs or other ways to reduce student costs. This issue was also held open. In the segment financial aid update, the LAO reported Cal Grant spending is projected to rise to about $3.2 billion in 2026-27, driven by more recipients and higher awards tied to UC and CSU tuition increases, while CSAC said FAFSA and CADAA applications are up significantly year over year. CSU, community colleges, and UC described their aid packaging and rising aid totals, with CSU reporting over $5.5 billion in aid to 381,000 students, community colleges reporting over $4.3 billion to more than 920,000 students, and UC reporting $3.17 billion in grant aid to undergraduates. Members asked about Cal Grant reform, application trends, and long-term outcomes; UC and community colleges pointed to alumni and wage dashboards, and the LAO noted the state’s Cradle to Career data effort. The committee then took public comment, including testimony on library funding and other education-related priorities, and concluded by holding the issues open without formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Talk about the demographics in the state, the affordability of health care, workforce and its challenges
• I've had presentations that we've done around workforce or around the need for building clinical delivery
• Richards to talk about workforce. So thank you, Madam Secretary. So, Mr.
• Chair, I think that we've had lots of conversations about health care workforce.
• And, you know, I think that we've had lots of conversations about health care workforce.

Bills: SB37, SB29

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so for workforce, Senate Bill 7016, Sections 1 and 2 provided, address the Florida Reimbursement
• The statute also requires a plan to create and maintain integrated workforce development programs.
• The plan to create and maintain integrated workforce development programs.
• And I know Brian just mentioned a little bit of the workforce programs.
• Thank you so very much, and I'm going to start out with workforce again, if we may.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee received updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health on implementation of 2024 health care laws. AHCA reviewed progress on workforce and reimbursement measures in Senate Bill 7016 and related bills, including FRAME and TEACH funding, graduate medical education reporting, behavioral health teaching hospitals, acute hospital care at home, advanced birth centers, non-emergent care access plans, and rural emergency hospitals. Agency officials said several programs are already operational or have begun payments, while others are still in rulemaking, federal approval, or report-preparation stages. Senators asked about timing, funding reversion concerns, and whether appropriated dollars would be spent on schedule, especially for behavioral health teaching hospitals and the new birth center category. The Department of Health then reported on practitioner licensure and public health programs. MQA described implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Mobile Act licensure pathway, massage therapy enforcement changes, background screening expansion, liposuction safety requirements, pharmacist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis authority, and chiropractic dry needling. Public health staff updated the committee on FRAME and dental loan repayment, the Sinati screening grant program, the cancer research and innovation changes, the health care innovation council and loan program, the pediatric rare disease grant program, telehealth maternity care expansion, newborn screening for congenital CMV, the sickle cell registry and grants, and the swimming lesson voucher program. Members focused questions on how practitioners were being recruited to underserved areas, the pace of licensure approvals, and whether new programs were on track to use appropriated funds. The committee also heard a lengthy update from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The director reported more than 900,000 qualified patients, real-time seed-to-sale tracking now integrated across most dispensaries and labs, and ongoing compliance work on product testing, advertising, diversion, and patient safety. Senators questioned the decline in qualified physicians, how THC potency is labeled and verified, and what the agency can do about diversion to non-patients. The director said the office relies on complaints, inspections, lab audits, and coordination with law enforcement, and that patients can be suspended if violations are confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can start with the introduction of the Workforce Support Subcommittee that we have ASL and CART interpretation
• I mean, I think the more we talk about the inclusion of people with disabilities and their workforce
• But that would be, like, right, you’re talking about a number of workforce areas.
• You’re talking about a number of workforce areas. So it’s a whole different animal.
• We need to develop that workforce, which is the natural segue into what you want to discuss with us.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met with ASL and CART interpretation, took roll call, and approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second. The main discussion focused on a proposed apprenticeship-related presentation and outreach to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), including a draft letter and follow-up communication with Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Ram. Members said the draft looked good and discussed keeping trade partners informed, as well as the need to coordinate with the broader commission before moving forward. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and how to frame the topic. Members discussed a recent Apprenticeship Week event, noting employer interest, Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000, and concerns raised by employers about a $250 annual fee and the complexity of the registration process. Participants also discussed the need to include people with disabilities in apprenticeship conversations, challenge stereotypes about suitable jobs, and possibly involve the Commission for the Blind, higher education partners, and behavioral health apprenticeship models. The subcommittee generally agreed to focus first on child care and home health as initial apprenticeship fields, with direct support, house managers, and program managers also identified as important workforce roles. Members discussed inviting trade representatives and state liaisons, but emphasized that scheduling should not become overly complicated. They leaned toward a Zoom-only format, likely around 90 minutes, and agreed to continue coordinating offline on dates, format, and outreach before the next step.

Transcript Highlights:

• The fourth item in the agenda is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act adjustments.
• We're going to go to issue number five, to the California Workforce Development Board.
• Joelle Ball, I'm the chief deputy for the California Workforce Development Board. Hopefully.
• Joelle Ball, I'm the chief deputy for the California Workforce Development Board.
• A question for the Department of Finance regarding the Labor and Workforce Development Fund.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee held a May Revision budget hearing on state administration and related issues, hearing presentations from multiple departments and agencies. Early items included the Public Employment Relations Board on funding for implementation of AB 1 and a reduced request tied to AB 288, the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement on a technical College Corps adjustment, and the Secretary of State on building security upgrades, election security grant matching funds, and payroll system readiness costs. The Department of Consumer Affairs presented a Board of Pharmacy modernization request and a General Fund backfill for the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education; the LAO raised no concerns on the pharmacy item but recommended rejecting the private postsecondary backfill and questioned interest-free loan language. The Employment Development Department outlined several large workload and benefit adjustments, including EDD Next document management funding, UI loan interest, DI/PFL benefit increases, WIOA adjustments, school employee benefits, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical reversion correction; the LAO flagged the size of the DI/PFL increase and the expansion of the document management scope, while members asked about program impacts and timelines. The California Workforce Development Board presented an April adjustment to reimbursement authority for an interagency agreement with Caltrans, which the LAO said raised no concerns. Public comment on that item and others included support for workforce and apprenticeship initiatives, including the Jails to Jobs proposal and renewal of the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, though those were not part of the May Revision package. The Department of Industrial Relations then presented several proposals: reclassifying legal positions, continuing modernization of the workers’ compensation EAMS system, Cal/OSHA data modernization, creating a Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, reappropriating funds for the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship program, and trailer bill changes requiring electronic payment of employer assessments and adjusting the statutory treatment of the workers’ compensation administrative director’s salary. The LAO generally found the IT and salary proposals reasonable but urged close monitoring of the new emerging technologies unit. Committee members, especially Assemblymember Ortega, pressed DIR on long vacancy rates, wage theft claim delays, low collection rates for Cal/OSHA fines, and whether new resources would improve outcomes; DIR said it was pursuing recruitment, classification reviews, and process modernization, while the LAO noted that staffing alone may not explain the delays. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board also sought to make permanent a 2024 change to the 60-day reconsideration clock, saying it had reduced backlog and interim orders; the LAO had no concerns. Finally, the Department of Human Resources presented a statewide Employee Assistance Program contract consolidation that would lower costs compared with renewing separate contracts and requested one program manager position to oversee the contract and first responder services; the hearing continued with Finance’s response after the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's something we have to focus on for our future workforce.
• And if that really is meeting the needs of their regional workforce, the state's workforce, as well as
• I was very taken with your narrative around the nursing workforce specialty programs.
• So that is another pathway we're looking at, and also mapping the workforce.
• We definitely need to find ways to prepare our future workforce.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• some of the challenges that artificial intelligence really, you know, poses to our economy and our workforce
• some of the challenges that artificial intelligence really, you know, poses to our economy and our workforce
• That is exactly the sort of ethical use of artificial intelligence within the workforce that I had hoped
• that I had hoped within the workforce that I had hoped for.<00:05:03.120> Um,<00:05:03.600>
• <00:14:44.000> um<00:14:44.160> even the workforce, to our economy. um even the workforce

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational discussion on three proposed bills authored by Representative Gottfried addressing artificial intelligence in the workplace. Gottfried said the bills are intended to create labor protections around AI use, focusing on mitigating harms to workers while preserving innovation. House File 4369 would require notice before implementing technology that could displace jobs and provide a transition period for retraining, reskilling, or upskilling. The other two bills would regulate electronic monitoring systems and automated decision systems by requiring pre- and post-use notice when used for substantive employment decisions, giving workers access to data and a right to appeal decisions based on inaccurate or erroneous data, and setting prohibited and permitted uses. Melissa Heising of the Minnesota AFL-CIO supported the overall approach and said the bills are an important step toward common-sense workplace AI regulation. She praised the notice, appeal, and anti-discrimination protections, but urged stronger provisions, including mandatory impact assessments, independent third-party review, regular updates, a cease-use requirement if discriminatory outcomes are found, and anti-retaliation protections for workers who raise concerns or refuse to follow harmful automated outputs. Committee members from both parties generally agreed that AI policy should balance worker protections, business competitiveness, and innovation, and several said the issue is urgent because the technology is advancing quickly. No vote was taken. Chair and members emphasized that the hearing was informational and that the bills were not formally before the committee for action. Several members expressed interest in continued discussion, and Representative Schultz said he had an interest in working with Representative Gottfried on the issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in order for a short-term workforce-aligned program to be eligible for the workforce PEL grant, it
• is a a a new what's dubbed a workforce is a a a new what's dubbed a workforce PEL<00:19:38.799><
• are aligned to workforce development. are aligned to workforce development.
• > program<00:20:13.840> to short-term workforce aligned program to short-term workforce
• managing uh workforce expectations. managing uh workforce expectations.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes: 0:01:45 Federal Education Updates 0:02:12 Dual Credit Updates: 0:43:38 Kentucky State University's Doctoral Program Request: 01:27:08 Postsecondary Accreditation: 1:49:05 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations: 2:14:48 Adjournment 2:16:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Austin Reid of the National Conference of State Legislatures on education-related provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). Reid said the law is projected to increase the federal deficit over 10 years, with major savings coming from Medicaid, student loan changes, and SNAP. He focused on how those changes could affect schools, including possible effects on free and reduced-price meal certification, state funding formulas that use SNAP as a proxy for low-income status, and Medicaid-funded school services for students with disabilities. Reid also outlined the new federal scholarship tax credit, which gives a dollar-for-dollar credit for donations to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. He said families up to 300% of area median income may benefit, the program begins in 2027, and states must opt in and designate eligible organizations. He noted unresolved questions about whether states can add their own criteria and said Treasury regulations will be important. He also described the expansion of 529 plans to cover more K-12 and postsecondary expenses. On higher education, Reid explained a new workforce Pell grant option for short-term programs, with states and governors playing a role in determining eligible programs. He said the programs must meet placement, completion, and earnings measures and that implementation is expected to be tight before the July 1, 2026 effective date. He also reviewed student loan changes, including lower institutional loan limits, prorated borrowing for part-time enrollment, new caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and a new earnings-based accountability standard that could make some programs ineligible for student loans if graduates earn too little. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs, high school diploma re-engagement, high school equivalency, and workforce credentialing
• out of cohort students attaining a high school diploma, a high school equivalency credential, or workforce
• What was told to us by independent community colleges and workforce solutions was that Programs was that
• that we reach our graduation needs for the community and get our kids from high school into the workforce
• because at the end of the day, this is a workforce development process that we're trying to ensure is

Transcript Highlights:

• and state economic development workforce boards.
• Unsure of how to assess this workforce, 14%, and socially awkward at 10%.
• I'm sure of how to assess this workforce, 14%, and socially awkward at 10%.
• Our teams are a workforce solution.
• As we say, this is an absent workforce. But I feel like it’s, it’s, it’s… Absent workforce.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships. Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program is similar to the existing Workforce and Affordable Home Ownership Development Program,
• This program is similar to the existing Workforce and Affordable Home Ownership Development Program.
• family at 30% 50% 60% and Workforce family at 30% 50% 60% and Workforce housing<00:29:17.760>
• A community cannot thrive when its workforce is struggling to keep a roof over their head.
• tails on line eight for the workforce tails on line eight for the workforce home<01:10:38.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm bringing this bill forward because right now Minnesota is facing a law enforcement workforce shortage
• Given that we have a total workforce of 10,000 officers, those numbers represent up to a third of our
• workforce in law enforcement.
• facing a law enforcement Workforce shortage<00:00:32.960> that<00:00:33.239> has<00:00
• <00:00:58.480> of<00:00:58.879> 10,000<00:00:59.519> officers total Workforce

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2454, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Scholarship Act, and then laid the bill over. The author said the bill is intended to address a law enforcement workforce shortage by creating a last-dollar scholarship for licensed police officers and their dependents to pursue criminal justice or law enforcement degrees at Minnesota state colleges, universities, and University of Minnesota campuses. The bill was described as modeled on a Nebraska program and aimed at both recruiting officers from other states and retaining current Minnesota officers. Mark Ross, president of the St. Paul Police Federation and a longtime St. Paul officer, testified in support. He said the shortage is severe, citing vacancies in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and statewide, and argued the scholarship could help retain officers nearing retirement and attract people from other professions into law enforcement. No one else testified, and there were no questions from members during public testimony. During member discussion, questions focused on how unused funds would be handled and how the scholarship would interact with other aid. The author said the program was intended to be last-dollar, with other gift aid applied first, and expressed a preference that any funds roll over rather than lapse. Nonpartisan staff explained that transfer authority for unencumbered balances is typically addressed in the omnibus appropriations act and is not automatic. The author and chair indicated they would work on legislative intent and funding details in the omnibus process before the bill moves further.

Transcript Highlights:

• And part and parcel to that was the workforce training effort that Lucid needed.
• We pioneered a workforce accelerator with Central Arizona College specifically to help train automotive
• it has been, in fact, the role model for other workforce accelerators around the state, which we now
• The result is a highly skilled workforce that not only supports Lucid's success, but also strengthens
• You have mentioned some key words: workforce development pathways, which is important when you develop

Bills: HB2107, HB2588, HB2946, HB2950

Keywords: SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow governing bodies to approve tourism improvement areas to promote lodging and tourism as an economic development tool. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said tourism is a major economic driver, especially in rural communities, and argued the bill would give local areas a voluntary, industry-led way to market themselves, attract visitors, and support jobs without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism in places such as Yuma and other rural destinations, and the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2950 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard a presentation on rural economic development centered on Lucid Motors’ investment in Pinal County and its partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described workforce training programs, including the Drive48 accelerator, which they said has helped train workers for advanced manufacturing jobs and raised local incomes. The committee read proclamations recognizing both Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to job creation, workforce development, and economic growth in rural Arizona. Finally, the committee considered HB 2946, which would revise development fee requirements, including changes affecting the timing and administration of fees and a prohibition on charging development fees for accessory dwelling units. The sponsor and housing advocates said the bill was intended to help address housing affordability and give developers more predictable costs, while city and league representatives opposed it, arguing it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and interfere with local infrastructure planning. After adopting an amendment that removed county-related provisions and made clarifying changes, the committee passed HB 2946 on a 4-1 vote with two members present, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• who are trying to overcome a Workforce who are trying to overcome a Workforce shortage<00:20:05.919
• are still navigating that same Workforce are still navigating that same Workforce crisis<00:20:16.520
• you all know that struggling Workforce you all know that the<00:48:17.240> workforce<00:48:17.800
• crisis you know about the the workforce crisis you know about the workforce<00:48:19.920> crisis<
• directed at strengthening the workforce directed at strengthening the workforce are<00:48:27.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And also by addressing staffing shortages, workforce workload demands, and job satisfaction to create
• a more sustainable nursing workforce.
• So, I sustainable um nursing workforce.
• <00:08:14.080> in members of the healthcare workforce in members of the healthcare workforce
• uh want to help advance work workforce uh want to help advance work workforce and<00:08:32.840><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard and considered several gubernatorial nominations to advisory boards and councils. Early in the meeting, members heard testimony in support of Miriam Chang for the Health Planning Council Windward O‘ahu subarea, with supporters highlighting her long medical practice on the Windward side, work at Ko‘olau Health Center, and community involvement. Chang said she wanted to help improve health, especially in rural areas. The committee also heard support for Terrilyn Luke’s nomination to the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; the Center for Nursing director and nursing organizations backed her, and Luke said she would bring a front-line nursing perspective, focus on workforce conditions, retention, and collaboration, and help address tensions between the Center and nursing labor groups. The committee then heard support for Valerie Rose’s nomination to the Language Access Advisory Council; Rose briefly noted her prior work in the Chronic Disease Branch and Bilingual Health Aide Section. The committee also took up nominations in a later agenda segment. James Montgomery was heard for the State Rehabilitation Council and described his interest in serving based on a family experience with disability and his work in talent management, saying he wanted to help people with disabilities gain opportunities. Kevin Nakamura was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and said his 30-plus years of wastewater experience would help ensure operators are properly trained and certified to protect resources and the environment. Pina Lemusu was heard for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; she said her long career with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and personal experience with disability would help her contribute to the council. Additional testimony in support came from the State DD Council and Voc Rehab representatives. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent on the nominations it considered, including Miriam Chang, Terrilyn Luke, Valerie Rose, James Montgomery, Kevin Nakamura, and Pina Lemusu. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though Senator Dela Cruz voted no on some of the later nominations. The meeting also briefly noted another nomination, Olivia Kim, which was recalled and advanced with an advise-and-consent recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supporting all of that is our world-class workforce.
• On the right-hand side, we see the workforce by degree.
• So there's a huge workforce gap right now.
• Workforce gap of that amount in this region, which is huge.
• have that workforce that both draws industry here, but also.

Transcript Highlights:

• Workforce strategy.
• So, in particular, the Workforce Development Board oversees statewide workforce policy.
• It's difficult to know whether a new statewide venue for collaboration between workforce entities and
• , which includes our teachers, our nurses, our green workforce, and our community leaders.
• It doesn't just prepare students for the workforce.

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, our career education system is not meeting the needs of students and workforce demands.
• Additionally, our system is failing to address the state's declining workforce and trade industries,
• Additionally, our system is failing to address the state's declining workforce and trade industries,
• Isis Oriana with the California Workforce Association, here representing all 45 local workforce development
• Local workforce development boards sit at the intersection of education and employment.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• about the issue of artificial intelligence and how it is already, and is projected to affect, the workforce
• alongside Ai and addressing Workforce alongside Ai and addressing Workforce shortages<00:18:15.400
• Create a worker-centered workforce development and training system.
• Create a worker-centered workforce development and training system.
• Create a worker-centered workforce development and training system.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all