Transcript Highlights:

• So what is the premium? We know it's 80%, it's 20% for state employees.
• premiums as well.
• Medicaid enrollees do not currently pay premiums.
• surcharge, the premium tax, is paying for.
• Chairman and Representative, so the enhanced premium tax credits that were... ...the enhanced premium

Bills: SB241, SB145, HB2

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic Stability at DHS. Economic Stability at DHS.
• > through The Medicaid premiums enacted through The Medicaid premiums enacted through House<01
• We will incur cost for premium We will incur cost for premium collection<01:20:30.480> either
• months before we can't charge premiums months before we can't charge premiums but<01:20:47.040><
• <01:31:26.480> So premiums and the cost sharing. So premiums and the cost sharing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some Mark Wickham: organizations report premiums increasing 200%.
• John Hooper: Premiums were very affordable and in 25 years of my company's existence, we had two claims
• CBCs may, and I totally say that their premiums have risen, but without clear data we cannot know that
• And even if the premiums have increased, it may reflect a reality that some of these agencies are not
• Hart Lowman: improves employment outcomes, and supports family stability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Particularly rural healthcare, the changes that will be made this session for allowing stabilization
• The premium subsidies are necessary.
• And that's where stabilization really comes into that. That's the biggest change, Madam Chair.
• And Madam Chair and Ranking Member, I think the biggest change to me is stabilization.
• And stabilization, I'm all in, I'm all for.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reinsurance is a proven program that stabilizes market premiums, maintains enrollment levels, and ensures
• are at a significant risk of premium increases of 25% or more.
• <00:02:56.680> market proven program that stabilizes market proven program that stabilizes
• <00:02:59.200> and premiums maintains enrollment levels and premiums maintains enrollment
• <00:03:16.360> security without this action the premium security without this action the premium

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're not saying that our premium is...
• , same concept as premiums, right?
• We as a community, we as taxpayers, we as premium payers...
• It could in the short term lower premiums. It could in the short term lower premiums.
• at the end of the day. ...affects premiums at the end of the day.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And making sure that we help to stabilize our foster care homes, to make sure they have assistance with
• premium.
• And, you know, even charging a $1 premium likely would have some effect on enrollment.
• We oppose any premiums because we know payments of any amount cause people to lose coverage.
• LCHC opposes the proposed Medi-Cal freezes and the $30 premium.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a looming threat of a 38% increase in Fair Plan premiums in 2026.
• We also have a looming threat of a 38% increase in Fair Plan premiums in 2026.
• And when losses are lower, pressure on premiums and state-backed insurance programs is reduced.
• It's about stability for families who want to stay in California.
• But every month, that premium came out of our tight budget.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee heard a long agenda of tax and housing measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform, predictable statewide method as the current solar property tax exclusion sunsets, while county assessors and local county representatives opposed it as a departure from market-based valuation that would reduce assessed values and local revenue. The committee also heard SB 1406, which would target the so-called Montana loophole used to avoid California vehicle taxes and fees; it drew support from CTA and no formal opposition. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call after committee votes. The consent calendar was also adopted and placed on call. The committee then took up several tax relief and wildfire-related measures. SB 984 would conform California law to the federal tipped-income deduction; restaurant, taxpayer, and enrolled agent representatives supported it, and the committee approved it 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters included the Town of Truckee and the California Association of Realtors, while members raised questions about cost and interaction with Prop. 98, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1118 would provide a tax credit for backup generators or solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author and supporters framed it as a resilience measure, but committee members questioned the use of taxpayer funds, diesel generators, and the benefit relative to cost. The bill was not advanced in the portion of the transcript provided. Later, the committee heard SB 1249, a narrowly targeted senior deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, supported by LeadingAge California and the California Senior Legislature; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1424 would extend a partial sales and use tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, including charging and hydrogen stations; it received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1113 would conform California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies; maritime industry witnesses supported it as a competitiveness and national security measure, while ILWU opposed it over the estimated general fund impact, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1137 would expand the medical expense deduction for lower-income taxpayers, and SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing; both were presented with support from advocacy and local government witnesses, with assessors and housing stakeholders seeking amendments on SB 1415. The transcript ends before final action on SB 1415 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just so you know, this is what proof of housing stability and opportunity can do.
• So this bill is just ultimately about fairness, stability, And opportunity can do.
• They pay a premium into the pot.
• Business owners—now, the way these premiums work is there's a statutory trigger.
• It's an insurance premium. The insurance premium is $7 per employee. That's it.

Summary: The Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee heard and advanced several bills. HB 615, allowing landlords to send required notices electronically with tenant written consent, was amended to allow either landlords or tenants to send messages electronically and passed favorably after testimony from legal aid and tenant advocates urging stronger opt-in, opt-out, and notice protections. HB 665, dealing with local government impact fees and development permits, would limit certain art-related impact fees, define “extraordinary circumstances,” and require more public process before fee increases; it passed after local government and industry testimony focused on refining the extraordinary-circumstances definition and concerns about public art funding. HB 365, a tenant protection bill for affordable housing units receiving public incentives, was amended to apply only to leases of 13 months or less and to take effect in July 2026; it passed with support from housing advocates and AARP and was described as preventing mid-lease rent increases while preserving renewal-time adjustments. HB 381, requiring issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers within a set timeframe, was amended to extend the deadline to 20 business days and shift the fee consequence to the address fee rather than the building permit fee; it passed after discussion about delays affecting developers and local government responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• premium subsidies.
• premium subsidies.
• premium subsidies.
• premium subsidies.
• As<00:40:34.920> the<00:40:35.040> premium As the premium As the premium rises, rises,

Bills: HF4343

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, advertising tax, taxable services, digital advertising, online marketing, marketing services, search engine marketing, lead generation, internet advertising, ad agency, media buying, campaign planning, Minnesota tax law, service tax, broadening tax base, web advertising, promotional services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• down these higher insurance premiums are down these higher insurance premiums are the<01:13:55.679><
• as premiums go up premiums<01:21:35.719> go<01:21:35.920> up<01:21:36.080> you<
• insurance premiums.
• insurance premiums.
• insurance premiums.

Bills: HF1865, HF2014, HF2028

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have the New Mexico Premium Assistance, the Native American Premium Assistance, which is limited
• Carriers raise their premiums as a result.
• Let me ask you, what is the federal premium tax credit? What's the premium based on?
• Yes, because we also have the Native American Premium Assistance and the Medicaid Transition Premium
• Premium or what's subsidized? Their net premium. Okay, I would have to get back to you on that, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without action, premiums Without action, premiums will rise for families purchasing insurance on the
• Redemption prior to maturity, with or without a premium.
• If the amount of premium taxes, or the sum of all premium taxes filed by all insurance companies on any
• In 2019, estimated cost to premiums, $34 million.
• Acupuncture coverage, $18 million, to increase premiums.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This fund allows for premium assistance to keep costs affordable for consumers.
• So the premiums have gone up significantly.
• tax credits, the enhanced premium tax credits, have expired.
• Once they get into an acute setting, they try and stabilize them.
• If you look at step-down or stabilization teams, many of those are so children...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the elimination of the enhanced premium the elimination of the enhanced premium tax<00:04:05.920
• of the enhanced uh premium tax credit. of the enhanced uh premium tax credit.
• uh what those people paid in premiums. uh what those people paid in premiums.
• some examples about uh the premium some examples about uh the premium increases.<00:10:39.760>
• They're doing it because they can't afford um their premium, Madam Chair, their premium would be lower

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Tangipa: If you pay for private health insurance, your premiums are going up.
• ... ...and keeps families housed with $100 million in housing stability supports.
• We can take $2.5 billion in our budget and create a state premium subsidy.
• They're seeing a tax applied to premiums, all the more reason for us to provide a premium subsidy. $2.5
• There are working families that are going to get sucker-punched by these premiums.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, and proceeded with routine procedural business, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees and several rule suspensions to allow bills to be heard or moved. Assembly Member DeMaio attempted to amend and then return AB 109 to the Senate to add health care premium reductions, but the motions were ruled out of order and his request to suspend the rules failed on a 13-45 vote. The main floor action was on AB 109, the 2026-27 state budget. Assembly Member Gabriel presented the budget as balancing fiscal responsibility with protections for health care, schools, housing, wildfire prevention, and the safety net, while opponents argued it raised costs, underfunded education and public safety, and relied on gimmicks. Supporters emphasized investments in hospitals, Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, food banks, housing, and reserves, and repeatedly defended the budget’s approach to Proposition 36 funding and prison closures. After extensive debate, the Assembly voted to concur in the Senate amendments to AB 109, and the bill was immediately transmitted to the Governor. Later, the Assembly took up SCR 89 on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Members from several caucuses spoke in support, arguing DEI is central to equal opportunity, civil rights, and California’s identity, and warning against federal efforts to roll back such programs. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, saying DEI treats people differently based on immutable characteristics. The transcript ends during that debate, with the resolution still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's simply by just not paying their January 2026 premium invoice.
• We're pretty sure to do the silver loading or the premium alignment again in '27.
• We're pretty sure to do the silver loading or the premium alignment again in 27.
• One is Cascade Care Savings, your state premium assistance program, is really helpful.
• Secondly, we need to think outside the box about how we can stabilize this market.

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and reporting. JLARC said DOH was late on 72% of acute care hospital inspections as of December 2024, had not verified that third-party accrediting standards were substantially equivalent to state standards, did not consistently require proof of those inspections, did not review adverse health event corrective plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. JLARC also raised a possible language-access barrier in the complaint system. Members asked about complaint filing by staff, the meaning of adverse health events, inspection outcomes, and whether the audit compared DOH to other agencies. JLARC said it had not reviewed inspection results or cross-agency comparisons, but noted inspectors were dedicated and working long hours. DOH later said it concurred with the recommendations and outlined a strategic plan with target dates for improving timeliness, verifying accreditation standards, expanding language access, reviewing adverse event laws, and improving public data access, with annual reporting to the Legislature expected. The committee then heard a Department of Health presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current certificate of need process, which reviews need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility changes and new services, and said the program has not been modernized since the 1980s. DOH proposed 10 statutory modernization recommendations, including clarifying the program’s purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, updating access-to-care standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, strengthening long-term funding, and using better data systems. Members asked about oversight of freestanding urgent care and EDs, funding sources, and whether the process could be streamlined or made more responsive to complaints or other triggers. A third panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care. Lucy O’Rourke of the Coalition for Health AI described CHAI’s work on responsible AI principles, technical standards, model cards or “nutrition labels,” testing and governance tools, and educational resources for providers. She said the group is focused on trust, transparency, fairness, safety, security, and privacy, and noted Washington’s AI-related policy work as among the more progressive in the country. No questions were asked. The final portion focused on the financial impact of federal and state health care policy changes. The Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals are facing low or negative operating margins, service reductions, layoffs, and closures, and that state cuts and taxes enacted in 2025, combined with federal HR1 changes, will significantly worsen finances. Providence Swedish leaders described staffing reductions, service cuts, delayed capital investments, and pressure from denials, tariffs, and reimbursement changes, while emphasizing that frontline staffing cuts are tied to service reductions rather than nurse-to-patient ratio changes. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange then began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits, state Cascade Care Savings assistance, and eligibility changes affecting lawfully present non-citizens, with examples showing large premium increases for customers if federal subsidies expire.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you pay for private health insurance, your premiums are going up.
• And then on top of the premium increases, you add a $400 per family... ...health care premium tax, higher
• ... ...and keeps families housed with $100 million in housing stability supports.
• We can take $2.5 billion in our budget and create a state premium subsidy.
• They're seeing a tax applied to premiums, all the more reason for us to provide a premium subsidy. $2.5

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• day looks, all with time and stability day looks, all with time and stability to<00:36:27.760>
• covers the employer side premium. covers the employer side premium.
• Thank you so much for your time.” way to stabilize it. way to stabilize it.
• insurance premiums on people like me. insurance premiums on people like me.
• <01:50:43.840> of districts to subsidize the premiums of districts to subsidize the premiums

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a disruption that can mean the difference between stability and crisis.
• between stability and crisis it's<00:26:21.600> a<00:26:21.799> reminder<00:26:22.520>
• Some of that instability is already built into premiums, but we're also trying to keep our premiums low
• premiums.
• > most are correlated with higher premiums most are correlated with higher premiums most rebated

Keywords: 1187, senate, all