Transcript Highlights:

• I don't see the attorney general." "Is there anybody here?
• I don't see the attorney report. I don't see the attorney general. general. general.
• ><c> uh</c> attorney general were appropriate uh attorney general were appropriate uh pursuing<00:43:
• </c><00:44:39.839><c> But</c> meeting with the attorney general.
• But meeting with the attorney general.

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Might be susceptible to being influenced by the attorney legislator, even though, or even if, the attorney
• Attorney legislators have to keep their outside work as attorneys separate from their duties as a legislator
• Questions have also arisen about whether another attorney employed by the law firm in which the attorney
• Aren't these attorneys? Yes.
• Aren't these attorneys? Yes.

Summary: The Legislative Ethics Board met to reorganize its agenda, elect officers, approve prior minutes, review employment disclosure forms, consider rule amendments, and discuss a draft annual report. Larry Hoff was nominated and approved as chair, and Lori was nominated and approved as vice chair. The board then approved the December 8 minutes and found no ethics issues with two employment disclosure forms involving Senate and House security employees who are married to each other. Jennifer presented proposed rule changes, described as mostly technical updates, including clarifying that either party may request a continuance for good cause, replacing references to a “complaint” with a “reasonable cause determination,” allowing the board to use an ALJ to hear matters and prepare an initial order, and clarifying discovery authority. The board moved, seconded, and unanimously approved the rule amendments. Members also reviewed a draft annual report and discussed updating biographies and other details. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on a draft advisory opinion about attorney-legislators representing clients in matters against state agencies. Jennifer explained that the draft concluded such representation is not automatically an ethics violation, but cautioned about special privileges, appearances of impropriety, and the need to keep legislative and private legal roles separate. Members debated whether the opinion should be broadened to emphasize that all legislators, regardless of outside employment, must avoid using their office for private advantage. Several members argued the issue is highly fact-specific and that a broad opinion could create unnecessary complexity or special treatment for lawyers. By the end of the discussion, the board appeared to decide not to issue the proposed opinion. The chair also noted a prior advisory opinion on citizen members of the board and reminded members of restrictions on lobbying and related activities. No public testimony was offered, and the board moved toward executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know there's other people just, you know, impacted directly by the general economic slowdown.
• </c><00:38:08.480><c> generals</c><00:38:08.880><c> have</c><00:38:09.040><c> sued</c> a number of attorney
• generals have sued a number of attorney generals have sued for<00:38:10.560><c> a</c><00:38:10.800><
• Um, in response to your second question, DHS is part, or actually the Hawaii Attorney General is part
• </c> um used to calculate their general um used to calculate their general income<00:46:43.680><c> and

Summary: The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date. Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules. Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Michelle Pu'u, Deputy Attorney General from the Attorney General's Office.
• I mean, generally we do, but comparing the two is apples and oranges.
• Uh, we're looking at a more general problem of addiction, perhaps.
• That's generated basically from outside revenue coming in.
• But also generating economic effects on other correlated sectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the Wednesday weeks before the general the Wednesday weeks before the general election<00:07:15.240
• His attorney came up and said, well, when he was elected, he lived in Derry.
• or by specifically the deputies in this bill.
• And I could think of some county attorney public safety purposes, sure.
• </c> the County Attorney the County Attorney May<00:55:49.319><c> uh</c><00:55:49.520><c> but</c><00:

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion out of the general? I object to so order. Brett Mack for personal privilege. Thank you, Mr.
• In my district, Textron's Slidell facilities design and produce next-generation armored vehicles.
• House Bill 1038 by Representative Boyer, marshals, relative to appointment of deputy marshals, duties
• So the amendment, the floor was pointed out to me by Representative Murray to put an attorney.
• It's true for law enforcement in general across the state.

Bills: HR153 , HR154 , HR155 , HR156 , HR157 , HR158 , HCR57 , HCR58 , HCR59 , HR133 , HR134 , HR135 , HR136 , HR137 , HR138 , HR139 , HR140 , HR141 , HR142 , HR144 , HR145 , HR146 , HR147 , HR148 , HR149 , HR150 , HR151 , HR152 , SCR28 , SB141 , SB169 , SB206 , SB233 , SB417 , SB421 , SB429 , SB437 , SB477 , SB510 , SB521 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB902 , HB943 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , SB127 , HB284 , HB1 , HB2 , HB3 , HB312 , HB313 , HB383 , HB314 , HCR3 , HB983 , HB1126 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB376 , HB377 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB211 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB345 , HB366 , HB446 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , HB401 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB132 , HB193 , HB635 , HB690 , HB1003 , HB750 , HB911 , HB151 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB961 , HB1146 , HB977 , HB181 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1113

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened in prayer, and led the pledge. The bulk of the early portion of the meeting consisted of personal privileges and recognitions, including ARC Appreciation Day, Teach for America, Film Louisiana, the Child Care Association of Louisiana, Textron Systems, Iberville Parish Day, AARP Louisiana Family Caregiver Day, and several visiting groups and honorees. The chamber also received Senate messages, enrolled and introduced resolutions, and referred a number of Senate bills to committee. The House then took up a long series of bills, many of them local or technical measures, with most passing by wide margins. Among the bills adopted were measures on municipal and teachers’ retirement systems, retired clerk insurance funds, fire and police civil service, a local Cameron Parish insurance program, specialty courts, jury bond filing by paper check, non-compete limits for interns and apprentices, a memorial bridge naming for Lance Cpl. Justin D. McLeese, veteran points in civil service exams, provisional fire/police appointments, special masters in complex litigation, judicial and court-cost funding measures, aerial applicator safety rules, cell-cultured food labeling, wine and spirits container standards, nonprofit eligibility to appoint economic development commissioners, a homeless diversion pilot program in Orleans, animal shelter standards, a Fort Oge police chief appointment change, retirement benefit calculations for divorced firefighters, an alcohol-permit moratorium in Shreveport, waste-collection contract renewal authority, and a backdrop retirement option for certain judges. There was one notable defeat: House Bill 444, which would have added legislative seats to the East Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission, failed on a 37-49 vote after debate over whether legislators should appoint themselves to the board and whether the proposal had adequate stakeholder support. House Bill 284 on expropriation also failed earlier by a 48-47 vote and was returned to the calendar. Several other measures were temporarily returned to the calendar or held over, and some bills were referred or received amendments before final passage. Most final votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, and the House repeatedly adopted titles and motions to table after passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's actually the largest general revenue swath in the budget, for a fun fact.
• In the back of the bill, there is $691 million from the general revenue fund that reverts back.
• million from the general revenue fund that reverts back to the EASE program.
• , public defenders, and regional conflict counsel attorneys.
• Not for state attorneys or public defenders, but yes, for the judges.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing. After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• and then as deputy director.
• They inspired a generation to believe they belonged in every room where decisions are made.
• In 1841, John Quincy Adams, pro bono, as an attorney, at 73 years old, pro bono as an attorney at 73
• She was especially known for her general...
• She was especially known for her general ...desk was something she loved to do.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through privileges of the floor to recognize several guests, including the St. Mary’s High School football team from Stockton for winning the 2025 state championship, Black-owned businesses honored by the California Legislative Black Caucus and California Black Chamber of Commerce, and students and guests visiting the Capitol. The Rules Committee reported Senate Resolution 77 to third reading, and the Senate approved the journals and proceeded to the daily file. The chamber then confirmed Tyler Sadwith as Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services by a 33-0 vote. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 77, which condemned racist and dehumanizing imagery shared by President Donald Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Numerous senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, framing the post as racist, dangerous, and part of a broader pattern of dehumanization; one Republican senator objected to the resolution’s language and process but said racism should be condemned. SR 77 was adopted on a 28-0 vote. The Senate then took up SB 106, a budget bill to create a one-time $90 million grant program to support family planning providers after federal cuts under H.R. 1 reduced reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and similar clinics. Supporters said the measure would preserve access to reproductive and preventive health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents criticized the bill for secrecy, no-bid contracting, and prioritizing abortion-related services over other budget needs such as rural hospitals and developmental disability services. After debate, the Assembly amendments were concurred in by a 26-9 vote. At the end of the session, the Senate moved to adjournment in memory, with Senator Choi offering a remembrance for Mitzi Ortiz, the city manager of Aliso Viejo, who died on December 22, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, Item 50 is a confirmation of Tyler Sadwith, Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs
• and then as deputy director.
• They inspired a generation to believe they belonged in every room where decisions are made.
• In 1841, John Quincy Adams, pro bono as an attorney at 73 years old, pro bono as an attorney at 73 years
• She was especially known for her general ...desk was something she loved to do.

Transcript Highlights:

• Division of the California Air Resources Board, and Anna Lisa Kahara, Assistant Deputy Director of the
• Chief Assistant Deputy Director, thank you for the explanation of your role here.
• There are just a general piece of if a market like California needs to...
• Next, we'll move to our environmental attorney on the panel. Welcome. Yes. Okay.
• Next, we'll move to our environmental attorney on the panel. Welcome.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Summary: The Senate Environmental Quality Committee held an informational hearing on the environmental impacts and planning considerations associated with refinery closures. In opening remarks, the chair framed refinery shutdowns as a complex part of California’s decarbonization transition and said the committee would focus on environmental and land-use issues, while Vice Chair Gunda argued closures reflect years of policy-driven disinvestment and warned that supply disruptions and higher prices could harm working families. State agency witnesses from the Energy Commission, CARB, and the Water Boards described the state as being in a “mid-transition,” with declining gasoline demand, growing zero-emission vehicle adoption, and increasing conversion of some refinery assets to renewable fuels, but also with abrupt capacity losses that can force greater reliance on imports and storage. They emphasized the need for proactive planning, transparency, and coordination across agencies, and noted that refinery closures can stress pipelines, terminals, and other linked infrastructure, with potential liabilities falling to the state if those assets are not financially supported. The Water Boards explained their cleanup authorities and tools for refinery decommissioning, including investigation, monitoring, remediation, and enforcement under the Water Code, and said site-specific cleanup plans depend on contamination, groundwater conditions, and future land use. They noted that decommissioning can reveal previously inaccessible areas and require additional sampling or wells, and that cleanup costs can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Committee members pressed the witnesses on whether the state has enough information to plan for land transitions, whether current tools are adequate, and whether more standardized procedures or financial assurances are needed. The witnesses generally said existing tools are useful but that more transparency and better data sharing would help communities and policymakers understand liabilities and long-term redevelopment opportunities. Members also questioned the relationship between California policy, refinery closures, imports, and global emissions. CARB said its programs apply to transportation fuel suppliers whether fuel is refined in-state or imported, and that its climate and air-quality rules are designed to reduce emissions and avoid leakage. Some senators argued that California’s policies have accelerated closures and that demand has not fallen fast enough to offset lost refining capacity, while agency witnesses responded that closures are also driven by global market forces, aging infrastructure, crude quality, and changing fuel demand. The committee then heard from outside experts, including a Notre Dame professor who said closure costs are often underestimated and that stronger financial assurance requirements can shift company behavior, a Stanford/SLAC researcher who outlined five drivers of refinery closures, and an environmental attorney who discussed community impacts and lessons from the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery closure. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational and focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a mix of general and special funds. And there are a total of about 533.5 positions.
• We also have our five-year realignment report, which has some general recommendations.
• The BCP is seeking two additional positions: one Attorney III and one Analyst II.
• That's a huge win the state can get without adding to the General Fund.
• This includes $626 million of general fund, $2.2 billion of special funds.

Summary: The hearing began with an overview of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which described its 2026-27 budget, major departments, and strategic priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth, and aging/disability services. The agency also explained a technical CalHHS/CalHires budget adjustment tied to HR1 compliance and eligibility system work. No LAO concerns were raised on that item. The committee then heard from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration on its budget, its SB 823 realignment report, and related issues. OYCR said county-based realignment has generally succeeded but outcomes and readiness vary widely, and it recommended more climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral management, better programming, improved transition planning, and integrated longitudinal data systems. Members pressed OYCR on “net widening,” county-by-county trends, and the gap between the detailed recommendations discussed in hearing and the more general recommendations in the public report. OYCR also described problems with federal Title II grant timing and a pending $14 million administrative funding adjustment, and discussed implementation of the juvenile justice realignment block grant formula. The Ombudsperson division separately requested two new positions due to rising complaints, site visits, and records-access disputes with counties; LAO noted the proposal would create ongoing General Fund costs. Several other departments presented budget change proposals. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover an interagency administrative support gap with DSS; LAO had no concerns. EMSA presented its department overview, said its AB 716 ambulance-rate report has been delayed after resources were reduced, and requested funding for disaster-response vehicle replacement, IT security assessment work, and additional HR/legal staff; members questioned delays, compliance, and the ongoing General Fund impact. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of LIWIP funds and explained a new Proposition 4 process for continuing the farmworker housing component. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority for $60 million in additional federal funds and 54 positions to meet growing vocational rehabilitation demand, with no General Fund impact. The Department of Child Support Services presented its budget and a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections. Members questioned why local agency funding was being restored despite declining caseloads, and staff explained that staffing costs have risen faster than caseload declines and that additional funding is needed to maintain service levels. The supplemental report estimated full pass-through would cost about $150 million General Fund annually, or about $80 million for a state-and-county portion, with $3 million to $5 million in automation costs. Finally, the Department of Public Health gave a broad overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its State of Public Health report, highlighting improved mortality and life expectancy, declining overdose deaths and STI rates, persistent racial and regional disparities, and increasing public health emergency demands. CDPH also warned that federal funding threats and policy changes are creating major uncertainty for state and local public health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's more than half of their General Fund amount.
• Deputy Director, I'm a huge fan of cost-saving evaluations.
• Generally speaking, we do try to take into account...
• So generally, these are about three years.
• We have had general conversations about our RHTP program in general prior to knowing what the full framework

Transcript Highlights:

• That comes from the FBI and also from other, a lot of attorneys general in the United States.
• Senate Bill 694 is co-sponsored by the Attorney General and has support from a broad coalition, including
• General can go after these bad actors.
• That's why the Attorney General is signed on as a co-author.
• That's why the support is from the Attorney General, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the VA, and every

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s more than half of their General Fund amount.
• Deputy Director, I'm a huge fan of cost-saving evaluations.
• Generally speaking, we do try to take into account...
• So generally, these are about three years.
• We have had general conversations about our RHTP program in general prior to knowing what the full framework

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington's Attorney General was a leader of a 20-state coalition that sued HUD, and I want to really
• emphasize the leadership that the Attorney General demonstrated in this.
• Creating more affordable housing is a priority for both the state and the Attorney General.
• Creating more affordable housing is a priority for both the state and the Attorney General.
• Lisa Beaton, I'm a Deputy City Manager with the City of Kennewick, formerly the City Attorney.

Summary: The Housing Committee held work sessions on federal Continuum of Care homelessness funding and on state step-housing siting rules before moving into public hearings on House Bill 2266 and House Bill 2489. Commerce staff said HUD’s late and restrictive Continuum of Care funding notice put about $120 million a year in Washington operating support for existing homeless housing projects at risk, but a lawsuit led by the Attorney General forced HUD to restart renewal funding. Commerce also reviewed how local governments are implementing step-housing requirements, including model ordinances, planning updates, and ongoing compliance reviews under recent state law. House Bill 2266 would require cities and counties to allow step housing in all nonindustrial zones, apply the same permitting and environmental review as other residential uses, limit design review to administrative processes, and remove certain local standards and conditions on existing buildings and affordable housing. Supporters, including Plymouth Housing, Disability Rights Washington, King County, the Attorney General’s Office, and Catholic Community Services, argued the bill would reduce discriminatory barriers, protect people with disabilities, and make it easier to site shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. Several city representatives and the Association of Washington Cities opposed or sought amendments, saying the bill was too broad and could limit local authority over operational agreements, safety plans, spacing, community engagement, and funding conditions; some asked for clearer carveouts for emergency shelters and related uses. House Bill 2489 would bar local governments from enforcing public-space anti-camping or similar laws unless adequate alternative shelter space is available, with “life-sustaining activities” and “adequate alternative shelter space” defined in detail. Rep. Gregerson said the bill would create a statewide floor and prevent punishment for survival conduct when no real shelter option exists. The ACLU, service providers, and shelter operators supported the bill, citing displacement from fragmented local ordinances, enforcement costs, and the need to align enforcement with actual shelter availability. Testimony also described low-barrier shelter operations and examples of people stabilizing once housed. The hearing on HB 2489 began with staff explanation and initial testimony; no votes were taken on either bill in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, Item 50 is a confirmation of Tyler Sadwith, Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs
• and then as deputy director.
• They inspired a generation to believe they belonged in every room where decisions are made.
• In 1841, John Quincy Adams, pro bono, as an attorney, at 73 years old, Pro bono as an attorney at 73
• She was especially known for her general... ...desk was something she loved to do.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several floor recognitions, including St. Mary’s High School football team for its first state championship and Black-owned businesses honored by the Legislative Black Caucus and Black Chamber of Commerce. The Rules Committee also reported Senate Resolution 77 to third reading. The chamber then confirmed Tyler Sadwith as Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs at the Department of Health Care Services and State Medicaid Director by a 33-0 vote. The main floor debate centered on SR 77, a resolution condemning racist and dehumanizing imagery posted by President Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Supporters from multiple caucuses, including the Black, Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, and API caucuses, described the post as racist, harmful, and part of a broader pattern of dehumanization and urged a public apology. A few Republicans objected to the resolution’s language and process, saying it was overly partisan or not collaborative, but the resolution was adopted on a 28-0 vote. The Senate also took up SB 106, a budget bill to provide $90 million in state funding for family planning providers, especially Planned Parenthood, after federal cuts under H.R. 1. Supporters argued the bill would preserve essential reproductive and preventive health services, especially in rural and underserved communities, and backfill lost reimbursements. Opponents criticized the bill’s transparency, no-bid contracting structure, and priorities compared with other needs such as distressed hospitals and developmental disability services. After debate, the Senate concurred in the Assembly amendments to SB 106 by a 26-9 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Cole County Prosecuting Attorney.
• Just want to make sure there's another avenue there with the attorney general.
• Is that new then, the attorney general? I believe that's, we'll get you clarified on that.
• friends, initiated by the attorney general.
• Louis Sheriff, which is, you know, the law is currently already in effect that the attorney general can

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The form instructed the members to disclose real or apparent conflicts to the Deputy General Counsel
• Also, the Inspector General and the Attorney General have 30 days to review a draft of the proposed form
• I think that there is a role that the Attorney General and the Inspector General's office have, which
• Your duties also require you to file this report that you made public to the Attorney General and the
• Additionally, we welcome the oversight role of the Inspector General and the Attorney General's offices

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Summary: The committee met to review MassDOT’s failed service plaza procurement and the Inspector General’s findings. Chair Montigny opened with a broad critique of procurement culture, conflict-of-interest risks, and the need for stronger oversight, saying the committee’s role is bipartisan and investigative and that subpoenas would be used if necessary. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro then summarized his investigatory letter, saying MassDOT had created procedures that could have supported a fair process but did not follow them. He identified eight major problems, including inadequate conflict-of-interest disclosures, undisclosed relationships and communications with Applegreen and Suffolk Construction, violations of contact rules, inconsistent weighting of evaluation subfactors, weak documentation of scoring, unclear information-sharing with subject matter experts, live roll-call scoring that increased perceived bias, and insufficient board/committee review before approval. He recommended clearer disclosure forms, stronger training, better documentation, sealed scoring, clearer rules for internal communications, and more public board involvement. Committee members pressed the Inspector General on whether the conduct violated law, how to define and police “appearance” of conflicts, whether employees should be held accountable, and whether prior evaluators should be excluded from the new process. Shapiro said his report did not conclude that laws were violated, but that the process was seriously flawed and that accountability should be handled within agencies. He also said he would provide additional written recommendations on broader procurement standards and noted that some oversight functions may need clearer definitions and better recordkeeping across agencies and quasi-public entities. The chair and members emphasized that the problems appeared systemic rather than limited to one administration or one contract. MassDOT Interim Secretary Phil Ting and Undersecretary Jonathan Gulliver then described the new procurement approach. They said the prior process had been a failure, but that the new effort is a complete reset with no one from the prior evaluation participating. MassDOT plans to split the plazas into three geographic packages, use a design-build/public-private partnership framework, and create a P3 Commission with appointments from the governor, legislative leaders, and treasurer, plus review by the Inspector General and Attorney General. They said the new scoring will be more objective, with financial scoring set at 60% and based on a guaranteed maximum price and other mathematical measures rather than projected revenues, and that technical and financial evaluations will be separated in a double-blind process. Members signaled cautious support for the changes but continued to question whether the new structure and oversight will be enough to prevent a repeat of the earlier procurement failures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Refer to the Committee on General... Jurisprudence.
• HB 545 by Meza relating to the appointment of volunteer deputy voting registrars for the Committee on
• on Property Tax Appraisals, HB 553, by Patterson, relating to the permitting of renewable energy generation
• Harris, relating to a study conducted by Secretary of State regarding compliance... with high school deputy
• the requirement that a home equity loan may be closed. was only at the office of the lender, an attorney

Transcript Highlights:

• impact for the greater Los Angeles area, including approximately 2,166 full-year jobs, generating $35.7
• Generating $35.7 million in tax revenue. That's what we call economic impact in the SGV.
• The Mayor of the City of Pasadena, Vanya de la Cuba; the deputy for the office of Pasadena Mayor Victor
• He is an attorney and a graduate from the law school.
• A veteran of the United States Navy, Bob worked at General Dynamics for more than 30 years.

Summary: The Senate convened with quorum, observed a moment of silence for Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, and heard a prayer and pledge. Senator Perez introduced representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, highlighting the organization’s community role and estimated economic impact from the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: C.N.R. Lomeli to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the University of California College of Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. All three confirmations passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate adopted several resolutions. SCR 120 by Senator Grayson designated the first week of March as National Consumer Protection Week and March 5 as Slam the Scam Day, with support from Senators Choi and Becker emphasizing scam awareness, senior fraud, data broker concerns, and consumer education; it passed 36-0. Grayson also introduced law enforcement and Secret Service representatives involved in recovering a Pleasant Hill resident’s $350,000 lost to a cryptocurrency scam. SCR 126 by Senator Grove proclaimed March 9, 2026, as Special Olympics Day in California and passed 35-0, with remarks from Grayson about the organization’s impact and personal connection. SR 79 by Senator Nilo designated the week of March 8 as Sleep Health Awareness Week, focusing on the health risks of sleep deprivation and daylight saving time; it passed by unanimous roll call. SCR 135 by Senator Laird declared the first week of March as Peace Corps Week, with support from Senator Choi reflecting on Peace Corps service and its global impact; it also passed unanimously. SR 83 by Senator McNerney recognized March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, stressing early screening and disparities in outcomes; it passed unanimously. After the resolutions, McNerney introduced colorectal cancer advocates and survivors who were present in the chamber. The Senate then moved to adjournment in memory, with Majority Leader Ashby honoring Paul McAley, father of lobbyist Chris McAley, and Senator Rubio honoring Robert Uyoha of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The session concluded with notice that the Senate would reconvene on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for the adjournment motion.