Transcript Highlights:

• Um, he's from the entity and then, if there are any brief questions, just to set expectations, we will
• If that skill set is at $515,000, that's what we're going to have to pay you today.
• without receiving general fund money to set that off.
• Right now, we're paying them $445 per case based on a rate study from FY 21.
• The rate study that was just completed in June of 2025 says the rate should be $600 per month because

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason for that is when you look at hotel occupancy rates, we have seen occupancy rates soften
• up those occupancy rates.
• , we have seen hotel occupancy rates, we have seen occupancy<00:31:35.919> rates<00:31:36.399>
• that reduction in the occupancy rates. that reduction in the occupancy rates.
• is a a general fund contribution uh set is a a general fund contribution uh set up<01:30:09.199>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 63, a bill described by Senator Tim Lang and other supporters as a technical correction to the rooms and meals tax distribution formula. Lang said the bill would clarify that the Division of Travel and Tourism’s 3.15% promotional allocation is taken from gross rooms-and-meals revenue before the 30% municipal reimbursement fund is calculated, which he argued restores the intended 2009/2021 structure and avoids an unintended loss to tourism marketing. Committee members raised questions about whether the bill actually changes section one or instead addresses DRA’s interpretation, and whether the measure could be affected by the budget process or HB 2. Jessica Keeler of Ski New Hampshire testified in strong support, saying the bill would preserve the promotional budget formula that had been in place since 2009 and that the 2019 revision effectively reduced the promotional allocation by placing the municipal share first. She said tourism promotion has helped increase visitation, revenues, and jobs, and warned that without a fix, the joint promotional program and other tourism efforts could be cut in future budgets. She also said the bill would not change the current year’s tourism budget but would matter for future cycles. Mike Summers of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association also supported SB 63, calling it a correction to the 2021 changes and arguing that state tourism marketing is essential because small businesses cannot reach distant markets on their own. He said the industry has benefited from state promotion, especially after COVID, but is now facing softer occupancy rates, lower Canadian visitation, and financial strain from debt and operating costs. Summers said the industry cannot make up for major tourism budget cuts on its own and urged maintaining or increasing travel and tourism funding. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been set at $500 for decades.
• Companies with 500 employees ought to set up their own plan. You know, I would prefer to... plan.
• We also have a lot of different programs that could help people with things that are already set up.
• I don't worry about it, and I know it's set up... ...and I know it's set up, and there's a nest egg.
• But if this allows them to set aside monies, not having to go borrow but actually using...

Bills: SB163, SB173, SB155, HB93, SB163, SB173, SB155, HB93

Keywords: State Auditor, property investigations, negligence, loss report, civil actions, Alabama Retirement Savings Program, state-facilitated retirement savings, auto-IRA, automatic enrollment, payroll deduction IRA, retirement savings access gap, private sector workers, small business retirement plan, portable retirement account, Roth IRA, traditional IRA, life-cycle fund, capital preservation fund, financial literacy, Department of Workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think for that part, we probably just have to set a different kind of setting to have that.
• Rates, and it's killing us. So far, the LFC recommendation is unfunding rates by $5 million.
• and DO IT rates last year.
• That didn't leave a lot of room for GSD risk rates and, you know, DO IT premium draft published rates
• An interest rate buy down.

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• They set the price, and we live by that. ...to the New Mexico market.
• They set the price, and we live by that. And Madam and Mr.
• You'll see and hear the tiered quality rating system is how we set our rates.
• You'll see in here the tiered quality rating system is how we set our rates.
• You'll see in here the tiered quality rating system is how we set our rates.

Bills: SB204, SB241, HB34

Keywords: higher education, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, appropriation, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 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

Transcript Highlights:

• “We have not set a time frame on that.
• What was your rate of return this year? 9.8%.
• So whatever the actuarial rate is—which I forget what the actuarial rate is, 29%, something probably
• Of course, you don't want your rate to go up.
• Of course, you don't want your rate to go up.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, many nurses may not be interested in working outside of a traditional clinical setting, as
• the audit is that some of them are no longer seeking that reimbursement because the reimbursement rate
• the audit is that some of them are no longer seeking that reimbursement because the reimbursement rate
• , which is $115, $11. reimbursement because the reimbursement rate, which is $115, is such that they
• We found that all six programs we reviewed had established goals and the majority set objectives.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain. Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them. The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation. Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Native Americans face significantly higher rates of homelessness and housing insecurity in California
• We know the success rate is very low.
• And because we have a locked set amount of how many infants they can care for, ages between zero and
• What I would add is that, in passage of the tiered rates proposal and structure and the centrality of
• So I will say that our all-county letter did make it clear that the rate had to be sustained.

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so that repeals the requirement that hotel keepers post a notice of rental rates in the hotel room
• Good morning, and then the sign displaying the rates for rental rates.
• sign displaying the rates for rental rates.<00:11:21.440> I<00:11:21.600> mean<00:11:21.839
• I mean yeah clearly this is these rates.
• So that throws us under a whole another set of, you know, scary statutes, and that is 18.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up Senate Bill 19, which was described as repealing an archaic requirement that hotel keepers post rental-rate notices in rooms. Most of the discussion focused on an amendment addressing whether hotels may refuse rentals to people under 21. Supporters argued the bill’s purpose was to clean up outdated, unenforceable laws and that the amendment would clarify the age-discrimination issue by allowing businesses to set and consistently apply their own policies, such as 21-and-under thresholds, to avoid problems like underage drinking, property damage, and liability. A representative from the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the current language is unclear because it does not define the age threshold, creating uncertainty about whether a hotel could be compelled to rent to very young minors. Several members emphasized that owners should be able to set policies for their properties, including age-based rental restrictions, so long as they are clear and consistently applied. One member said the amendment should be more explicit about policy and thresholds, while another noted a future bill might further tighten the language. The discussion also touched on vacation rentals, deposits, and the practical differences between hotels and other rental properties. The amendment was approved by the subcommittee, and the bill was then moved as amended. In the later executive session, the committee voted 11-0 to adopt amendment 1689, then voted 11-0 ought to pass as amended, and finally voted unanimously to place the bill on the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• they are set out and they're outlined. they are set out and they're outlined.
• Are you all set to move on? >> Ben, all set. All right.
• So when you're going through the tax rate setting process, here's all your expenses, here's all your
• rate setting process, here's all the tax rate setting process, here's all your<01:19:30.880> expenses
• Ben's all set. Okay. I'm sorry. I Ben's all set. Okay. I'm sorry.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All set with that. Okay. Uh any >> Joshua. All set with that. Okay. Uh any discussion?
• <00:18:44.559> up have the four councils that are set up have the four councils that are set
• 00:51:05.040> a<00:51:05.200> task<00:51:05.440> force you know set up a set up
• a task force you know set up a set up a task force say<00:51:06.480> what<00:51:06.720> are
• and baked it into their their rates. and baked it into their their rates.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• match rate which is just over 50%. match rate which is just over 50%.
• Minnesota's rate is 2.1%.
• Minnesota's rate is 2.1%.
• a payment error rate above 3%. a payment error rate above 3%.
• Minnesota's rate is 2.1%. Minnesota's rate is 2.1%.

Bills: HR1

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a toll policy and toll rates.
• a toll policy and toll rates.
• They were supportive of tolls on it. >> Set a toll policy and toll rates.
• Thank you, Chairman. 2020 when the inflation rate was so high 2020 when the inflation rate was so high
• set up for the rest of this year. set up for the rest of this year.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its June 3 meeting and received an opening update on transportation revenues. Leadership noted that the gas tax formula dropped 4.1 cents on July 1, reducing road fund revenue by about $125 million, and warned that city, county, rural, and secondary road funding will be affected. The chair said the committee would likely have to be selective about transportation project requests given the reduced revenue outlook. The main presentation was an update on the I-69 bridge project. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the project is the missing link in the Henderson-Evansville corridor and is being delivered in three sections, with Kentucky leading section two. They said section two is a $933 million project, with Kentucky’s share described as $58 million and the balance Indiana’s, and that toll revenue will be used to finance the project through a TIFIA loan and Garvey bonds. Officials said Kentucky and Indiana have executed an agreement under House Bill 546 to use tolls, are working on a broader bi-state development agreement, and will ask the General Assembly next session to carry forward $150 million in general funds without conditions and to ratify the agreement. Members asked about the timeline, toll sharing, whether tolls would sunset, and whether US 41 bridges would remain open for local traffic; officials said construction is planned for 2027, tolling would begin in 2031, toll revenue would be shared 50/50, and at least one US 41 bridge would remain open for local use. The committee then heard a combined update from the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing on implementation of several recent changes. Officials reported that the new registration category for special-purpose vehicles is fully operational statewide, with all counties enrolled and 292 vehicles processed so far; they also said counties received at least five plates each and that the program is permissive, not mandatory. They described implementation of Senate Bill 43’s medical review board reforms and third-party driver’s license issuance framework, saying the medical review process has been updated and that third-party partners may eventually handle easier transactions such as renewals, name changes, and address changes, while initial issuances would remain at KYTC regional offices. They also reported that the sheriff’s inspection process has been integrated into CAVIS, reducing paperwork and fraud and improving tracking. Members asked about communication to counties and cities with differing local rules, the number of counties participating, and how to coordinate multiple policy changes; officials said all counties are enrolled, though not all have submitted applications, and that they are still finalizing the scope of third-party services.

Transcript Highlights:

• > Medicaid<00:37:53.200> rates<00:37:54.000> that's increase in Medicaid rates that's
• :14:38.960> rate<01:14:39.199> increases<01:14:39.840> have budget cycle the rate
• c> based<01:15:58.120> on me and adjusting their rates based on me and adjusting their rates
• <01:16:23.280> for maintain PDN reimbursement rates for maintain PDN reimbursement rates for
• Those rates are set to go up even as our budget is set to be cut, even as there are proposals to eliminate

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Participating schools are asked to complete two sets of survey questions covering various aspects of
• So in the trainings, we set out the notice that this was a survey that was happening.
• We don't have residencies set up That are being supported through the agency level.
• With the work and the systems that we had in place, we were able to increase graduation rates.
• And on the marquee they talk about their proficiency rates last year compared to this year.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a fiscal steward, the board sets fee rates to ensure financial stability for the department while
• In the near term, the board sets the annual fee rates for each fiscal year.
• While expenditures are determined in the Budget Act, the board sets fee rates that ensure adequate funding
• The baseline assumptions that were used to set the initial rate of the generation and handling fee in
• Yeah, so the board's role is to set the fee rates for each of the three fees, and so what that necessarily

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• the rate of pay is higher, and so we do have to pay for additional...
• The report should include the average rate or vacancy rate of the added positions, a comparison of the
• The second set of issues relates to our grant programs.
• But I do want to set some calmness to those that are hearing this discussion around 911 system.
• Participants have a 21% recidivism rate compared to others who have a 42% statewide recidivism rate.

Summary: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 heard the Governor’s May Revision proposals for the judicial branch, the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Department of Justice, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office opened with a warning that the state budget remains structurally imbalanced and urged the Legislature to avoid new ongoing spending unless offset by reductions elsewhere. In the judicial branch discussion, the Judicial Council highlighted language access funding, appellate court security, a backfill for the state court facilities construction fund, and an extension of the lactation room mandate; Finance supported most items but suggested reporting language on interpreter costs and reducing the General Fund backfill. Members raised concerns about judicial vacancies, long-term salary freezes, remote hearings, and the lack of progress on court staffing in some counties. For the Board of State and Community Corrections, the administration proposed $10 million one-time each for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People grant program and a human trafficking vertical prosecution grant program. The LAO said both should be weighed against other priorities and suggested the Legislature consider whether the Tribal Nations Grant Fund could support MMIP work, while Finance said it preferred General Fund support and wanted more review before any fund swap. Members strongly supported MMIP funding and asked whether ongoing support would be considered. On the human trafficking grant, Finance said BSC was a good fit because of its grant administration experience and prior vertical prosecution work, while legislators asked why the program was not placed with the Office of Emergency Services as originally contemplated in prior legislation. The Department of Justice presented antitrust litigation funding, Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse staffing, completion of organized retail criminal enterprise cases, and trailer bill language for a continuous appropriation from the Victims of Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. The LAO supported the antitrust account use but questioned the Unfair Competition Law Fund’s ability to cover the full request without General Fund repayment, and recommended against a continuous appropriation for the restitution fund in favor of a more limited mechanism with legislative oversight. Finance said the fund would remain solvent and defended the continuous appropriation as necessary to pay victims promptly. In the CDCR portion, the largest discussion centered on the Boston Consulting Group efficiency review and sharply reduced savings estimates; LAO said the department had not fully explained the proposed position eliminations or future $100 million savings target, while Finance said the work reflected deeper analysis and ongoing efforts to find savings. Members repeatedly pressed CDCR and Finance on the gap between earlier promised savings and the revised figures. CDCR also outlined population projections showing continued declines in prison and parole populations, while LAO again urged the state to close an additional prison to save ongoing costs. The department then walked through several May Revision items, including workers’ compensation funding, a Corcoran honor housing dorm, incarcerated firefighter pay implementation, an incarcerated menopause program, mental health receiver staffing, mental health resource teams and crisis intervention teams, medical classification staffing changes, and AI note-taking for the electronic health record. LAO generally recommended limiting-term funding and more reporting for many of these proposals, while Finance defended them as necessary ongoing investments or court-ordered obligations. Members questioned the cost of workers’ compensation, the need for more prison closures, the lack of funding for women’s facility violence prevention, and the timing and transparency of the BCG savings process. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Say in a manufacturing setting.
• And and say in a manufacturing setting.
• On the pro-rated side, it's, um, the language is just kind of, it's pro-rated.
• Is there any kind of pro-rated.
• Weekly, monthly, pro-rated how?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• evidence um regarding the regret rate evidence um regarding the regret rate for<00:49:09.880>
• the rates of people who are satisfied with the surgery or regret rates for other types of life-changing
• because the dropout rates were about 30%.
• because the dropout rates were about 30%.
• Al, set. I got one quick follow-up.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rating agencies.
• So we have an excellent bond rating. Right.
• The last few bullets there show the different rates of return, the investment rates of return if you
• The minimum contribution rate is $30,000.
• That means from a maximum one-third contribution rate to use an actually determined contribution rate

Keywords: 1184, house, all