Transcript Highlights:

• just one more tool in the toolbox to make sure that California is meeting its long-term landfill reduction
• , methane reduction, and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
• AB 623 Dixon, fuel reduction...
• AB 623 Dixon fuel reduction. AB 623, Dixon, fuel reduction reports, holding committee.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on January 22, 2026, for its regular order hearing and suspense-file hearing. In regular order, the committee approved consent-calendar bills AB 683, AB 763, AB 1126, and AB 1278 on unanimous due-pass motions, and AB 34 and AB 442 on a second unanimous due-pass motion. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, including AB 35, which would create an APA exemption for Proposition 4-funded programs to speed implementation of water, wildfire, energy-storage, and grid-support projects; AB 748, establishing pre-approved housing programs for local agencies; AB 939, allowing immediate transfer of certain affordable homeownership units to qualified nonprofit housing organizations; AB 643, adding a narrow organic-waste-derived agricultural fertilizer product to SB 1383 procurement options; and AB 96, removing the high school diploma requirement for certified Medi-Cal peer support specialists. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with sponsors and coalition representatives emphasizing reduced delays, lower costs, and improved housing, environmental, or behavioral-health outcomes. The Department of Finance offered general budget comments but no bill-specific positions. The committee voted the bills out, with AB 643 and AB 96 receiving no recorded opposition in the transcript and AB 939 passing with some members noting support and interest in coauthoring. The committee also received a presentation-only discussion of AB 1091, a proposal to authorize eight-letter specialty license plates, which the author said could generate revenue for rural programs such as the Williamson Act; the bill was not acted on at that time. After public comment, the committee moved to the suspense-file hearing on 53 bills. Using a substituted motion for due-pass and due-pass-with-amendments items, the committee held some bills and advanced many others, often with amendments that narrowed scope, deleted provisions, or required reports or studies. Bills held in committee included AB 405, AB 298, AB 333, AB 296, AB 1091, AB 1241, and AB 577, among others. The committee reported moving 43 bills to the Assembly floor, with several on A roll calls and others on B roll calls or with amendments, and noted that amendment language would be posted later online.

Transcript Highlights:

• That on average gives us a 25% statewide reduction.
• In some cases, it may be closer to 30% reduction in property taxes.
• Everybody's going to take the reduction on the constitutional amendment. And, Mr.
• another 50% of property tax reduction. another 50% of property tax reduction.
• it roughly about a 54% reduction. it roughly about a 54% reduction.

Bills: SF0110, SF0044, SF0046

Keywords: property tax, residential real estate, tax assessment, primary residence, tax revenue, gambling, lotteries, raffles, social relationships, charitable gaming, gaming, liquor establishments, skill based amusement games, regulations, age restrictions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:10.480> Beyond with carbon intensity reduction Beyond with carbon intensity reduction
• of saf there has to be a 50% reduction of saf there has to be a 50% reduction from<00:18:15.080>
• revenue reduction totaling nearly $1 million.
• Of course, further reductions in federal funding will have a result in personnel reductions, and certainly
• uh a result in in Personnel reductions uh a result in in Personnel reductions um<00:30:23.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got a reduction in mental health of $3 million.
• Coming on then on page seven, we've got some reductions there, some slight reductions along some of those
• Some slight reductions along some of those. Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. Yes, ma'am.
• There's a small reduction there, $400,000.

Bills: SB143, SB144, SB145, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146, SB143, SB144, SB145, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146

Keywords: SB143, solid waste, garbage collection, trash fees, refuse collection, municipal fees, county fees, fee exemption, veterans benefits, veteran household, disabled veteran, VA benefits, Social Security exemption, low-income households, poverty level, county commission, municipal governing body, Alabama solid waste law, certificate of exception, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn’t a reduction in cost. It was just reduced cost increases, right?
• And so we would continue to see a reduction or a bending of the cost curve due to that.
• And so we would continue to see a reduction or a bending of the cost curve due to that.
• But the reduction of list price of drugs, and, you know, due to that.
• Now, our big insurers all across the country have announced huge reductions in prior auth.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in practice and anticipated uh reduction in practice and rural<01:29:21.199> rates.
• Um, and about a third of psychologists anticipate a reduction in practice in the next 5 years.
• <01:37:27.520> in pipeline um and anticipated reduction in pipeline um and anticipated reduction
• Um, and about a third of psychologists anticipate a reduction in practice in the next 5 years.
• in practice in anticipate a reduction in practice in the<01:38:18.400> next<01:38:18.560>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes of its May 16, 2025 meeting, with one correction removing Representative Dry from the attendance list because she was present as a guest rather than an appointed member. The committee then received a Department of Health and Human Services update from Commissioner Lori Weaver, who focused on the rural health transformation grant process. She said the department has been gathering stakeholder input since July, issued a request for information on September 22, and is working toward an end-of-October draft and a November 3 deadline, with a grant writer request expected to go before Governor and Council at no cost to the state. The bulk of the meeting centered on federal changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid. Karen Heert explained that the federal law changes commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill” or HR1 will affect SNAP eligibility and state costs, including a shift in administrative cost sharing from 50/50 to 75/25 beginning in October 2026 and a possible state share of benefits if New Hampshire’s error rate is too high. She said the program affects about 43,000 households, that New Hampshire’s federal fiscal year 2024 error rate was 7.57% versus a national rate of 10.93%, and that the state must get below 6% to avoid liability. She also said DHS is preparing remediation steps, auditing cases, and seeking technology and staffing support, including a grant for automation and training. Henry Litman then described Medicaid changes under HB2 and the new federal law. He said New Hampshire returned to pre-pandemic eligibility verification rules on July 1, including a 10% income compatibility standard and reduced ex parte renewals, which has increased manual work and contributed to a drop in enrollment from about 185,000 in late June to about 178,000 in early September. He also reviewed new child premiums, pharmacy copays, Granite Advantage premiums, and possible Medicaid work requirements, noting that DHS is working with CMS on implementation details and may use a state plan option rather than an 1115 waiver because it would be less expensive and faster. Members asked several questions about the SNAP error-rate rules, the distinction between administrative and client errors, the effect of unpaid copays, and the timing and legal risk of the Medicaid work requirement; no votes were taken on those policy issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a $10 million budget reduction. I can... Say that again. Really love.
• And because we're in this committee, you're telling us because it's a reduction, then we can use that
• reductions.
• So there could be a reduction in workload for SIDLAC, the other committee, the other hat that Ms.
• We’ve seen a significant reduction in our homeless population in San Diego.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so right now... ...supplemented through Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
• The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. So that's the administration proposal.
• EBD has already faced multiple cuts, and further reductions risk setting harm for precedent.
• EBD has already faced multiple cuts, and further reductions risk setting harm for precedent.
• EBD has already faced multiple cuts and further reductions risk setting harm for president.

Summary: The committee first heard Issue 1 on trailer bill language to redirect funding for emergency demand-response programs. The Department of Finance proposed using about $26.9 million in General Fund originally set aside for the Distributed Energy Backup Assets program to bolster the Demand-Side Grid Support Program for summer 2026, and using about $70 million in CalCHAP interest to support ratepayer-funded demand response in summers 2027 and 2028. The CEC and CPUC said they are working on a transition from DSGS to ELRP or a successor program, while the LAO noted the General Fund money would otherwise revert to savings. Members pressed the administration on whether demand response remains important, whether DSGS has been successful, and whether the state should keep funding it through the CEC rather than shifting to a ratepayer-funded CPUC program. The CEC and CPUC said the programs are not directly comparable, emphasized different cost structures and enrollment metrics, and said a CPUC rulemaking is underway with a proposed decision expected in Q3 2026. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up Issue 2, a budget proposal tied to SB 254 and the new transmission accelerator. GoBiz and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank described a five-year, roughly $26 million request to staff and administer the accelerator and manage Proposition 4 and AB 1207 funds for transmission financing. Members asked about state liability, ownership of financed lines, FERC revenue requirements, and whether the program would help underserved regions and offshore wind development. Staff explained that the accelerator would only consider projects already identified through CAISO’s competitive transmission planning process, and that state financing would be a small portion of large projects intended to lower overall costs to ratepayers. The LAO said it had no specific concerns but urged the Legislature to ensure the final language matches its intent. The committee also heard Issue 3 on petroleum market oversight. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested additional positions and funding to implement ABX2-1 and continue work on supply stabilization, refinery monitoring, and transportation fuels analysis. Members questioned why the work was funded through the Energy Resources Programs Account, whether existing staff from the paused price-gouging work could be reassigned, and whether the program had produced evidence of price gouging or improved supply conditions. CEC and Finance said the new positions are needed because the workload has expanded, while some existing staff remain on related analysis and reporting duties. The discussion ended without a vote in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota's exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment and technical collaboration through tariff reduction
• Minnesota's exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment and technical collaboration through tariff reduction
• 40.639> tariff technical collaboration through tariff technical collaboration through tariff reduction
• and<00:04:41.840> other<00:04:42.240> trade<00:04:42.639> facilitation reduction
• and other trade facilitation reduction and other trade facilitation measures.<00:04:44.080> And

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In our forecast, we are assuming a reduction in the general fund, assuming that those folks will no longer
• is assuming, we are assuming that that would be removed in October of this year, resulting in a reduction
• And then this slide here shows that reduction on staffing costs in areas of resident impact. 65.1% of
• And the final one on this side here is the fiscal cliff for nursing homes on the horizon: reduction in
• This can outweigh the impact of the 2025 session cuts and discussion of future reductions on Living Well

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, with a number of insurers that have left our state market and then significant coverage reduction
• I will note that coverage reduction in premium increases coverage reduction in premium increases um<00
• So a one-time reduction in employee contributions. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Tan.
• So a one-time reduction in employee contributions. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Tan.
• <00:30:30.159> in<00:30:31.039> um is actually a reduction in um is actually a reduction

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there I don't disagree with some forms of harm reduction, but the first line of harm reduction is
• but the first line of of harm reduction but the first line of harm<01:42:27.119> reduction<01
• welcome to provide harm reduction welcome to provide harm reduction services<01:55:33.599> if
• Uh, our harm reduction providers are, you know, harm reduction is absolutely a key, critical piece of
• this bill. uh our harm reduction this bill. uh our harm reduction providers<02:31:21.200> are

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the reductions that I've done are reasonable. Um, they are doable.
• And I think the reductions that I've done are reasonable.
• reductions.
• And I think the reductions reductions.
• <00:58:10.799> of And that would also put the reduction of And that would also put the reduction

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Start sort of this I mean you keep talking about reductions in population.
• Reductions of kids in placement, reduction of kids on probation, reductions of contact with systems.
• I mean are we talking about just the reductions for the sake of the reductions?
• I mean what are we getting for... for those reductions? Like, why are we seeking those reductions?
• We seek those reductions because that actually leads to. to long-term safety.

Bills: HB31, HB3360

Keywords: juvenile justice, community supervision, felony offenses, treatment of children, juvenile facilities, chemical dispensing device, solitary confinement, rehabilitation, criminal proceedings, delinquency, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just trying to figure out why you accepted such a large reduction for Orleans.
• So the formula was not for a reduction. It was only for an increase. Is that correct? Correct.
• 83 warrants to a reduction from 10 at the least to at most 29.
• Well, I guess my point is, once again, the formula was not for a reduction.
• That was the other reasoning behind the reduction of the 10 warrants in Orleans. Thank you, Mr.

Bills: HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HCR112, HR307, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR79, HCR104, HB75, HB410, HB719, HB750, HB944, HB1098, HB1220, HB1252, HB359, HB210, HB468, HB1117, SB382, HB368, HB552, HB732, HB870, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB208, SB274, SB300, SB312, SB387, SB389, SB401, HR74, HB998, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, SB237, HB36, HB42, HB74, HB119, HB159, HB258, HB259, HB302, HB414, HB459, HB848, HB956, HB1017, HB1028, HB1095, SB217, SB283, SB469

Keywords: oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so my own person will get to my presentation that's significant regulatory reduction.
• And my office did significant regulatory reduction.
• So we're very optimistic about the regulatory reduction from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• And my office did significant regulatory reduction.
• And then we do what’s called risk reductions.

Summary: The meeting was a presentation and Q&A at Idaho National Laboratory focused on the state of nuclear energy, advanced reactors, and the lab’s role in testing, regulation, and commercialization. Speakers described INL’s broader mission beyond nuclear, including cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, but emphasized its major nuclear capabilities: the Advanced Test Reactor, TREAT, the Materials and Fuels Complex, and other test beds used to accelerate fuel and materials testing. They also highlighted the lab’s size, workforce, internship pipeline, and partnerships with DOE, DHS, DOD, and private companies. A major topic was the federal push to speed up nuclear deployment through executive orders and regulatory reform. Speakers said DOE and the NRC are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, streamlining environmental reviews, and working toward a goal of having three new nuclear systems achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. They discussed the difference between microreactors, small modular reactors, and traditional gigawatt-scale plants, arguing that advanced reactors can be factory-built, safer, and better suited for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, and other nontraditional uses. They also said the U.S. is rebuilding its nuclear supply chain, including enrichment and fuel fabrication, and that states willing to host parts of the fuel cycle could see major economic benefits. The speakers addressed questions about cost, safety, waste, and international competition. They said advanced reactors rely on passive safety features, TRISO fuel, and natural circulation, and that the industry’s challenge is often cost uncertainty rather than a precise fuel or materials limit. They argued used nuclear fuel should be viewed as a resource rather than waste if recycling becomes policy, and said microreactors should produce relatively small amounts of spent fuel. They also noted that China and Russia continue to build aggressively, with China on pace to surpass the U.S. in total nuclear generation, while U.S. projects such as Palisades, Crane Clean Energy Center, Duane Arnold, Oklo, Aalo, MARVEL, and Project Pele are moving forward under DOE and private-sector partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this package was again over $120 million in total reductions to state revenues, so a tax cut of over
• This doesn't include any other reductions in federal spending, just Medicaid and SNAP, and New Mexico
• So that could be a temporary reduction in our revenues, personal income tax revenues there.
• But what we weren't counting on is perhaps $1.5 billion in federal budget reductions.
• Then they have spending reductions next on their list for priorities, and then hitting their operating

Transcript Highlights:

• Utilizing this strategy in Submittal County we've achieved a 29% reduction in overdoses and a 42% reduction
• While we have seen this reduction we know that the hard work still lies ahead.
• And when we look at the significance of the reduction, we're proud about that, I talked about a 29% reduction
• in overdoses or poisonings and a 42% reduction in fatalities.
• Palm Beach County is another county that had a remarkable reduction 40% more or more reduction in fatalities

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1048 addresses a challenge in the California workers' compensation system, an authorized payment reductions
• As a result, these reductions can often fall... ...or silent network arrangements.
• As a result, these reductions can often fall below the official medical fee schedule.
• have access to the information necessary to understand why a payment was reduced and whether the reduction
• doctor, they are obligated by current Labor Code 4609 to demonstrate the justification for that reduction

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Definitely need his voice representing especially the harm reduction community as part of our advisory
• Definitely need his voice representing especially the harm reduction community as part of our advisory
• Um, Kunani Dryer, um, from the community and from Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, and I've been
• 08:21.880> harm um in embodies this work around harm um in embodies this work around harm reduction
• and being very understanding reduction and being very understanding and<00:08:24.520> knowing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard several governor’s message nominations for health-related boards and commissions. Kanwardeep Kaleka was considered for the Substance Abuse Kauai Service Area Board; he said his work as a psychiatrist and family physician on Kauai motivates him to improve mental health and addiction services. Kunani Dryer was considered for the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances; he emphasized 26 years of personal recovery, harm reduction experience, and representation of rural, LGBTQIA+, and Native Hawaiian communities. Olivia Kim was considered for the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; testimony highlighted her experience in nursing leadership, long-term care, and LPN workforce issues. Trisha Lynn Yamashita was considered for the Kauai Subarea Health Planning Council; she described her hospice leadership, public health and palliative care background, and focus on data-informed, community-centered planning. Emily Dong was considered for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel Wastewater Treatment Plants; she stressed wastewater’s public health importance and the need to strengthen the operator workforce pipeline. Testimony in support came from the Department of Health and several organizations and individuals, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hina Mauka, the Kauai mayor, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and others. Committee members generally praised the nominees’ credentials and community ties, and repeatedly noted the value of lived experience, rural perspective, and workforce expertise. One nominee, Olivia Kim, was not present and was deferred to a later meeting for decision-making. At the end of the hearing, the committee took up the governor’s messages and recommended advise and consent for GM707, GM537, GM545, GM724, and GM790, with Senator Fevella excused and no objections recorded. GM662 was deferred to Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3:20 p.m. in Room 225 because the nominee could not attend. The committee then adjourned.