Transcript Highlights:

• Growth, refresh, laptops, desktop computers, hardware and software.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, when that rolls around, if the surplus is there, the fund will be replenished to 50 million and the

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4808, as amended by a DE3, a human services technology modernization bill. The author described the measure as a multi-year effort to modernize outdated county systems, improve data integration, and strengthen program integrity and fraud detection. The bill would create a Human Services Modernization Fund with a $50 million cap, establish an advisory council with strong county and tribal representation, and create a legislative commission to oversee the work and receive annual reports. It also includes a $10 million county-focused grant fund and a $15 million appropriation for the Office of Inspector General’s technology needs. Testimony from the Association of Minnesota Counties and related county groups strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate modernization, the importance of county and tribal involvement, and the value of legislative oversight. Members from both parties echoed support, saying the bill would help county workers spend less time on outdated systems and more time serving clients, and that better system integration could reduce errors and fraud issues. One member suggested that audits should be considered in the future in addition to reporting requirements. The committee adopted the DE3 amendment without opposition. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to refer House File 4808, as amended, to the general register, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the current temporary surplus driven by the AI boom, it is only fitting that this unexpected windfall

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the increases or the overages way above what was projected by Ecology, what I would call... ...surplus

Bills: HB2588, HB2722, HB2727

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We have boards that are in the red; we have boards with surplus. All the money is in one account.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee took up several administrative rule dockets, mostly from DOPL and related health licensing boards. The committee first approved a zero-based rewrite for the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, then approved temporary and pending rule changes for midwifery, dentistry, and nursing that were aimed at reducing or adjusting fees to address cash-balance requirements under House Bill 152. The Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals also presented a rule package that streamlined licensure requirements and increased fees to address a negative cash balance; despite support from the Idaho Rural Water Association, the committee rejected that docket on a roll call vote, with members split over the fee increase and the broader structure of board funding. The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board’s fee rule was also rejected after discussion about whether fee increases or broader board consolidation were the better solution. The committee heard extensive testimony from DOPL staff explaining that several boards had accumulated cash balances above or below statutory targets and were adjusting fees accordingly. For the Board of Acupuncture, DOPL proposed a substantial fee increase to move the board toward solvency, citing a negative cash balance, reduced expenditures, and the need to maintain licensure and board operations. The committee then heard virtual testimony from an Idaho acupuncturist who supported licensure and the fee increase, saying the profession values state licensure for public safety and legitimacy and that the higher fees would be manageable for practitioners. Members asked about the need for licensure, consumer protection, and whether some boards should be consolidated or eliminated instead of raising fees. After debate, the committee first moved to hold the acupuncture docket for more information, then considered and failed a substitute motion to reject it; the original motion to hold the docket and seek further information ultimately passed. The committee also received a broader explanation from DOPL leadership about the agency’s consolidation history, shared licensing system, and efforts to keep boards solvent while reducing costs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced the committee would adjourn and reschedule remaining matters after taking a step back to review the issues further.

Transcript Highlights:

• But whenever you look at the report of their surplus money, and it's almost $5 billion across the state

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving down to the gray line, the second line down, this line removes the expected surplus from the LEOFF

Summary: The Pension Funding Council met on October 8 with introductions from council members and staff, then received a detailed presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on long-term economic assumptions and the state pension systems’ financial condition. OSA reported that the combined pension systems are currently 100% funded on a smoothed basis, with open plans above 95% funded, and that legacy Plan 1 systems remain on a path toward full funding under current policy. The actuaries recommended updating assumptions to 3% inflation, 3.5% general salary growth, and a 7.25% investment return, while keeping Plan 1 membership growth at 1%. They also explained asset smoothing, the role of recent strong investment returns, and the expected budget impacts of the recommended changes. Representatives from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council and the State Investment Board offered supporting perspectives, generally describing the assumptions as reasonable and consistent with their own outlooks. The council also heard an overview of the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WACares) from DSHS and OSA. Program staff described the program’s social insurance structure, premium collection, benefit eligibility, and upcoming implementation milestones. OSA reported that the program’s first actuarial valuation showed a positive actuarial balance under the base scenario and recommended no change to the current 0.58% premium rate during the program’s early learning phase, noting that future changes would depend on experience and the program’s risk-management framework. OSA also said the recommendation would remain the same regardless of the outcome of the pending ballot measure affecting investment options. During public comment, a representative of the Washington State School Retirees Association urged continued work on Plan 1 funding and related legislation, while the Association of Washington Cities cautioned against increasing pension assumptions in a way that could raise future employer costs and reduce flexibility for current local government services. In action, the council adopted a motion to maintain the current long-term economic assumptions by a 4-2 vote, adopted the recommendation to keep the WACares premium rate at 0.58% by a 6-0 vote, and then elected Katie Chapman as council chair by unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• unveiled his initial budget proposal in early January, the Department of Finance was projecting a small surplus

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and proceeded to floor business, with the main item being SB 101, the state budget bill. Before debate on the bill, Assembly Member Sanchez offered amendments to redirect funding toward Proposition 36 implementation, wildfire prevention, Medi-Cal provider reimbursement, developmental services, and other priorities; the majority moved to lay those amendments on the table, and the motion passed 43-18. The chamber then took up SB 101 as the budget bill for immediate effect. Debate on the budget was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters, including Assembly Member Gabriel and several committee chairs, described the budget as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, housing, wildfire prevention, and other safety-net programs while responding to a projected deficit and federal uncertainty. Opponents criticized the budget as fiscally unsound and argued it relied on accounting gimmicks, did not adequately fund Proposition 36 or wildfire prevention, and continued spending on high-speed rail and Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. Several members also raised concerns about gas taxes, provider reimbursement, probation funding, and the impact on vulnerable Californians. After debate, the Assembly voted on SB 101 and passed it 57-19. The measure was sent immediately to the Senate. The body then announced upcoming session schedules, with no floor or check-in sessions on June 14 and 15, and a floor session set for June 16 at 1 p.m., before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in 2022, I introduce AB 837 to grant Chula Vista an exemption to the Surplus Lands Act to ensure that

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd have a surplus after this year. The wave won't crash this year, but it will crash.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any community contributions during that time when there's a surplus of people?

Transcript Highlights:

• We deserve good pay for hard work, yet in the midst of an abundant surplus, we are surrounded by scarcity

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet, in the midst of an abundant surplus, we are surrounded by scarcity.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• accommodate an additional five kids, five families, for months over a single parking spot despite this huge surplus
• 02:17.560><c> huge</c> single parking spot despite this huge single parking spot despite this huge surplus
• 18.680><c> parking</c><01:02:19.120><c> in</c><01:02:19.240><c> her</c><01:02:19.360><c> existing</c> surplus
• of parking in her existing surplus of parking in her existing location. location. location.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do lenders in Minnesota typically accept coverage from the FAIR Plan or from a surplus carrier as an
• statute<01:42:58.800><c> for</c><01:42:59.119><c> the</c><01:42:59.600><c> uh</c><01:43:00.239><c> surplus
• </c><01:43:00.719><c> lines</c> statute for the uh surplus lines statute for the uh surplus lines minimum

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 124, enabling a municipal forest committee or conservation commission to offer surplus money
• commission to committee or conservation commission to offer<02:10:23.040><c> s</c><02:10:23.360><c> surplus
• </c><02:10:23.840><c> money</c><02:10:24.079><c> to</c><02:10:24.239><c> the</c> offer s surplus money
• to the offer s surplus money to the municipality<02:10:25.040><c> for</c><02:10:25.280><c> deposit</

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the max, and there's an appropriation of the amount of money that they really wanted and then a surplus
• wanted<01:43:49.440><c> and</c><01:43:49.679><c> then</c><01:43:49.840><c> a</c><01:43:50.080><c> surplus
• </c><01:43:51.040><c> in</c><01:43:51.280><c> that</c> wanted and then a surplus in that wanted and then
• a surplus in that segment<01:43:51.840><c> of</c><01:43:52.000><c> the</c><01:43:52.159><c> fund.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, going back two years, we had an $18 billion surplus.
• going back two years, uh we had a $18 going back two years, uh we had a $18 billion<01:20:26.000><c> surplus
• We</c><01:20:26.719><c> increased</c><01:20:27.040><c> taxes</c><01:20:27.360><c> by</c> billion surplus
• We increased taxes by billion surplus.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Actuaries on what plans could should consider as they approach 100% funded status and are approaching a surplus
• status and are approach 100% funded status and are approaching<00:11:32.640><c> a</c><00:11:32.800><c> surplus
• </c><00:11:34.640><c> uh</c><00:11:34.800><c> in</c> approaching a surplus position. uh in approaching
• a surplus position. uh in addition<00:11:35.200><c> to</c><00:11:35.360><c> the</c><00:11:35.519><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all