Transcript Highlights:

• It's a six-month program.
• </c> million of uh public health program million of uh public health program support,<00:22:39.200><c
• So you'll have the rural water program, you'll have the health infrastructure program, you'll have the
• </c> program and but but water still going. program and but but water still going.
• Um so, to operate one program.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The SBA has long served this need through its loan guarantee programs, including the 504 CDC program.
• the 504 CDC program.
• loan programs.
• SURE THE PROGRAM STAYS STRONG.
• to strengthen program performance.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The backbone of the program, what we call our human wildlife conflict program.
• Compensation program was the wildlife conflict program, which is more general. That’s correct.
• We have a budget request... ...coexistence program and, as a subset of that, the Wolf Program.
• species management programs.
• and predatory species management programs.

Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a client of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. I'm a client of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
• Now, there are some 340B-type programs.
• The bill makes this program permanent.
• The bill makes this program permanent.
• The bill makes this program permanent, with a statewide program and expansion into more diverse areas

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment on several health and human services funding concerns before moving through a series of bills. Testimony at the start focused on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, with a client warning that proposed changes to eligibility and drug access could disrupt care for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, and urging the Legislature to intervene. Another speaker asked for support for the iBudget waiver, saying provider costs have risen and requesting about a 7% increase for direct support professionals to help stabilize the developmental disabilities workforce. The committee then unanimously reported favorably several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7, based on drowning-prevention recommendations. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligned reporting dates with the House version. SB 1718 changed the definition of when an adult visitor in an out-of-home placement becomes a non-visitor, reducing repeated background checks, made the Step Into Success pilot permanent, adjusted foster youth stipends, and created a best-practices program within the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. The committee also approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials provided to new parents and requires hospitals and birthing centers to document compliance; members highlighted bathtub drownings as a key concern. SB 96 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level, while an amendment removed the bill’s specific appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before taking the NCLEX. SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in federally designated areas of critical need if an area is de-designated, to avoid disrupting patient-provider relationships. All bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• a program and a program um establishing a program and a and<00:34:50.000><c> someone</c><00:34:50.240
• the state-side program.
• the state-side program.
• the state-side program.
• the state-side program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Compensated care grant program.
• one of the eligibility programs in Medicaid, in Medi-Cal programs, then this is a backstop program to
• In this current program or the current program that is already existing? The existing program.
• The Dobbs program. The uncompensated care program. The uncompensated program.
• This is not a separate program into itself. This is the uncompensated care program. Yeah.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have looked over many, many programs.
• , stay on the program, and those who aren't are removed.
• These programs exist for a reason.
• And we view ourselves as a complement to the SNAP program.
• So this is a program integrity bill.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 19, 2026 minutes and then took up House Bill 863, which dealt with a roughly $22 million reduction tied to a program serving people with disabilities. Supporters said the bill would add transparency and oversight and help remove bad actors, while opponents warned the cut was too large and too abrupt and could destabilize services and harm good providers and clients. The committee voted 6-3 to send HB 863 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 730, a SNAP program integrity bill sponsored by Senator Van Orden. The bill would require more frequent eligibility checks, including quarterly reviews, cross-checks with death, incarceration, labor, tax, lottery, residency, and citizenship data, and lower the asset threshold for certain categorical eligibility. Supporters argued the bill would protect taxpayers, reduce fraud and improper payments, and help Idaho avoid future federal penalties under the One Big Beautiful Bill framework; they also said the state’s current low error rate could be preserved or improved. Opponents, including the Idaho Food Bank and the Hunger Coalition, said the bill would add bureaucracy, create barriers for eligible households, and could raise error rates and state costs, while the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy warned of significant potential penalties if error rates rise. After testimony and debate, members split over the bill’s new fiscal note and the added administrative burden, but supporters said the measures were needed as federal costs shift to the state. The committee voted 7-2 to send HB 730 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned because they were late for the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Solar Garden Program.
• Program.
• Program.
• So the program is exceeding statutory goals.
• RENAMING THIS PROGRAM ISN'T SYMBOLIC.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so, what happens is EGI program manager will come to me after the actuary looks at our program and
• I'm the former program manager for the employees and officials group insurance program.
• I'm actually a constituent and currently on the program. And currently on the program.
• That program has been around for over 20 years, so we felt like it was a good, sustainable program to
• So we have some learning to do transitioning from a program like that into our new program when you're

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current statutory cap is the number of associate degree programs, and whether it's the programs or
• The current statutory cap is the number of associate degree programs, and whether it's the programs or
• the enrollment number of associate degree programs and whether it's the programs or the enrollment or
• If the CSU program ultimately is not impacted? Yes.
• It does, under the bill, it's the initiation of the program.

Summary: The committee heard SB 998, which would define and expand the roles of discrimination prevention coordinators in the Office of Civil Rights, including a new disability-focused coordinator and a deputy coordinator on anti-AAPI discrimination. The authors and supporters, including representatives from LGBTQ, Black, Latino, and AAPI caucuses, argued the bill would help schools proactively address discrimination, improve student safety and belonging, and support learning. Opposition from the California Faculty Association and SEIU California focused on the appointment structure and preference for regular civil service hiring, while some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing anti-discrimination law and whether it would add government bloat. The committee ultimately voted SB 998 out on a due pass basis to the Senate Judiciary Committee and placed it on call. SB 1082 was then presented as a measure to streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring more timely district action, allowing concurrent review, and clarifying that a district’s failure to respond is not treated as a denial. The sponsor, the Association of California County Boards of Education, and supporters from Families in Action for Quality Education said the bill would reduce delays, improve fairness, and help families make timely educational decisions without changing districts’ authority to approve or deny transfers. The California School Boards Association had previously been opposed unless amended and said it would re-evaluate after the committee changes. The committee supported the measure, and SB 1082 was voted out as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed on call. The committee also took up SB 960, which would revise the rules for community college baccalaureate degrees by tying authorization to local access gaps and impacted CSU programs rather than a blanket statewide prohibition. Supporters, including the Campaign for College Opportunity and several community college and education groups, argued the bill would expand access for place-bound and adult learners and better align programs with workforce needs. CSU representatives and the California Faculty Association opposed the bill, warning it could duplicate CSU offerings, worsen enrollment and funding pressures, and affect faculty jobs. Members debated the Master Plan for Higher Education, impaction, and whether the state should instead fully fund CSU capacity; the committee nevertheless recommended SB 960 for passage as amended to Appropriations and placed it on call. Finally, SB 965 was heard, a bill to make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and supporters said the bill would remove an unnecessary barrier to educational resources while preserving local library control over checkout policies and liability rules. The California Library Association expressed support for the goal but said details matter and urged language that preserves local discretion while encouraging reduced in-person requirements where feasible. The transcript ended during that testimony, before any committee vote on SB 965.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now going to turn to the meat of our program.
• When we look at cuts to the residual program, essentially eliminating that program that can directly
• The second item is the Cal Competes Program. We strongly support that program.
• The second item is the Cal Compete's program. We strongly support that program.
• and the multifamily housing program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Work Ready New Hampshire is a program that's funded out of the job training program.
• 00.639><c> program.
• </c><00:16:08.639><c> They</c> with the job training program. They with the job training program.
• </c><00:16:29.279><c> with</c><00:16:29.600><c> programs</c> um um put into the program with programs
• </c> things done with that program right now. things done with that program right now.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed follow-up status on several prior audit observations. For the Department of Liquor Commission item tied to a DAS audit, staff explained that the commission had been listed as observation 8 because it participated in a recycling program, but the required response had been missed because DAS did not notify the commission. After the committee raised it, the commission contacted DAS and submitted the response, and members agreed the observation could be marked complete, making the audit 9 for 9 resolved. The committee then heard from the Department of Employment Security about the remaining open item from a 2016 audit of the former Department of Resources and Economic Development concerning the Work Ready New Hampshire program. The deputy commissioner said the issue had been addressed by 2019 statutory changes that moved the job training program to Employment Security, increased funding, and specifically recognized Work Ready New Hampshire in statute. Members indicated the item should be treated as resolved and moved to green. The Adult Parole Board also reported on its 2019 audit follow-up. Chair Roger Phillips said 18 of 26 recommendations had been completed, with eight still open, including structured decisionmaking, a tracking/performance measure system, records retention, and access to inmate mental health and substance abuse information. Committee members said the board needed to submit an updated report to DAS with timelines and explanations for the remaining items, and the board said it would provide a timeline within 30 days. The committee then agreed to expect a follow-up report after the first of the year, likely by the end of March, to review the status of the eight open items. At the end of the meeting, members discussed future audit topics. They noted that the wetlands council’s responses had been included with the department’s answers, so no separate appearance was needed. They also raised possible future audits involving special education oversight, the Board of Naturopaths, OPLC-related boards, dental examiners, and police standards training, with a request that some of those entities provide status reports at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ad Litem program.
• overview of the guardian of item program overview of the guardian of item program<00:03:22.239><c> so
• </c> guardian Lim program guardian Lim program is $4,634.00 to<00:09:46.279><c> fund</c><00:09:47.279
• The program fully supports IA as a program, and with the advancement of the IA division, the work in
• The program has been fully supportive of IA as a program, and with the advancement of the IA division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When the legislature renewed this program during the 2023 session, program payment amounts were based
• I originally came here... this program during the 2023 session, um this program during the 2023 session
• </c> that year are eligible for the program. that year are eligible for the program.
• </c> Program, SNAP. Program, SNAP.
• </c> our goal with the program. our goal with the program. Coach<00:21:55.679><c> Anderson.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the toxic cleanup program.
• So MOTCA creates the state's cleanup program and a framework for both funding that program and other
• That program was not sustainable.
• All these programs funnel through to our technical assistance program.
• A new program called the expedited voluntary cleanup program has added speed and quality to the course

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• action programs and our partners in this work.
• This program, as you heard, is unique.
• The future hub will be public health programs with partnerships, community programs, food, and cultural
• The Forest Riparian Easement Program, or FREP, is a compensation program developed under the Forest and
• program, both of which have proven demand.

Bills: HB2295

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of the applicants to the program meet the outlined eligibility criteria.
• However, recognizing the need for renewed support of the program, the state expanded the program again
• I love the program, and we started with state employees, and it was great.
• I love the program, and we started with state employees, and it was great.
• This is a specific group that can be addressed through a pilot program.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and first took up SB 398, which would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Senator Burgess said the campaign would focus on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. The committee heard supportive testimony from a caregiver, AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others, with members discussing the need for culturally responsive outreach and continued funding. SB 398 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 106, which would strengthen Florida’s exploitation injunction law for vulnerable adults by allowing service of an unascertainable exploiter through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp. Senator Martin explained the bill as a way to close a loophole that lets scammers evade traditional service, and witnesses from the Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section supported it, describing how the bill could stop ongoing thefts more quickly while preserving due process. Members asked about gift card scams, clerk workload, and the definition of an unascertainable respondent. SB 106 was reported favorably. The Department of Children and Families then presented an update on the Adoption Benefits for Qualifying Adoptive Employees Program, describing its expansion over time and the current one-time lump-sum benefit structure for eligible adoptive parents. The presentation covered eligibility rules, open enrollment, funding history, and the program’s impact on adoption placements, with members asking why tax collectors were included but other constitutional offices were not, and whether foster relatives could qualify. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7012, a committee bill addressing child welfare workforce shortages, treatment foster care for high-acuity children, and improved data collection on commercially sexually exploited children. The bill would direct DCF to recruit former public safety workers for CPI and case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and require more detailed, analyzable data and capacity studies. The bill drew support from child welfare advocates, with some members urging DCF to return with a more developed framework; it was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the Congressional Award Program the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization<02:12:16.239><c>
• </c> laws governing child nutrition programs. laws governing child nutrition programs.
• </c> National Estuary Program until 2031. National Estuary Program until 2031.
• This is a program that of federal funds. This is a program that is<03:52:12.960><c> working.
• </c> students participating in the program. students participating in the program.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through the Chapter 90 program.
• The second new program is the unpaved roadways program.
• So you've probably heard me say this before: snow and ice program is a year-round program for us.
• Snow and ice program is a year-round program for us.
• RFR for that program.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The hearing opened with welcomes from the co-chairs and local legislators, followed by remarks from UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, who highlighted the university’s research, sustainability, transportation, and workforce contributions and thanked the administration and legislature for support of public higher education. MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, along with agency leaders, presented the administration’s transportation budget package. They described a combined funding plan through House 2, a Fair Share supplemental budget, and a Chapter 90 bill, emphasizing investments in MassDOT operations, snow and ice response, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, bridge and pavement repair, housing-related transportation improvements, sustainable aviation fuel, microtransit, and local road programs. Officials also highlighted record highway construction activity, safety initiatives such as work zone speed cameras and pedestrian protections, RMV service and equity improvements, airport and drone technology programs, and MBTA gains in reliability, accessibility, ridership, and service expansion. Committee members asked about Western Massachusetts priorities, especially Chapter 90 funding for rural road mileage, bridge repairs, and the Compass Rail/West-East Rail program. MassDOT officials said pending federal grants were moving forward, with some awards recently obligated and others expected as federal processes advance, and they said Palmer Station remains part of the long-term rail plan. Members also raised the Cape Cod bridges and the need for multi-year Chapter 90 funding. Officials said the Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, with construction targeted for 2027, and reiterated that transportation investments support jobs, local economies, and municipal infrastructure statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• to program.
• to program.
• program.
• program program a improvement loan program livestock<00:41:13.200><c> expension</c><00:41:13.560><c>

Bills: HF1063

Keywords: grain buyers, grain dealer, grain elevator, agriculture, financial reporting, audit, CPA review, independent accountant, financial statement, balance sheet, cash flow, nonpublic data, licensee oversight, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, grain purchase volume, insolvency, nonpayment, warehouse chain, fiduciary duties, producer protection