Transcript Highlights:

• It's not online. Mr. President Pro Tem, I believe that everybody needs it.
• It's not online, so we would all need a copy of it, unless everybody does have it.
• She is taking action against grocery store mergers because that causes high prices.
• for the people and the rent they pay, for the people and the water we drink, for the people and the prices
• I'm sure all of my colleagues who, mind you for those watching online, have left the floor because they

Transcript Highlights:

• William Agnew online whenever you're ready. Go for it. Hello, my name is William Agnew. Thank you.
• expiration of the enhanced premium tax credit, our customers, many of them, are experiencing pretty extreme price
• He said hospital prices are detached from reality.
• of any actuarial analysis review received by the Department of Social and Health Services in its online
• four of those types of CCRCs in the state right now, and I think one or two more anticipated to come online

Bills: HB2564 , HB2599 , HB1809 , HB2242 , HB2261 , HB2384 , HB2505

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, certification, state regulation, health plan, therapy, psychotherapy, mental health, regulation, professional standards, behavioral health, mental health crisis, crisis response, co-response, co-responder, first responder, EMS, emergency medical services, paramedic, EMT

Transcript Highlights:

• William Agnew online whenever you're ready. Go for it. Hello, my name is William Agnew. Thank you.
• expiration of the enhanced premium tax credit, our customers, many of them, are experiencing pretty extreme price
• Obviously, hospital prices are detached from reality.”
• of any actuarial analysis review received by the Department of Social and Health Services in its online
• those types of CCRCs in the state right now, and I think one or two more are anticipated to come online

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on HB 2564 and HB 2599, then moved into executive session on several bills. HB 2599, which would restrict the use of AI in therapy and psychotherapy services, drew strong support from the prime sponsor, mental health professional groups, a privacy advocate, and an AI ethics researcher, all of whom warned that chatbots can mislead users, encourage delusions or self-harm, and lack licensure, accountability, and confidentiality protections. Several witnesses from health systems and telehealth organizations supported the bill’s intent but asked for narrower definitions and amendments to avoid unintended impacts on clinician-supervised tools, screening questionnaires, scribes, and other legitimate uses of AI. No vote was taken on HB 2599 during the hearing. HB 2564, which would give the Health Benefit Exchange authority to adopt market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, was presented as a way to address affordability, bare counties, and plan duplication. Supporters included the Exchange, consumer advocates, rural and tribal representatives, navigators, and some individual consumers, who said the bill could improve access, preserve bronze plan availability, and help stabilize the market in counties with too few carriers. Opponents from health plans, Regence, Premier, and insurance producer groups argued the bill would expand exchange authority without clear standards, could reduce competition and carrier participation, and might conflict with existing OIC filing and confidentiality processes; the OIC supported the bill but requested an amendment on rate disclosure timing. The committee then moved to executive session and later reported out HB 1784, HB 2242, HB 2384, and HB 2505 with due pass recommendations, while deferring action on HB 1809 and HB 2261. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for HB 1784 on certified medical assistants by an 18-0 vote, adopted one amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2242 on preventive services and immunization recommendations by an 11-7 vote, and passed a substitute for HB 2384 on actuarial reviews for continuing care retirement communities by a 16-2 vote. It also adopted an amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2505 on limited adult family home licensure exemptions for certain foster family situations by an 18-0 vote. The meeting adjourned after those actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• practitioner determines that it's in the best interest of the patient to compare prescription drug prices
• language to match the House that an exemption when a practitioner... ...to compare prescription drug prices
• They can contact directly the patient's insurer, and this allows them to go to an online directory as
• well. ...and this allows them to go to an online directory as well to provide that information to the
• point of contact, if you will, to make that determination by just going on the insurance company’s online

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to consider a full agenda of bills, moving quickly through 20 measures and several amendments. Early bills reported favorably included SB 976 on procedures for challenging court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care provider access outside regular business hours, and SB 584 on housing supports for foster youth and college students, which drew supportive testimony from former foster youth and was backed by members as a way to improve stability and educational opportunity. The committee also approved SB 1412 to modernize home health regulations and SB 1800 to create a Parkinson’s research consortium at USF, with members citing the need for more research and future funding opportunities. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including technical and conforming changes to the Parkinson’s bill and other measures. The committee then advanced a series of health care and child welfare bills. SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening; SB 1156 revised the Home Health Aide Program for medically fragile children, including training, reimbursement, and work-hour flexibility; and SB 1490 reorganized services for medically fragile children by shifting program administration to AHCA and requiring a redesign plan for the Medicaid waiver. SB 1174 allowed foster home and child-caring agency licenses to be amended when a foster parent relocates, and SB 1620 implemented selected recommendations from the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, including a new research center at USF and school-based behavioral health review requirements. SB 1568 revised e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 78 authorized certain veterans’ nursing home beds and related certificate-of-need transfers. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate or supportive testimony. Several bills prompted more extensive discussion and some opposition. CS for CS SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, included provisions on vaccination-related patient rights, medical marijuana reporting, background screening, temporary licensure, compact participation, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dentists; it passed despite concerns from Senators Berman, Brodeur, and Harrell about vaccination language and board/voting-power provisions. CS for SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from physicians and health information professionals over privacy, security, fines, and portal access; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill. CS for SB 1736, allowing insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives for individuals with developmental disabilities, and SB 1808, requiring timely refunds to patients, both passed. CS for SB 1842, requiring referring providers to help patients determine whether referred providers are in-network, also passed over concerns about burden on small practices. The committee also advanced SB 1354, a behavioral health oversight bill requiring audits, performance reporting, and system transparency measures for managing entities, and SB 1768, which authorizes physicians to perform certain stem cell therapies using specified products and requires informed consent; both drew supportive comments but also concerns about patient understanding and oversight. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to create presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals during redetermination, and after reconsideration it reported SB 1606 favorably as a committee bill. The meeting ended with members noting their recorded votes on select tabs and adjourning after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, I agree we want to be the leader, but when we're pricing ourselves out of the area and seeing
• And so, I agree we want to be the leader, but when we're pricing ourselves out of the area and seeing
• And so, I agree we want to be the leader, but when we're pricing ourselves out of the area and seeing
• And then online those civil penalties.
• I see Senator Howe [member_10620] online. I thought he had an amendment he wanted to offer.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• They're taking their courses online. They're transcripting from one to the other.
• They're taking their courses online. They're transcripting from one to the other.
• And then after they're hooked on it, then we'll be able to really jack up the price.
• For tuition prices? Yes. You wound up at a private school? Yes.
• I think, across our communities, we see the impact of rising housing prices.

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot get those prices down.
• We cannot get those prices down.
• We cannot get those prices down.
• I mean the prices are reverse that?
• And what I mean by that, those challenges are low commodity prices.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Food prices and gas prices up and up again. are, a small business killer. are, a small business killer
• and gas prices up and up again.
• She now relies on online shopping just to get what she needs. this week, the average price of gas was
• She now relies on the price of gas.
• :14:05.199><c> costing</c> Amazon online buying is costing Amazon online buying is costing consumers<

Bills: HB8365 , HB5625 , HCR75 , HB6260 , HB8469

Keywords: monitoring, court appointments, public service, accountability, government oversight, pro bono, reduced fees, cashless bail, criminal justice, public safety, Attorney General, pretrial release, Iran, military force, War Powers Resolution, U.S. Armed Forces, hostilities, Congress, national security, bail fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• register and file reports online, pay fees online... ...ability to register and file reports online,
• filed as a fillable form via the online filing service.
• as the Articles of Incorporation, are uploaded online.
• all filings and reports and make payments online.
• So what payments need to be made online by nonprofits?

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Select Committee on the nonprofit sector held a hearing focused on the importance of California’s nonprofit sector and how state systems can better support it. Chair and co-chair remarks emphasized that nonprofits are essential to the state’s economy and public services, especially as federal cuts and administrative burdens increase pressure on organizations that deliver health care, food assistance, homelessness services, disaster response, and other safety-net functions. CalNonprofits CEO Jeff Green described the sector’s size and complexity, citing roughly 110,000 nonprofits in California, about 1.4 to 1.5 million nonprofit workers, and major concerns about funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, and federal threats to nonprofit funding and nonpartisanship. He said many organizations are being forced to use reserves, reduce services, or take out loans while waiting for state payments. The Little Hoover Commission presented findings from its study of state grant and contract administration, arguing that nonprofits often subsidize state services because of late payments, insufficient advance funding, and inadequate reimbursement for overhead. The commission recommended requiring advance payments, expanding prompt-payment protections, matching federal indirect-cost rates, standardizing emergency contract amendments, creating an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, reducing duplicative reporting, moving to electronic payments, improving feedback to unsuccessful applicants, and using longer grant periods. Committee members expressed support for these ideas and discussed shifting state contracting culture toward outcomes and better coordination. The commission also noted that SB 1240, which would create the Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, and SB 1366, related to payment delays, align with its recommendations. The Attorney General’s Charitable Trusts Section then outlined its rollout of a new online filing system for charities and charitable fundraisers. Elizabeth Kim said the system, launched in stages beginning in 2024, is intended to replace paper filings, reduce incomplete submissions and bounced checks, and speed processing; the final phase is expected to cover renewals, delinquency, raffles, professional fundraisers, dissolution, and complaints. Committee members asked about staffing impacts and complaint handling, and DOJ explained that complaints are reviewed based on allegations, public filings, and, when needed, requests for additional information. A final panel featured Matt Gonzalez of Nonprofit New York, who described New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services as a model for reducing contract backlogs, increasing advance payments, and improving coordination through ombudsman-style support and chief nonprofit officers. Public commenters from the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, SEIU, and CalNonprofits urged support for stronger state-nonprofit partnerships, transparency, and modernization of contracting systems. No formal vote was taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the hardest things that I've noticed is some of the online things.
• I will say as well that the online version has the appendix.
• And again, the appendix that’s available online will give you the summary of that feedback.”
• On page 21, I'm not keeping up for the people online. There we go.
• On page 21, I'm not keeping up for the people online. There we go.

Committees: Joint Human Services , Joint Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be done online digitally.
• Their speech pathology services are provided online from a service in California.
• It can be done online digitally.
• It can be done online digitally.
• </c><00:34:45.599><c> what</c> kids are in what you know price what kids are in what you know price what

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't an online program, but I think about the recent addition of an engineering program at Minot
• When it comes to online, it is a game changer. I think they've been careful.
• This is also linked online on the agenda under the 925 item.
• Again, this is linked on the agenda online.
• , But then has the $50 million or $30 million price tag, and we know that's not true either.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Funding Review Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Here at home, Americans are being crushed by higher gas prices, rising health care costs, and bigger
• , rising health care costs, gas prices, rising health care costs, and<00:17:03.839><c> bigger</c><00:
• Out west, the Great Basin region online.
• </c><00:33:57.919><c> At</c> conditions at competitive prices. At conditions at competitive prices.
• </c><03:00:40.240><c> of</c> "Here's a path to reform the price of "Here's a path to reform the price

Bills: HB5587

Keywords: geothermal, environmental policy, federal drilling permit, energy production, state regulations, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• no parameters for mixed-gender staff and/or staff family members living on site, and no metric for pricing
• I'm working on an online dating bill to ensure that the online dating apps flag certain, after the amendment
• And that includes the online people they're dealing with.
• And that includes the online people they're dealing with.
• And that includes the online people they're dealing with.

Summary: The committee met on April 14, 2006, but began without a quorum and repeatedly recessed while members were summoned. The hearing covered several public safety and criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on juvenile justice, mental health, property fraud, prostitution/trafficking, and child exploitation. SB 1157 (Archuleta) would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile probation placements by directing the Judicial Council to develop rules of court; supporters argued it would add needed safety, staffing, background check, zoning, and notice standards, while opponents said it would impose rigid standards on a diverse set of placements and that the Judicial Council was the wrong body to set substantive program rules. The bill drew support from county probation and local government groups and opposition from youth defense and public defender organizations. SB 1012 (Smallwood-Cuevas), the Fire Camp to Career Act, would connect incarcerated fire camp participants to apprenticeships and recognize their training toward eligibility. The author and supporters from labor, fire-related workforce programs, and formerly incarcerated workers said the bill would turn emergency-response service into real career pathways and reduce recidivism; committee members generally supported the concept, with one member emphasizing that certification should still require demonstrated skill. SB 1306 (Cortese) would align state law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Supporters said the bill would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens without affecting pure GBL or public safety, and members described it as a practical competitiveness measure. SB 1401 (Stern) would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor procedures by adding timeframes, information-sharing provisions, and conservatorship referral tools. Supporters, including a district attorney representative and a family member, said it would help ensure timely treatment and prevent people from being released without care; opponents, including Disability Rights California and public defender groups, argued it would expand court control, weaken confidentiality, and increase conservatorship referrals. The committee approved SB 1401 on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 1027 (Strickland), as amended, would create a task force to study street prostitution and human trafficking, with amendments adding survivor-focused language, a prevalence study, broader membership, and more time for the task force; it passed as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee. The consent calendar, including SB 962, SB 1001, SB 1100, and SB 1211, was approved. Later, SB 1307 (Jones) was heard to speed up clearing fraudulent or forged real estate documents from the record; supporters said it would let courts void false deeds more efficiently without replacing quiet title actions, and the bill passed as amended to the Senate Floor. Finally, SB 1276 (Rubio), the In Child Exploitation Act, was presented to clarify that knowingly viewing livestreamed or AI-generated sexual exploitation of a child is a crime; the author and witnesses from prosecution and forensic nursing said the law must keep pace with technology and close loopholes that let offenders avoid accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's available online.
• Amendment Set 44-94 has been in your packets and is available online.
• It is available online and in your packets. Amendments one through five are technical.
• The ones that we're putting online now. We're talking about in the paper.
• Price, Chair. Okay, let's see. Okay, let's see. The last cards. Dave, that's it.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, mostly dealing with open meetings, public records, election administration, and local government notice requirements. Senate Bill 1 by Sen. Jenkins would authorize electronic voting under the Open Meetings Law and apply retroactively to validate prior electronic votes; after brief discussion and support from the Louisiana Municipal Association, it was reported favorably. House Bill 1052 by Rep. Spell would exempt certain child advocacy center and multidisciplinary team work product, forensic interviews, and related sensitive records from public records disclosure to protect child abuse investigations; testimony from child advocacy organizations emphasized the need to prevent misuse of records and preserve court-controlled access, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 289 by Sen. Abraham, concerning confidentiality of certain university records and negotiations, was amended to clarify protections for proprietary research, donor confidentiality, and limited confidentiality for industry negotiations, then reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 218 by Sen. Talbot, allowing alternative certification programs for election officials if approved by the State Board of Election Supervisors, and Senate Bill 220, a technical correction regarding the official journal of the state, were both reported favorably. Senate Bill 161 by Sen. Seaball, repealing a requirement that certain high-salary unclassified state employees register vehicles in Louisiana, was also reported favorably after questions about its scope and purpose. The committee then took up House Bill 1193 by Rep. Sawyer, which authorizes the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to use indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts for maintenance and emergency work. CPRA officials said the model would speed small repairs and pre-construction tasks, improve efficiency, and mirror a similar DOTD approach; an amendment narrowed the public-records language and excluded design-build contracting. Members raised concerns about public records transparency and inclusion of minority and small contractors, but the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 249 by Rep. Green, a constitutional amendment creating an independent compensation commission for elected officials and tying adjustments to CPI, drew extensive debate over removing the legislature from setting salaries, the appointment structure, and whether the state could afford automatic increases. After opposition from several members and a roll-call vote, the bill failed to be reported, 6 yeas to 9 nays. Because HB 249 failed, the companion enabling bill, House Bill 248, was deferred. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 997 by Rep. Edmondson, which would let parishes, municipalities, and school boards use their own websites as an alternative to newspaper publication for public notices. Supporters from the Police Jury Association argued the bill would reduce duplicative costs, preserve all existing notice requirements, and simply add a third option alongside newspaper publication and newspaper-hosted digital publication. An amendment narrowed the bill to parishes, municipalities, and school boards, removing other political subdivisions. Members questioned transparency, enforcement, record retention, and whether the change would undermine newspapers; supporters said courts would still enforce notice requirements and that local governments already maintain the records. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• no perimeters for mixed-gender staff and/or staff family members living on site, and no metric for pricing
• when their people are coming on board, their new guys are coming on board, that they have paid the price
• I'm working on an online dating bill to ensure that the online dating apps flag certain, after the amendment
• Anybody who is engaged in online dating has to pay the utmost attention to their situational awareness
• , and that includes the online people they're dealing with.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, online 14, to ensure the department can rapidly respond to critical drinking water
• That $5 increase is a $20 million price tag.
• That $5 increase is a $20 million price tag, if I figured this correctly.
• And then even at, you know, it's even at the 50, I didn't know what the price tax.
• But I'm also concerned because I introduced a bill to see what the price would be.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the paid lunch prices are configured at the local level. And then what's the state lunch?
• the local level to have to develop those online applications.
• the local level to have to develop those online applications.
• the local level to have to develop those online applications.
• It's showing up online; it's just the front page on... Okay, well, no online.

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of Wellness and Nutrition presented an overview of the school meal and child nutrition programs it administers, including the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program. Staff explained which programs are federally funded through USDA, which have state matching funds, and how reimbursement rates are set for different programs and fiscal years. They also walked the committee through a packet showing reimbursement tables, state and federal funding totals, and eligibility data. Members focused much of their questioning on how state and federal reimbursements work for lunch and breakfast, why lunch is shown as a state match while breakfast has meal-based breakdowns, and how the department allocates funds in the budget. The department explained that lunch uses a set state match tied to federal requirements, while breakfast reimbursement is based on meals served. They also reviewed FY 22-24 funding trends, noting higher federal spending during COVID-era waivers and lower amounts as those waivers ended. A committee member asked for the data in Excel and the department agreed to provide it. The discussion also covered summer meal programs and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-run benefit program that provides funds to families; the two programs coordinate through data sharing but are not the same. Members also discussed CEP, with staff explaining that New Hampshire currently has three schools participating, that the qualifying threshold was reduced from 40% to 25% identified students, and that districts must cover the non-federal share with non-federal funds. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Escorted by Assembly Member Ellis on behalf of Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez is Peggy Price.
• Peggy Price serves as supervisor of Imperial County District 3.
• Price served for six years as director of the Department of Social Services, overseeing programs such
• Please welcome Peggy Price. ...and in-home supportive services. Please welcome Peggy Price.
• programs, including English as a Second Language, Citizenship and Naturalization classes, and Career Online

Transcript Highlights:

• And next on deck will be Simon Amaya Price.
• Amaya Price, and it's lovely to see you Amaya Price, and it's lovely to see you all<00:34:57.040><c>
• </c><01:22:32.239><c> like</c> online about proposed legislation like online about proposed legislation
• And on deck will be Simon Amaya Price.
• Uh, my name is Simon Amaya Price.

Committee: House Judiciary