Transcript Highlights:

• So, this creates a pool of money, a grant program to allow those services to get at least a And what
• So, this creates a pool of money, a grant program to allow those services to get at least a that.
• grant uh program to a pool of money, a grant uh program to allow<00:10:52.000><c> those</c><00:10:52.399
• Then there are two other buckets: one relating to a cost of readiness grant program, which would make
• ><c> program</c><00:13:15.519><c> uh</c><00:13:15.600><c> which</c> of readiness grant program uh which

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Winona County's emergency management program grant was $28,000 per year, but was recently cut to $20,000
• So, Senator Westrom, do you know if there are any other grant programs where the name of the grant recipient
• </c> this program. this program.
• </c><00:43:15.720><c> programs</c><00:43:16.720><c> where</c> there are any other grant programs where
• there are any other grant programs where the<00:43:17.520><c> name</c><00:43:17.839><c> of</c><00:43

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAMS WE GET 20 PERCENT OF THE ONE YEAR A LOCK IN AND OF INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
• NEXT LET'S TALK ABOUT HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM. GRANT PROGRAM.
• THIS IS A PROGRAM THAT I WILL TALK MORE ABOUT HERE IN A MINUTE ON THE ELEVATE FLORIDA PROGRAM.
• THAT CASE 100 PERCENT PROGRAM.
• ONE OF THESE PROGRAMS WE RUN TO THIS IS THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT MATCH PROGRAM WHICH IS THE 25 PERCENT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Washington College Grant is the state's largest financial aid program that provides grants to eligible
• The Washington College Grant is an entitlement program with guaranteed grants for students who, among
• Today, nearly 100% of students in the Passport to Careers program receive full college grant awards,
• Passport to Careers Program as automatically income eligible for the Washington College Grant.
• Thank you. ...to Careers Program as automatically income eligible for the Washington College Grant.

Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 27 and first took executive action on three bills. House Bill 2311, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, was reported out with a do pass recommendation after the Leavitt amendment was withdrawn; supporters emphasized transparency, accountability, and student success metrics, while one member opposed moving it forward and urged more interim work. House Bill 2324, which extends tuition waiver access for children of eligible veterans when a disability determination occurs after age 18, passed unanimously. House Bill 288, the Dietitian Licensure Compact, was amended to delay implementation until July 1, 2028 and then passed unanimously as a substitute bill; members cited workforce shortages and the value of broader licensure portability. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2422 would shift private security guard licensing fees from individual guards to their employers, eliminate transfer fees, and penalize companies that require reimbursement; the sponsor and workers testified that the current system burdens low-wage guards and contributes to high turnover, while some members asked about whether fees could instead be lowered or eliminated. House Bill 2438 would create the SEEDS scholarship for early childhood education students using up to $10 million from the GET account if it remains sufficiently funded; the sponsor described it as a targeted test of surplus GET funds to address early learning workforce shortages, and testimony from educators, providers, and advocacy groups strongly supported it, while WASAC said the bill may need technical changes to avoid conflicts with existing 529 rules. The committee also heard House Bill 2525, which would create a WSU heritage orchard program and registry for old or rare apple varieties; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would preserve agricultural history, support research, and aid future breeding and education. Finally, House Bill 2586 would align Passport to Careers with federal financial aid formulas and automatically deem Passport-eligible youth financially needy for the Washington College Grant; the sponsor and WASAC said it would help foster youth and homeless students access aid earlier and more predictably, and multiple students and advocates testified in strong support. No final action was taken on the bills heard in public testimony during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• criteria for the grant program.
• So that's really the core of this particular grant program.
• So that's really the core of this particular grant program.
• So if you have the program with grants, it's kind of a two-parter: if you're accepting grants, or is
• You heard about the mitigation grant program.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several insurance and consumer protection bills. On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5928, staff and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner described wildfire risk score and model disclosure requirements for homeowners, including notices when policies are nonrenewed, canceled, or premiums are adversely affected, plus insurer website disclosures about mitigation discounts and rate filing transparency. Supporters, including the OIC, AARP, the mayor of Medical Lake, and a fire chief, said the bill would improve transparency, help homeowners understand and reduce wildfire risk, and protect consumers facing cancellations and rising premiums. Industry witnesses said they supported the goal but warned the bill could add regulatory cost and complexity, and some urged narrower, simpler disclosure language and a delayed implementation date. On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6031, which would expand the insurance fraud program and create a standalone Class B felony for insurance fraud, the OIC and AARP supported the bill as a tool against organized fraud and restitution for victims. A criminal defense representative raised concerns that the new felony language overlaps with existing misdemeanor insurance fraud law and could create conflicting statutes and harsher penalties for the same conduct. The committee also heard testimony that the bill had already incorporated amendments limiting criminal investigators’ role in regulatory investigations and focusing them on complex schemes. The committee then heard substitute Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, described as largely mirroring a House bill already passed by the committee. Testimony from the travel insurance industry said agreed-upon amendments had been incorporated, including changes addressing conflict-of-interest concerns, and urged the bill’s advancement. Finally, the committee heard substitute Senate Bill 6079, which would create the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program to fund wildfire home-hardening and prohibit insurers from using wildfire risk as a disqualifying factor for homes meeting IBHS wildfire-prepared standards. The OIC, fire commissioners, AARP, and the prime sponsor supported the bill as a way to reduce nonrenewals and improve insurability, while insurers opposed Section 7, arguing it could interfere with underwriting and should be removed if the bill is to remain a grant program. The committee also began hearing engrossed Senate Bill 5280 on virtual currency kiosks, with staff and the Department of Financial Institutions describing daily transaction caps, fee limits, disclosures, and receipts to curb fraud; consumer protection and law enforcement witnesses supported the bill, while industry witnesses raised concerns about burdens on compliant businesses and passive retail hosts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program we have up to 500,000 in Grants program we have up to 500,000 in Grants to<01:08:13.680>
• You've heard the merits of the underlying program, and so that work has been done to allow grants.
• You've heard the merits of the underlying program, and so that work has been done to allow grants.
• </c><01:44:43.360><c> to</c> program uh if a person gets the grant to program uh if a person gets the
• </c><01:50:26.599><c> rounds</c> this program out have a few Grant rounds this program out have a few

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2391, Arambula, nursing grant support program, holding committee.
• AB 1980, Colosa, Erica Grant Program, do pass as amended to authorize grants for certain purposes only
• AB 1932, El-Hawari, Crisis Grant Program, do pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 1888, Ortega, grant program contractors, held in committee.
• AB 1888, Ortega, grant program contractors, held in committee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the grants and contracts.
• To do this, we recommend a full review of reporting requirements across grant programs to identify areas
• and program monitoring.
• And as I started writing grants when I was 17, since I got this job, I have not had to write a grant.
• The remaining programs are, as I just shared with you, the initial registration program.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate 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. Chairs and members emphasized that nonprofits are a major economic force and essential service provider, especially as federal cuts and funding uncertainty increase pressure on organizations that deliver health, food, housing, and other services. CalNonprofits presented data showing the sector’s size, economic impact, and the strain caused by delayed reimbursements, administrative burdens, and federal policy changes, including concerns about funding restrictions and threats to nonprofit independence. The Little Hoover Commission presented findings from its report on state grant and contract administration, recommending reforms such as required advance payments, broader application of prompt payment protections, reimbursement of indirect costs, standardized emergency contract amendments, a new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, more plain-language guidance, a uniform grant portal, reduced reporting duplication, electronic payments, and longer grant periods. Commission staff said SB 1240 would create the Office of Nonprofit Empowerment and SB 1366 would address cash-flow delays for contractors. Committee members and witnesses discussed the need to shift state contracting culture toward outcomes, improve transparency, and reduce paper-based processes that slow payments and burden nonprofits. The Department of Justice’s Charitable Trusts Section also testified about its rollout of an online filing system for charities and fundraisers, which is intended to streamline registrations, renewals, complaints, and fee payments, reduce incomplete filings, and eliminate paper-check problems. Members asked about staffing impacts, payment types, and complaint handling. A New York nonprofit policy leader described that state’s Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services and related reforms as a model for reducing contract backlogs, increasing advance payments, and improving oversight through centralized support and data tracking. Public commenters from nonprofit and labor groups urged support for stronger state-nonprofit partnerships, while also stressing the need for accountability and oversight. No formal vote was taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This reflects undersubscribed funding from the infill infrastructure grant catalytic program and the
• and that includes money through our Multifamily Housing Program. grant, the CERNA Farmworker Program
• Having said that, the grant portion is a supplemental part of the program.
• grant program has been able to support, you know, is there something other programs out there that are
• As well as the BSEC grant program, we've been trying to champion that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, committee staff asked for my thoughts on innovative grant programs that were administered
• And so through these grant programs administered by DHCS, administered by HCAI, the Department of Health
• From there, we utilized new programs and grants like CalAIM and the CYBHI to expand to a multi-tiered
• And number three, future programs and grants should build upon existing programs and priorities rather
• So in addition to the fee schedule program itself, there's a paired grant that's gone out to schools

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• That has helped us grow our isn't always just a grant or a BRC isn't always just a grant or a BRC program
• And whether it's a grant, which I've already spoke about, or it's programs like Assessments to Action
• Sheridan's also a community that has benefited from the support outside of the grant and loan program
• Sheridan's also a community that has benefited from the support outside of the grant and loan program
• Outside of the grant and loan program, such as the community needs assessment and the assessment to action

Bills: HB0150

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> business program. business program.
• </c> Grant, the Dairy Business Planning Grant Grant, the Dairy Business Planning Grant um um um as<00
• Um, other requirements for how much must be earned each year in order to participate in those grant programs
• Uh, and 2.7 reads has it not received any money under the Ag Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program.
• </c> Ag Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Ag Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program.<01:26:26.240><c> Uh</

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• like the Greater Minnesota housing infrastructure grant program to help reduce those costs.
• Programs like the Greater Minnesota housing infrastructure grant program can have the same transformative
• and other important housing programs. grant program to help reduce those costs grant program to help
• program can have infrastructure grant program can have the<00:21:50.039><c> same</c><00:21:50.360><c
• The Greater Minnesota housing infrastructure grant program is a much-needed tool to help bridge that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> border to- border Broadband grant border to- border Broadband grant program<00:57:58.440><c> we've
• </c><00:58:24.520><c> program</c><00:58:25.520><c> that</c> the Border to- border grant program that
• /c><00:58:39.680><c> partner</c><00:58:40.119><c> with</c> grant program you have to partner with grant
• </c> border and Broadband Grant border and Broadband Grant programs<01:17:46.120><c> in</c><01:17:46.280
• </c><01:18:51.440><c> programs</c> about the Minnesota uh Grant programs about the Minnesota uh Grant

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• training programs.
• Workforce training programs for Workforce Pell Grants, provided they meet federal requirements under
• for the adult workforce diploma program.
• The sunset on an existing program for the adult workforce diploma program allows adults to get accredited
• for the adult workforce diploma program. the sunset on an existing program for the adult workforce diploma

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we can always look towards our grant program.
• And I think we can always look towards our grant program.
• </c> always look towards our grant program. always look towards our grant program.
• ,</c> has, including the state grant program, has, including the state grant program, including<00:37
• program</c><01:19:43.400><c> and</c> Grant the Minnesota Grants program and Grant the Minnesota Grants

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The department said they expected a delay in implementing grant programs because of the emergency regulations
• The department said shared they expected to delay in implementing grant programs because of the emergency
• It will keep us on track on a normal bond grant program.
• program?
• Lastly, we also support the inclusion of $2 million going to the Whale Grant Program for the Coastal

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate, Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation opened its first hearing on the governor’s natural resources budget with Secretary Wade Crowfoot of the Natural Resources Agency. Crowfoot reviewed California’s recent climate and environmental challenges—drought, wildfire, heat, sea level rise, and federal uncertainty—and highlighted progress on clean energy, zero-emission vehicles, wildfire resilience, water management, coastal planning, conservation, tribal land return, and streamlined project delivery. Members praised his engagement and the administration’s work with tribes, and Crowfoot emphasized that the administration is focused on finishing major projects, improving nature-based solutions, and considering whether some temporary streamlining measures should be codified. He also discussed the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership and said the state is working with other Mediterranean-climate governments on wildfire, drought, and heat response. Members and the LAO then focused on budget conditions and priorities. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state budget remains precarious despite strong revenues, with the governor’s proposal relying on borrowing and reserves and leaving large out-year deficits unresolved. The LAO urged a high bar for new spending, especially in a deficit environment, and recommended prioritizing immediate health and safety needs, avoiding new ongoing commitments, and thinking carefully about special funds. On Proposition 4, the LAO said the administration’s approach generally appeared reasonable and consistent with the bond, but noted implementation has been slow and that the Legislature may want to use appropriations language to shape broad programs such as home hardening, outdoor recreation, and climate education. The chair stressed that climate and environmental funds should be used for their intended purposes and that wildfire spending should shift more toward community hardening and home protection. The hearing then turned to water resilience and Proposition 4 spending. Department of Finance and department staff outlined the bond’s water-related funding for safe drinking water, drought, flood, water recycling, stormwater, groundwater management, dam safety, and the State Water Project. Members pressed for details on how funds would be prioritized, how grants would reach disadvantaged communities, and how the state would track the bond’s 40% target for vulnerable communities. Staff said new tools and reporting systems are being used to monitor allocations, and that AB 107 and related changes should speed up grant implementation by reducing redundant regulatory steps. The committee also discussed dam safety needs, State Water Project repairs, groundwater implementation grants, and the risk of relying on uncertain future revenues from the Salton Sea lithium tax. No votes were taken, and the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• for innovative programs.
• innovative programs.
• And in one case, not on this program but also a similar program, like I said, the CCE program, the letters
• Then, once the funding hits the region, it's a competitive grant program.
• And at least 70% of the total grant funds for that program must be used by LEAs and county offices of

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives. The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure. DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities. Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> because of that that program this year. because of that that program this year.
• grant or public health infrastructure grant or FIG,<00:33:42.080><c> which</c><00:33:42.320><c> is</c
• Just a note, um grants, Thank you.
• Just a note, um grants, federal<00:54:43.200><c> grants,</c><00:54:43.839><c> as</c><00:54:44.480><c>
• Number two is about workforce. out five goals in our grant. And you out five goals in our grant.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota supplement nonprofit security grant program.
• He added that the federal nonprofit security grant program is very competitive, and less than 2% of all
• federal money goes to Minnesota applicants. security grant program began in 17 after security grant
• The nonprofit security grant program was developed to help small nonprofits with target hardening that
• </c> security the nonprofit security grant security the nonprofit security grant program<00:47:32.599

Keywords: 1183, house