Transcript Highlights:

• It was just the race association. after the last election. They don't after the last election.
• It was just the race demographic pieces.
• It was just the race association. association. association.
• Many races have been decided by just a Absentee ballot.
• Many races have been decided by just a We do count the general ballots after the polls close.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• one big thing that we assumed is that there's money coming from the switching from historical horse racing
• one big thing that we assumed is that there's money coming from the switching from historical horse racing
• one big thing that we assumed is that there's money coming from the switching from historical horse racing
• 24:01.280><c> we</c><01:24:01.440><c> had</c><01:24:01.600><c> a</c><01:24:01.840><c> lottery</c> racing
• commission and we had a lottery racing commission and we had a lottery commission<01:24:02.560><c> which

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes they think that they have to count every race on that ballot and not just the write-in, so
• Sometimes they think that they have to count every race on that ballot and not just the write-in, so
• /c><01:25:36.520><c> to</c><01:25:36.719><c> count</c><01:25:37.560><c> every</c><01:25:37.840><c> race
• </c> think that they have to count every race think that they have to count every race on<01:25:38.400

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• pedestrians, bicyclists, and workers who just don't feel safe because of the speeds at which people are racing
• <01:47:42.080><c> which</c><01:47:42.320><c> people</c><01:47:42.719><c> are</c><01:47:43.040><c> racing
• </c> speeds at which people are racing speeds at which people are racing through<01:47:43.760><c> communities

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, yeah, I understand each race has... what's damaging what's damaging generational<01:19:39.840
• <01:21:26.960><c> I</c><01:21:27.040><c> understand</c><01:21:27.920><c> each</c><01:21:28.440><c> race
• </c><01:21:28.920><c> has</c> And so, yeah, I understand each race has a connectivity to where they're
• child qualifies as a MAPPA child, as an adoptive parent, even if you're from a different ethnicity or race

Bills: HF3665 , HF3002 , HF4217 , HF4125 , HF4174

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs found that over half the spending in the most competitive races
• 10.960><c> competitive</c> the spending in the most competitive the spending in the most competitive races
• 13.440><c> were</c><00:20:13.919><c> dark</c><00:20:14.240><c> money</c><00:20:14.799><c> where</c> races
• in 2020 uh were dark money where races in 2020 uh were dark money where voters<00:20:15.440><c> couldn't

Bills: HF4133 , HF3419

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• , but we're This has been very helpful, but we're losing<01:31:39.600><c> the</c><01:31:39.840><c> race
• c> we're</c><01:31:40.639><c> going</c><01:31:40.719><c> to</c><01:31:40.800><c> be</c> losing the race
• and we're going to be losing the race and we're going to be losing<01:31:41.120><c> our</c><01:31:41.360
• need to continue to work on, and Representative Baker said this: we're always going to be in this race

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• It is something that we've raced to get done, and other states, I can tell you, are challenged by this
• </c><01:23:18.920><c> that</c><01:23:19.080><c> we've</c><01:23:19.760><c> uh</c><01:23:19.920><c> raced
• </c><01:23:20.280><c> to</c> it is something that we've uh raced to it is something that we've uh raced

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its September 24 meeting after a motion and second. It then heard a presentation from New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Gragensky on that state’s early childhood system and planned universal child care rollout. She described how New Mexico consolidated multiple prenatal-to-age-five programs into a cabinet-level department, expanded pre-K to a longer day, and uses a cost model to set reimbursement rates intended to cover true provider costs, including wages, benefits, occupancy, food, and reserves. She also said the state created an Early Childhood Trust Fund and secured a constitutional amendment to dedicate 0.60% of the land grant permanent fund to early care and education, with the department’s budget growing from about $400 million in 2021 to just under $1 billion this year. Gragensky said families can begin applying for universal child care on November 1, with participation voluntary for both families and providers. She reported that New Mexico is aiming to expand capacity by adding 1,000 registered home providers, 120 group homes, and about 55 more centers, supported in part by a $13 million low-interest loan fund and a request for an additional $20 million. She said the state has seen growth in early childhood professionals, including a 64% increase over the last three to four years, and pointed to reported outcomes such as a 21% increase in literacy and a 75% kindergarten readiness rate, while noting that some measures are new and baseline comparisons are still being developed. Members asked about the funding sources, provider profitability, workforce development, and measurable outcomes. Gragensky said the program is designed to support provider sustainability through rates tied to true cost and includes allowances for sick leave, vacation, benefits, and reserves. She also said maternal labor force participation is 10% higher than the national rate and attributed that in part to child care access. The committee then moved to a separate presentation by Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Family Support Director Roger McCann on anticipated cuts to TANF and SNAP, beginning with an overview of TANF as a federal block grant with a fixed annual Kentucky allocation of about $180.7 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• Board of Education decision, one might think that the issue of segregation has been settled since race-based
• has been that the issue of segregation has been settled<00:46:45.359><c> since</c><00:46:45.599><c> race-based
• </c><00:46:46.160><c> segregation</c><00:46:46.800><c> was</c> settled since race-based segregation was
• settled since race-based segregation was ruled<00:46:47.359><c> unconstitutional.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's absolutely right, and including importantly, discrimination based on race, which all those factors
• And so because this type of practice, this type of discrimination based on race was rampant all over
• And they said housing discrimination based on race as well as national origin is going to be illegal
• King fought hard to end housing discrimination in this country, yes, on the basis of race and, yes, also

Bills: SB17 , SB1569 , SB2420 , HB5138 , HJR161 , HB1937 , HB3334 , HB5444 , HB5137 , HB361 , HB321 , HB5447 , HB464 , HB678 , HB2294 , HB4172 , HB3225 , HB1769 , HB5394 , HB1837 , HB1787 , HB2271 , HB2440 , HB5134 , HB5149 , HB2151 , HB2073 , HB2186 , HB2025 , HB1936 , HB1777 , HB1663 , HB 1306 , HB 1290 , HB1527 , HB4802 , HB3462 , HB2963 , HB2462 , HB2560 , HB644 , HB2725 , HB2621 , HB2588 , HB1443 , HB1403 , HB3032 , HB1557 , HB1664 , HB2811 , HB2088 , HB2598 , HB3062 , HB3134 , HB3940 , HB4027 , HB4097 , HB4862 , HB4170 , HB4157 , HB4205 , HB4279 , HB4377 , HB4838 , HB5424 , HB5294 , HB4870 , HB4763 , HB5639 , HB4112 , HB2275 , HB1677 , HB5014 , HB3848 , HB3797 , HB3727 , HB3709 , HB3177 , HB3057 , HB4176 , HB4202 , HB2180 , HB3528 , HB3658 , HCR76 , HCR127 , SB906 , SB1229 , SB855 , SB703 , SB1025 , SB888 , SB1119 , SB1080 , SB929 , SB1355 , SB2231 , SB1877 , SB1998 , SB552 , SB17 , SB1569 , SB2420 , HB2697 , HB3801 , HB3488 , HB3477 , HB3466 , HB3469 , HB2594 , HB2564 , HB2298 , HB5331 , HB5646 , HB5247 , HB5323 , HB4384 , HB3896 , HB4014 , HB3627 , HB3594 , HB2524 , HB510 , HB561 , HB 1181 , HB3963 , HB5111 , HB2785 , HB1661 , HB200 , HB1803 , HB249 , HB721 , HB851 , HB 1128 , HB1904 , HB30 , HB1916 , HB541 , HB5560 , HB3071 , HB5627 , HB5435 , HB2688 , HB3045 , HB3483 , HB4213 , HB4226 , HB783 , HB175 , HB4735 , HB5155 , HB5057 , HB4813 , HB5339 , HB5196 , HB5033 , HB3486 , HB4211 , HB74 , HB4730 , HB4743 , HB4463 , HB4139 , HB4752 , HB4486 , HB4437 , HB4426 , HB4396 , HB4263 , HB3487 , HB3418 , HB2266 , HB2229 , HB2189 , HB5224 , HB5195 , HB3947 , HB3358 , HB3370 , HB3745 , HB3697 , HB2001 , HB1968 , HB3371 , HB3909 , HB4944 , HB2284 , HB4506 , HB3317 , HB4166 , HB3913 , HB1768 , HB4603 , HB2494 , HB3099 , HJR138 , HB133 , HB3832 , HB1988 , HCR34 , HB3421 , HB3892 , HB5138 , HJR161 , HB1937 , HB3334 , HB5444 , HB5137 , HB361 , HB321 , HB5447 , HB464 , HB678 , HB2294 , HB4172 , HB3225 , HB1769 , HB5394 , HB1837 , HB1787 , HB2271 , HB2440 , HB5134 , HB5149 , HB2151 , HB2073 , HB2186 , HB2025 , HB1936 , HB1777 , HB1663 , HB 1306 , HB 1290 , HB1527 , HB4802 , HB3462 , HB2963 , HB2462 , HB2560 , HB644 , HB2725 , HB2621 , HB2588 , HB1443 , HB1403 , HB3032 , HB1557 , HB1664 , HB2811 , HB2088 , HB2598 , HB3062 , HB3134 , HB3940 , HB4027 , HB4097 , HB4862 , HB4170 , HB4157 , HB4205 , HB4279 , HB4377 , HB4838 , HB5424 , HB5294 , HB4870 , HB4763 , HB5639 , HB4112 , HB2275 , HB1677 , HB5014 , HB3848 , HB3797 , HB3727 , HB3709 , HB3177 , HB3057 , HB4176 , HB4202 , HB2180 , HB3528 , HB3658 , HCR76 , HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, received the invocation and pledges, and heard several announcements and recognitions before moving into floor action. Members honored the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley chess team for winning a share of the 2025 President’s Cup, recognized educator Jessica Lopez, and paid memorial tribute to Jennifer Maddenly, along with recognitions for Jeanette Valdez Duran’s food pantry work, TAMACC’s 50th anniversary, and Bernardine Steptoe’s retirement from WFAA. The House also granted permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, set a local consent calendar, and suspended posting rules for a Public Health Committee hearing on SB 2721. The chamber then considered a long series of Senate and House bills, with many passing on record votes. Measures addressed local law enforcement authority (SB 906), veterans highway designation (SB 1229), foster care medical billing (SB 855), massage therapy trafficking safeguards (SB 703), tax ballot language (SB 1025), occupational licensing for people with convictions (SB 1080), lien deadlines (SB 929), liquor sales complaints (SB 1355), higher education application fee waivers (SB 2231), utility data access (SB 1877), pediatric preceptorships (SB 1998), and several House bills on bond forfeiture notice, health workforce coordination, indigent civil commitment representation, consumer transaction cancellations, bird dispersal rules, theft venue for digital property, military grant applications, AI cancer-detection grants, cybersecurity contract language, in-state tuition for military-related programs, utility capital recovery, energy waste advisory oversight, gas utility rate recovery, psychedelic therapy study, teacher retirement funding transparency, pension changes, tax payment plans, and voter registration security. Some measures drew notable debate or amendments, including HB 5247, where a ratepayer-credit amendment failed, and HB 2298, HB 4014, HB 510, HB 561, HB 1128, HB 1904, HB 30, HB 200, HB 3045, and HB 5111, which all passed after recorded votes with varying margins. A major point of contention was SB 2420, the app store age-verification bill, which prompted extended debate over whether the bill should also require app developers to verify users’ ages. Representative Bryant offered an amendment to preserve developer verification obligations, arguing the bill would otherwise shift responsibility away from app makers; the author opposed it, saying the bill’s approach was more workable and raised concerns about First Amendment issues. Multiple points of order were raised and withdrawn during the debate, and the amendment discussion remained unresolved in the excerpt. The House also postponed further consideration of SB 17, SB 552, and SB 2420 at different points, and recessed for lunch after completing a large block of third-reading votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you'll see on that first page for each person, it's going to be their name, their year of birth, race
• So you'll see on that first page for each person, it's going to be their name, their year of birth, race
• So you'll see on that first page for each person, it's going to be their name, their year of birth, race
• So you'll see on that first page for each person, it's going to be their name, their year of birth, race

Bills: HF2233 , HF1999 , HF1995 , HF1614 , HF2781 , HF1775 , HF1316 , HF2127 , HF2521 , HF689 , HF2380 , HF1273

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background, race
• of the opportunity to thrive regardless of their<00:05:02.320><c> background,</c><00:05:02.800><c> race
• ,</c><00:05:03.199><c> beliefs,</c><00:05:03.600><c> and</c> their background, race, beliefs, and their
• background, race, beliefs, and where<00:05:04.000><c> they</c><00:05:04.240><c> live.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• I've learned is from Mankato to Minneapolis to Max, fentanyl is destroying lives with no regard to race
• with</c><00:51:50.000><c> no</c><00:51:50.200><c> regard</c><00:51:50.559><c> to</c><00:51:50.839><c> race
• </c> destroying life with no regard to race destroying life with no regard to race economic<00:51:52.240

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• When the dog races were first to close, what happened to all those Greyhound dogs? They died.
• ><02:17:51.040><c> dog</c> animals they died when when the dog animals they died when when the dog races
• 52.200><c> to</c><02:17:52.399><c> close</c><02:17:53.000><c> what</c><02:17:53.160><c> happened</c> races
• were first to close what happened races were first to close what happened to<02:17:53.559><c> all</c

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• the noise coming from the pike has increased, whether it's trucks using jake brakes, motorcycles racing
• J increased whether it's trucks using J brakes<01:03:09.680><c> motorcycles</c><01:03:10.319><c> racing
• /c><01:03:10.640><c> up</c><01:03:10.760><c> and</c><01:03:10.880><c> down</c> brakes motorcycles racing
• up and down brakes motorcycles racing up and down the<01:03:11.160><c> F</c><01:03:11.640><c> Turnpike

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 561, sponsored by Representative Nancy Murphy, which would limit the state’s ability to discontinue, reclassify, or revert state-owned highway property to municipalities without local approval. Murphy and other supporters argued the bill would protect towns from unfunded mandates and prevent property tax increases caused by taking on costly road maintenance. Representative Wendy Thomas, Rosemarie Rung, Merrimack Town Council Chairman Finley Rothhouse, and Town Manager Paul McAuliffe all testified in support, describing the financial burden of the planned transfer of Continental Boulevard in Merrimack and warning it would set a harmful precedent for other communities. The Department of Transportation’s Steve Leon explained the department’s current authority and processes for discontinuance and reclassification, said active highways are not surplus property, and noted that the Supreme Court’s Town of Nelson decision held such reclassifications were not an unfunded mandate. The committee then closed the public hearing on HB 561. The committee next took up House Bill 578, presented by Representative Mooney on behalf of Representative Bill Boyd, to require sound barriers along the F. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. Supporters said widening the turnpike would increase noise in nearby neighborhoods and that a 2019 NHDOT study identified 17 neighborhoods with noise levels above federal standards, though only four were included for mitigation under the current project. They argued the remaining neighborhoods should also receive relief and cited quality-of-life and property-value concerns. Senator Tim McGuire also testified in support, saying residents were experiencing unexpected and severe noise impacts and urging the committee to act outside the usual criteria to approve the barriers. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or action on HB 578.

Transcript Highlights:

• constituting gross negligence or reckless conduct; with an intent to harm; discrimination based on race
• We cannot let race determine who gets to live and who dies. Do the right thing.
• keep rural areas on the map and at the forefront, and someone also said earlier that we can't let race

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a public hearing on several harm reduction bills, including measures to decriminalize simple possession and paraphernalia, authorize overdose prevention centers, and expand access to naloxone for first responders. Chair Mindy Domb and Senator John Velis opened by describing harm reduction as an evidence-based public health strategy and noting Massachusetts’ recent decline in fatal overdoses. They emphasized that testimony would help shape whether and how the bills advance, and explained the hearing process, including time limits and written testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Rep. Kate Donaghue, Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Marjorie Decker, Rep. Manny Cruz, public health professionals, recovery advocates, and people with lived experience, argued that harm reduction saves lives, reduces stigma, and can connect people to treatment. They supported overdose prevention centers and decriminalization as tools to keep people alive long enough to enter recovery, and several speakers described personal losses to overdose or family experiences with addiction. Some supporters also framed the bills as racial justice measures, arguing that criminal penalties for possession have disproportionately harmed Black and brown communities. Opponents, including Sen. Nick Collins and several South End residents, argued that overdose prevention centers and decriminalization would worsen public drug use, crime, and neighborhood disorder, especially around Mass and Cass. They said current approaches such as Section 35, diversion, and police leverage into treatment are more effective, and they urged more treatment beds and recovery facilities instead of harm reduction sites. Committee members questioned witnesses about research, local siting, crime data, and the relationship between harm reduction and treatment, and several members said neighborhood impacts must be considered alongside overdose prevention. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; it continued receiving testimony and announced a later break before resuming on H. 2196 and S. 1393.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the thing that I still continue to have a concern about: diversity, not only of race and ethnicity
• I wanna know how many folks are in my veterans' homes by race, gender, ethnicity, by income, not just
• And I do want to mention our partnership with the Office of the Child Advocate around the Trauma Race

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• want to deprive law enforcement of any tool, even if this council or any council doesn't immediately race
• This is something that has broad support among all political persuasions, among all races and ethnicities
• It says 74% favor requiring voter ID, with overwhelming support across all races, all political affiliations

Transcript Highlights:

• caseload in our programs and allows sorting for privacy, a limited number of filters at a time, but by race
• caseload in our programs and allows sorting for privacy, a limited number of filters at a time, but by race
• asking that the boards reflect the disability characteristics in the catchment area, not just the race

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the governor’s IHSS budget proposals and extensive testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, county representatives, labor, consumer advocates, and advocates for older adults and people with disabilities. The administration described IHSS as a large and growing program serving more than 900,000 recipients, and outlined three proposals: shifting the cost of growth in authorized hours per case to counties, eliminating the backup provider system, and aligning IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations. The LAO said the overall budget estimates appeared reasonable but raised concerns about the hours-per-case proposal, including the lack of a comprehensive root-cause analysis, the limited control counties have over statewide cost growth, and uncertainty about how the baseline and savings would work. CWDA, SEIU, and consumer advocates strongly opposed the hours cost shift, arguing that counties use state-designed tools, that demographic changes and rising need explain much of the growth, and that the proposal would pressure counties to cut services and destabilize care. The chair and members repeatedly questioned the administration about the proposed baseline, the claimed savings, and whether the measure effectively circumvents the county maintenance-of-effort agreement. On the backup provider system, the administration said the statewide program is underutilized and administratively expensive, and proposed eliminating it to save about $3.5 million. The LAO suggested the Legislature consider whether administrative costs could be reduced while preserving some version of the program. County and consumer advocates opposed the cut, saying the system is a critical safety net when regular providers are unavailable, especially in rural areas and for people with complex needs. They argued that low utilization reflects the difficulty of finding emergency backup care, not lack of need, and that many counties already rely on local backup systems or other models. Committee members also pressed for better data on requests, fulfillment, and administrative costs, and discussed whether the state could support local alternatives instead of eliminating the program. The final topic was the proposal to align IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations by automating the process when recipients fail to complete Medi-Cal redeterminations. The administration said this would reduce General Fund costs by about $86 million by preventing payment of IHSS in the residual program when recipients are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal, while also automating reinstatement when Medi-Cal is restored. The LAO noted the proposal has been rejected in prior years and suggested improved notice and communication to recipients as an alternative. CWDA and advocates warned that the change could create gaps in care, especially for people who lose Medi-Cal for procedural reasons, and urged additional safeguards such as better notices, faster reprocessing, and automatic reinstatement. Members questioned how many people would be affected, how the residual program currently works, and whether providers could go unpaid during the gap; the department said the automation is already built and would be activated if the proposal is approved. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the committee moved through public comment and questioning without final action on the proposals in the excerpt provided.