Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the Department of Health and Human the Department of Health and Human Services<00:44:04.880><c>
• the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of this bill?
• /c><01:35:46.960><c> Services</c> Department of Health and Human Services Department of Health and Human
• /c><02:04:46.000><c> Services,</c> Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Health and
• </c> Hampshire Department of Health and Human Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.<02:12

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• burials of human remains in Washington.
• of human remains and in which on substitute House Bill 2158.
• burials of human remains in Washington.
• It also includes requests from a variety of state agencies, including the Department of Ecology, Department
• of Health, Department of Transportation, and Department of Archaeology, as well as a request from the

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2158 would authorize remote notarization of tangible records and remote oaths/affirmations, with record-retention requirements and no fiscal impact; the prime sponsor and staff described it as an access-to-justice measure, and the bill drew strong support in signed-in testimony. Substitute House Bill 2239 would create a framework for family burial grounds on private land, including setbacks, notice, recording, local regulation authority, and grandfathering of existing sites; supporters said it would help rural families and some tribal members bury loved ones on family land, while WSDOT raised a technical concern about the setback from rights-of-way. Substitute House Bill 2178 would reconcile statutes with court rules on malicious mischief aggregation, infraction deadlines, payment plans, and treasurer handling of certain funds; the sponsor and AOC described it as a technical cleanup with no fiscal impact, and it was supported by AOC. The committee then heard Engrossed House Bill 2445, which would tighten probate procedures to curb “probates for profit” by extending the time to petition, narrowing who qualifies as a suitable personal representative, changing venue, adding notice and reporting requirements, and regulating agreements with transferees for value and heir-finding firms. The sponsor, Attorney General’s Office, and Northwest Justice Project said the bill would protect grieving families from predatory actors, while some probate attorneys warned it could sweep too broadly and affect legitimate heir-finding services; the sponsor said he was open to further discussion and written recommendations. Substitute House Bill 2543 would update county clerk fees to match new appellate court rules and modernize outdated references such as CDs; county clerks and county officials supported it as a technical, cost-recovery measure. Finally, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 would create a standalone gross misdemeanor for false identification as a peace officer, replacing part of the criminal impersonation statute and adding prohibitions on badges, vehicles, and attire that mimic law enforcement, with exceptions for lawful, artistic, and inherited items. The sponsor, the governor’s office, and a city representative supported it as a public-safety and trust measure, citing impersonation incidents and protections for immigrant communities. The committee also began hearing Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2532 on nitrous oxide, which would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters for personal use while exempting medical, veterinary, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses; members questioned how the law would be enforced and whether additional controlled-substance treatment would be needed. No votes were taken during the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• been the health and human services providers in the state of California.
• We also partnered with our council member departments in the Health and Human Services Agency to begin
• , Secretary Johnson of the California Health and Human Services Agency, are deeply...
• So that was the most significant, really bringing in those Health and Human Services Department.
• Department of Social Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• inclusion of the rates proposal to allow the Department of Human Services to apply for a directed payment
• 08.639><c> Department</c><01:52:08.880><c> of</c><01:52:09.119><c> Human</c><01:52:09.360><c> Services
• </c> allow the Department of Human Services allow the Department of Human Services to<01:52:10.880><c
• proposal, which will bring funding to the Department of Human Services to strengthen the fraud and program
• </c> Department of Human Services to Department of Human Services to strengthen<02:04:06.880><c> um</

Transcript Highlights:

• of Human Services.
• For the Department of Human Services components of the governor's anti-fraud package, it's important
• of Human Services.
• </c><00:30:38.320><c> This</c> the Department of Human Services.
• This the Department of Human Services.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Health and Human Services. HB 4088, Escrow. HB 4087, Government. HB 4090, Judiciary.
• First reading of bills. H.B. 4056, appropriation of veteran services.
• Health and Human Services. HB 48, commercial motor vehicle liability. Commerce.
• HCR 258, comprehensive health and human services.
• HB 20307, technical correction critical health and human services.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month, with Representative Willoughby emphasizing CPR and AED readiness. Members also welcomed students and guests from Wilcox Christian School, the Arizona State Fair Association, and other visitors. The chamber then handled routine business including attendance, journal approval, committee assignments, and first and second readings of numerous bills. The Committee of the Whole considered several measures, including HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2223, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785. Most received do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and amendments. HB 2785, a major tax conformity bill, drew the most debate: supporters said it would align Arizona law with federal tax changes, prevent taxpayers from having to amend returns, and provide certainty during filing season, while opponents argued it would create a large revenue loss and benefit corporations and the wealthy without a clear funding plan. The committee adopted the Ways and Means amendment to HB 2785 by a 31-22 division vote, and the bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation. Back on the floor, the House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2123, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785 to engrossing. In third reading, HB 2029, HB 2120, HB 2126, and HB 2131 passed, while HB 2045 failed on a 19-36 vote and then failed again on a reconsideration motion by 25-27. Members then made several personal privilege remarks about legislative process, representation, and Black History Month, and the House adjourned until the following Wednesday afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of things for me: I like having a human being kind of overseeing.
• we've done in human trafficking in... ...because of the work that we've done in human trafficking in
• Department of Justice audits should have been happening from the beginning as a matter of appropriate
• The bill requires ongoing reporting by the Office of Emergency Services and audits by the Department
• My local police department was part of the, part of the Northern California Center.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Al Wyman, director of regulatory services, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food.
• Al Wyman, director of regulatory services, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food.
• of Health and Human Services.
• ><05:08:50.560><c> and</c><05:08:50.718><c> Human</c> Hampshire Department of Health and Human Hampshire
• Department of Health and Human Services.<05:08:52.000><c> So</c><05:08:52.480><c> there's</c><05:08:

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray in gratitude for the diversity of ways that humans have responded to the mystery of life.
• For the diversity of ways that humans have responded to the mystery of life through our various religions
• And may our devotion to service be an expression of our faith in the goodness of humanity and in the
• Women's rights are also an essential part of everyone's human rights.
• Then we're going to do the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber then moved to confirmations and resolutions. Andy Nakahata was confirmed as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank by a 32-0 vote, Richard Stein was confirmed to the California Arts Council by a 33-0 vote, and Nick Hardiman was confirmed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors by a 33-0 vote. The Senate adopted SCR 127, recognizing December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, by unanimous roll call. Members also adopted SCR 110, designating March 16–22, 2026 as Women’s Military History Week, after remarks highlighting women veterans and military leaders, and SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with several senators speaking in support of Ginsburg’s legacy and the importance of women’s equality. SR 85, recognizing March 8–14, 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, was also adopted unanimously. The Senate then approved the special consent calendar, including Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 127, 128, 132, and 134, by a 33-0 vote. Committee announcements followed, with several budget subcommittees and the Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry announcing upcoming meetings. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener, and the Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Social Services.
• Are they, how much are they decreasing this year in our Health and Human Services Department that our
• Laura Yala, Department of Finance, I can speak specifically to the Department of Health Care Services
• , which administers Medi-Cal, not all of the Health and Human Services departments, but due to H.R. 1
• We have comments on the health and human services side of the budget, but those will be submitted in

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, as the main item. Committee leaders described the legislative budget agreement as a balanced two-year plan with about $355.9 billion in total spending, $253 billion from the General Fund, and $36.5 billion in reserves. The Legislative Analyst and Department of Finance said the package assumes about $5.5 billion in higher revenues than the May Revision and uses those resources for a mix of spending changes, including higher Proposition 98 support, additional child care slots, housing and homelessness funding, delayed Medi-Cal reductions, and added support for counties, public hospitals, and distressed hospitals. The administration said the plan resembles the May Revision’s overall structure but includes new spending and revenue assumptions, and members noted that separate revenue trailer bills would be heard later in the week. Much of the committee discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on immigrants, low-income workers, counties, and hospitals. Several senators criticized the budget for locking in savings from delayed or reduced Medi-Cal coverage and for not including a mechanism to restore eligibility, while administration and LAO staff said the package delays some reductions but does not automatically reinstate coverage. Finance staff said roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people with unsatisfactory immigration status would move from managed care to fee-for-service, with coverage largely unchanged except for certain services not federally allowed. Members also discussed county administrative funding, indigent care, public hospital support, and the expected rise in uncompensated care. Other topics included In-Home Supportive Services, child care, homelessness funding, Prop. 36, courthouse construction and new judgeships, transit and cap-and-invest/GGRF funding, local journalism, and workforce or reentry programs. Committee members split along party lines in their comments. Democratic members generally supported the agreement as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects core services, preserves reserves, and makes targeted investments in education, housing, health care, and justice system capacity. Republican members argued the budget relies on unrealistic revenue assumptions, does not sufficiently reduce spending, and includes costly policy choices and tax increases. Public testimony largely came from advocates and stakeholders who supported IHSS, Medi-Cal, child care, domestic violence services, hospitals, transit, and other programs, while some business and health plan representatives raised concerns about tax proposals and the shift from managed care to fee-for-service. The chair then moved the committee to public comment and indicated that the revenue bills would return later in the week; no final vote on AB 109 is reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the Department of Labor and not this in the Department of Labor and not in<01:18:17.199><c> OPLC?
• I'm joined by the Department of Labor.
• New Hampshire through the Department of Labor.
• of human drugs fail that more than 90% of human drugs fail during<02:14:35.920><c> clinical</c><02:14
• </c> toxicity in human patients or lack of toxicity in human patients or lack of efficacy. efficacy.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the Chief People Officer with the Human Resource Management Services Division of the Office
• that schedule with Human Resource Management Services, to align with the repeal of North Dakota Administrative
• the Department of Mineral Resources.
• We are on our 11:55 a.m. agenda item presentation by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding
• I'm a manager of addiction treatment with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Committee: Joint Administrative Rules Committee

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• This is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill.
• of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• And under the bill, we authorize, we don't mandate, but we authorize the Department of Management Services

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report and a rules report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber also heard several recognitions and a farewell speech from Representative Nixon, who reflected on constituent service and her legislative priorities. On the floor, HB 1405, relating to a statewide project for missing persons with special needs, passed unanimously. The House then took up CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew questions about the handling of surplus conservation lands and agricultural uses; it passed 94-10. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, was explained as a broad package restricting foreign-country influence in government, procurement, gifts, cultural agreements, and related areas. An amendment adding restrictions on surrogacy and adoption involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern was adopted after debate over possible impacts on families and adoption practices, and the bill then passed 80-20. The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1197, a bill to modernize state information technology procurement and contracting, unanimously after debate about improving oversight of large IT projects. HB 1103, allowing local governments to fast-track action on derelict vessels, also passed unanimously. The chamber then considered CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use development and development regulations, including limits on development fees, changes to local voting thresholds for comprehensive plan and boundary actions, manufactured homes in RV parks, and resort-related provisions. Several amendments were debated, including one on local control and rural boundaries that failed and another strike-all amendment ruled out of order; the bill ultimately passed 71-38. The final item reached before the transcript ended was a local bill for the Pace Fire Rescue District in Santa Rosa County, described as adjusting its assessment formula to provide tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide a brief update of the Idaho Department of Lands.
• , as well as the Department of Water Resources.
• I'm the Director at the Department of Parks and Rec.
• So the state of Idaho's Department of Correction gave it to the state to be a state park.
• So the state of Idaho's Department of Correction gave it to the state to be of state park.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services will now come to order.
• the Department of Children and Families.
• Bell, with the Department of Health, waving in support. Thank you.
• Bell, with the Department of Health Waving in support. Thank you. Thank you.
• The budget reflects this committee's proposed health and human services budget.

Bills: S0042 , S0196 , S0878 , S0902 , S0914 , S1092 , S1168 , S1340 , S1404 , S1414 , S1684 , S1686

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to hear and vote on a series of health, human services, and education-related bills, along with a presentation of the committee’s proposed HHS budget. The budget was described as increasing by more than $2.1 billion over the current base, with major funding highlighted for Medicaid and KidCare, rural health, provider rate increases, child welfare, mental health and substance use, opioid treatment, Alzheimer’s initiatives, cancer research, ADAP, veterans’ services, and IT modernization. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding and concerns about Department of Health changes affecting access, premium assistance, notice, and continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Among the bills reported favorably were measures on podiatric medicine and tissue-based products (SB 1092), background screening and clearinghouse procedures (SB 1168), child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses and second opinions (SB 42), clinical laboratory personnel licensure standards (SB 878), uterine fibroid data tracking and research (SB 196), medical marijuana treatment center oversight and related health provisions (SB 902), dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and intervention in schools (SB 1340), memory care licensure for assisted living facilities (SB 1404), congenital CMV education materials (SB 1414), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption bills (SB 1684 and SB 1686), and occupational therapy dry needling licensure standards (SB 914). Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1092, SB 42, SB 902, SB 1684, and SB 1404. Testimony generally came from professional associations, advocacy groups, and affected stakeholders, with support voiced for most measures. The committee adopted amendments on the floor, heard no opposition during debate on the bills described, and then voted to report each measure favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Corrections, Department of Justice for litigation expenses.
• </c><00:17:27.959><c> of</c> as the judicial Council uh Department of as the judicial Council uh Department
• 00:17:29.919><c> for</c> Corrections Department of Justice for Corrections Department of Justice for
• </c><00:58:42.880><c> service</c> that was that the number of service that was that the number of service
• of life services to important quality of life services to our<01:01:40.440><c> neighbors</c><01:01:41.160

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, he is waiving in support for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Will Grissom, also, he is waiving in support for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Barney
• the Department of Legal Affairs, to conduct a comprehensive review of anti-Semitism prevalence in Florida
• the Department of Legal Affairs, to conduct a comprehensive review of anti-Semitism prevalence in Florida
• She said the Florida Department of Corrections is entrusted with enormous authority over human lives,

Bills: S0436 , S0532 , S0600 , S0644 , S0682 , S0928 , S1072 , S1332 , S1632 , S1634

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Departments of the Interior or the U.S. Departments of the Interior or the U.S.
• of the Department of Labor how to effectively detect and assist law enforcement in preventing human
• It directs the Department of Labor, the Secretary of the Department of Labor, to develop and implement
• It also ensures the Department of Labor employees are aware of how to refer potential cases of human
• Department of Labor is on the front line of detecting human trafficking.

Transcript Highlights:

• , including the Department of Defense.
• Technology is not free of the biases and flaws of the humans that create them.
• This bill, SB 83, ensures human oversight of AI in critical infrastructure by requiring... ...of an AI
• Department of Justice in the form of a letter, not just once but twice.
• are providing services online, sort of outside of any health care system.

Summary: The committee heard several AI- and consumer-protection-related bills, with extensive testimony from authors, supporters, and industry opponents. SB 53 by Senator Wiener would create transparency requirements for large AI developers, including disclosure of safety and security protocols, reporting of critical safety incidents, whistleblower protections, and the CalCompute public cloud. Supporters said it is a narrower, transparency-based follow-up to last year’s vetoed AI safety bill, while opponents argued it still relies too much on company size, could expose trade secrets, and should be narrowed further. The committee approved SB 53 on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. SB 766 by Senator Allen would codify the FTC’s Cars Rule and create a three-day cooling-off period for certain used-car purchases, along with stronger disclosure rules on pricing, add-ons, and government affiliation claims. Supporters said it would save consumers money and time and help buyers avoid bad deals, while dealer and industry groups said amendments addressed many of their concerns. Several former opponents moved to neutral, and the committee passed SB 766 unanimously as amended to Appropriations. SB 7 by Senator McNerney would regulate automated decision-making systems in employment by requiring notice, human review for discipline and termination, and limits on predictive behavior analysis. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or overly automated workplace decisions, while employer and industry groups raised concerns about scope, notice burdens, and the predictive-analysis ban. The committee passed SB 7 to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote, with the roll held open. SB 833, also by Senator McNerney, would require human oversight of AI used in critical infrastructure, along with training and system assessments; it drew limited opposition focused on scope, and the committee passed it as amended to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote, also holding the roll open. Later, the committee took up SB 11, which would address AI-generated voice, image, and video cloning and deepfakes by clarifying likeness protections, requiring consumer warnings, and addressing misuse and evidence tampering. Supporters framed it as a targeted response to nonconsensual deepfakes, while industry groups said recent amendments improved the bill but still had concerns about penalties and warning language. The committee also heard SB 720, the Safer Streets Act, which would let cities opt into a revised red-light camera system that shifts from driver to owner liability, removes facial identification, makes violations civil rather than criminal, and directs revenue toward transportation safety projects; the author presented the bill, but the transcript ends before any final action on SB 720.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a quick note: the Department of Revenue reached out.
• First reading of bills. First reading of bills: HB 4056 — appropriation of veteran services.
• Health and Human Services. HB 48 — commercial motor vehicle liability. Commerce.
• HCCS comprehensive health and human services.
• HB 20307 — technical correction, critical health and human services.