Video & Transcript Research : 'CMS'
Page 15 of 56
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, May 15, 2026 - AM
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Health reached out to CMS Department of Health reached out to CMS to<00:40:45.360>
- is the federal CMS payment schedules? is the federal CMS payment schedules?
- CMS regulates those plans.
- Than CMS.
- CMS regulates those plans. the exchange. CMS regulates those plans.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- happy to provide additional information, but we are planning to submit the 1115 demonstration waiver to CMS
- To CMS in spring of 2025, quite possibly before the end of this month.
- We have been advised by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, that we do not need
- We have been advised by the federal centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, CMS, that we do not need
- Senate Bill 644, that directed the agency to create a new hospital license classification in response to CMS
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee received updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health on implementation of 2024 health care laws. AHCA reviewed progress on workforce and reimbursement measures in Senate Bill 7016 and related bills, including FRAME and TEACH funding, graduate medical education reporting, behavioral health teaching hospitals, acute hospital care at home, advanced birth centers, non-emergent care access plans, and rural emergency hospitals. Agency officials said several programs are already operational or have begun payments, while others are still in rulemaking, federal approval, or report-preparation stages. Senators asked about timing, funding reversion concerns, and whether appropriated dollars would be spent on schedule, especially for behavioral health teaching hospitals and the new birth center category.
The Department of Health then reported on practitioner licensure and public health programs. MQA described implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Mobile Act licensure pathway, massage therapy enforcement changes, background screening expansion, liposuction safety requirements, pharmacist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis authority, and chiropractic dry needling. Public health staff updated the committee on FRAME and dental loan repayment, the Sinati screening grant program, the cancer research and innovation changes, the health care innovation council and loan program, the pediatric rare disease grant program, telehealth maternity care expansion, newborn screening for congenital CMV, the sickle cell registry and grants, and the swimming lesson voucher program. Members focused questions on how practitioners were being recruited to underserved areas, the pace of licensure approvals, and whether new programs were on track to use appropriated funds.
The committee also heard a lengthy update from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The director reported more than 900,000 qualified patients, real-time seed-to-sale tracking now integrated across most dispensaries and labs, and ongoing compliance work on product testing, advertising, diversion, and patient safety. Senators questioned the decline in qualified physicians, how THC potency is labeled and verified, and what the agency can do about diversion to non-patients. The director said the office relies on complaints, inspections, lab audits, and coordination with law enforcement, and that patients can be suspended if violations are confirmed.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And typically those have more details, more policy details when they are actually submitted to CMS to
- This is directing the Department of Health to ask for a waiver from CMS, and that's where those details
- also, in subsection five, it says the department shall seek any state plan amendment or waiver from CMS
- But they would still have to ask CMS for permission on their plan.
- My bill specifically...” “...CMS is not a hard, fast rule. We don’t have the authority to do that.
Bills:
HR267, HCR105, HCR107, HCR110, HCR113, HCR114, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB237, SB333, SB433, SB483, SCR37
Keywords:
diabetes, amputation, amputations, diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral artery disease, PAD, wound care, podiatry, vascular disease, endocrinology, limb salvage, health policy, public health, healthcare costs, insurance coverage, Louisiana Department of Health, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, patient education, screening
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations. (2-24-26)
Licensing & Occupations
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, CMS has to agree to it. people. But the basic reason is and if people.
- <00:37:29.760>
Um <00:37:30.560>CMS <00:37:31.119>has <00:37:31.280>to - Um CMS has to several uh prong review.
- Um CMS has to agree<00:37:31.680>
to <00:37:31.839>it. - Again, I submit for CMS to agree to.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 24, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one bill, House Bill 470. The bill sponsor and supporters described it as a cleanup measure to House Bill 505 that would extend the deadline for peer support specialists in the substance use field to become registered, because the earlier regulations were not promulgated in time and employers and workers were left in limbo. Supporters said the bill includes an emergency clause to stabilize the workforce and creates a working group to recommend a more effective oversight structure, possibly a new board, by November 1. They argued the extension would preserve access to services, allow providers to continue billing for peer support, and give the state time to address regulatory backlogs and workforce shortages.
Several supporters emphasized that peer support is a critical part of recovery services and that the current system needs better infrastructure, accountability, and uniform standards. They said the bill would help prevent fraud and abuse by tightening guardrails while allowing qualified peers to keep working. One supporter said the bill would close the door on higher-level billing abuses and that other Medicaid-related efforts were also underway to address improper billing practices. Another witness said the bill would allow people who completed certification to continue serving and would help providers retain staff and get reimbursed.
Senator McDaniel raised concerns that the bill might simply extend the period during which abuse of the peer recovery model could continue, rather than fixing the underlying problems. In response, the sponsors said House Bill 505 already imposed tighter training requirements and that this bill only extends the registration deadline while other efforts, including managed care organization limits and broader Medicaid reforms, are addressing abuse. Senator Howell asked about barriers to registration, and witnesses said the problem was a mix of supply-demand issues, workload, and some applicants’ reluctance to take the test. Senator Berg supported the bill as necessary to ensure proper billing and accountability, while Senator Meredith said the committee was missing key information from the cabinet and suggested it may be premature to act without hearing from the agency. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- we passed that 1115 reentry waiver, and this would enable us to finalize that as we're working with CMS
- we passed that 1115 reentry waiver, and this would enable us to finalize that as we're working with CMS
- This would enable us to respond to the immediate needs of people where there are CMS by establishing
- this is a rule that was published by CMS this is a rule that was published by CMS in<00:47:21.120
- That includes direct communications and technical assistance with CMS.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/18/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, there's a lot of time that's been put into working with CMS and working these things out.
- So, there's a lot of time that's been put into working with CMS and working these things out.
- So, there's a lot of time that's been put into working with CMS and working these things out.
- So, there's a lot of time that's been put into working with CMS and working these things out.
- There was a lot of time that's been put into working with CMS and working these things out.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen withholding of Medicaid funds in Minnesota, and Minnesota has now sued CMS to challenge that
- And now we're seeing communications from the House and from CMS to Massachusetts and other states regarding
- Do you know if Massachusetts has received a CMS letter yet, like a number of other blue states have?
- I don't know of us having received a CMS letter. I know that some states have.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group.
The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office.
Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines.
Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 12 (1-22-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Joint Resolution 37, Representative Hancock, a joint resolution designating the Representative CM
- designating Hancock, a joint resolution designating the<00:22:55.600>
Representative <00:22:56.320>CM - <00:22:56.799>
Hank <00:22:57.200>Hancock the Representative CM Hank Hancock the Representative - CM Hank Hancock Memorial<00:22:58.480>
Highway <00:22:58.880>in <00:22:59.120>Franklin
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 06:30
Calendar/2nd Readings 07:18
Report of Committees 08:19
Orders of the Day 09:04
HB 96 09:16
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 15:21
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 21:24
Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:35
ConC and Rules Report 31:06
Floor Amendments 32:42
Return to Rules Report 33:28
Adjournment 34:27, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum of 98 members, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber approved the journal from January 21, 2026, and received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 29, 38, and 49, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, requesting concurrence. The House also took second reading on several bills, including measures on agriculture programs, milk transportation, food donation, criminal trespass, concealed firearms and deadly weapons, human trafficking, sexual material involving minors, reading and writing in schools, and educators.
Committee reports advanced House Resolution 7 on Kentucky election principles, House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, and House Bill 168 on boating under the influence. The House then considered House Bill 96, which would revise the membership of the postsecondary education performance-based funding work group, adding more legislators and changing the work group timeline to calendar years; the sponsor said the bill had support from university presidents and the Council on Postsecondary Education. After a question about geographic representation, the House passed HB 96 by a vote of 79-16 and applied the clincher.
During motions and announcements, the House brought House Resolution 34 to the floor and heard it reported as recognizing January 22, 2026 as Kentucky Arts Day. Rep. Burke spoke in support, citing the economic impact of Kentucky’s arts and culture sector, and the resolution was adopted without objection. Members also announced upcoming events, including a Holocaust survivor program, a breakfast, and a conservation district reception, and one member withdrew House Bill 284.
The House introduced a large slate of new bills and resolutions, including measures on real property, civil rights, local boards of education, peer support specialists, Medicaid coverage for doula services, public contracts, foster care, residential safety, gender, reproductive rights, hate crimes, a child welfare and family court reform task force, memorial highway designations, and constitutional recognition days. The Committee on Committees and Rules later referred and reassigned several bills to standing committees, posted selected bills and amendments for Friday’s calendar, and the House adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Director Gram, is there a requirement under the CMS and including in our systems that we continue to
- If we're not doing that, we're in violation of CMS rules.
- And if we're in violation of CMS rules, then we don't get any funding associated with Medicaid, which
- <01:02:52.320>
And <01:02:52.400>if we're in violation of CMS rules. - And if we're in violation of CMS rules.
Keywords:
workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- CMS has a definition.
- The um United CMS has a definition.
- CMS effective November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
- CMS effective November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
- By CMS that was part of the EIDBI measures that passed last session and approved by CMS effective November
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (12-10-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Um CMS also for a Medicaid recruitment.
- Um CMS also estimated<00:13:06.560>
that <00:13:06.800>the <00:13:06.959>vast <00 - <00:47:38.000>
CMS conversations at the federal level. - CMS conversations at the federal level.
- Stuck, to that point, and again just to share what CMS is sort of discussing with folks.
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation.
The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes.
Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 31st, 2025 at 05:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- the session saying that we would love the turnaround times on prior authorization to be in line with CMS
- So in terms of CMS guidelines, that's what we're looking for, and so we think we're neutral.
- So in terms of CMS guidelines, that's what we're looking for, and so we think we're neutral.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 19, March 4, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a statement of the basic strategy the state has in trying to get CMS to agree.
- to agree we're trying to deal to get CMS to agree we're trying to deal with<00:49:29.119>
those of our hospitals in trouble and the CMS of our hospitals in trouble and the CMS regulations<00:51 - agreement with CMS agreement with CMS and<00:59:09.440>
have <00:59:09.485>[clears throat - The CMS is trying to force them on it. But basically, Mr.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (2-24-26)
Appropriations & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- even as states continue to wait for CMS even as states continue to wait for CMS to<00:43:36.079>
- of the Medicaid portions of HR1 by not going further than what it calls for until we know more from CMS
- of the Medicaid portions of HR1 by not going further than what it calls for until we know more from CMS
- of the Medicaid portions of HR1 by not going further than what it calls for until we know more from CMS
- of the Medicaid portions of HR1 by not going further than what it calls for until we know more from CMS
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:15
HB 1 Discussion 00:02:00
HB 1 Vote 00:15:05
HB 2 Discussion 00:17:20
HB 2 Vote 01:13:20, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met on House Bill 1, which would implement Kentucky’s participation in the federal education freedom tax credit program. Sponsors said the bill would allow donors to receive a federal dollar-for-dollar tax credit for contributions to scholarship granting organizations, with no state dollars involved, and that public school districts could potentially create their own SGOs. Members asked about the removal of state tax language in the committee substitute, the meaning of the 11th Amendment waiver, whether SGOs could serve only public school students, and whether data collection could be added. The sponsors said the state tax language was unnecessary because the credit is federal, the waiver would allow federal-court litigation over the act, and a district could establish an SGO if it met federal requirements. The committee adopted the substitute and then reported HB 1 favorably with 16 yes votes, one nay, three pass votes, and one abstention.
The committee then took up House Bill 2, an act relating to Medicaid and making an appropriation. The sponsor described the bill as a response to federal HR 1 and to concerns raised by the Medicaid oversight board, saying it would address program integrity, eligibility redeterminations, cost sharing, and managed care organization contracts. He said the bill would require periodic eligibility verification for expansion Medicaid enrollees, add modest cost-sharing for some services to encourage use of primary care over emergency rooms, and strengthen enforcement of MCO contracts, with penalties going into a restricted compliance fund. Members asked about the committee amendment, and the sponsor explained it restored flexibility on the number of MCOs in future procurement rather than locking in a reduction.
Members also asked whether the bill had gone before the Medicaid oversight advisory board and whether a fiscal note was available; the sponsor said the board’s recommendations were incorporated and fiscal notes were included in the packet. After discussion, the committee adopted committee amendment one to PHS2 and then adopted PHS2 as amended for consideration. The sponsor continued outlining the bill’s provisions, emphasizing that it applied to the expansion population and was intended to align Kentucky law with federal requirements while improving oversight and accountability.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 17th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, CMS on the federal level, um, does provide parity protections, um, for those, uh, governmental, uh
- Um, but an audit found last year, an audit by US, uh, HHSOIG found that CMS is not correct, correctly
- So we have concerns that CMS is not getting the job done, um, on parity, uh, regulation and compliance
Keywords:
disabled veteran, partially disabled veteran, veterans property tax exemption, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, surviving spouse, appraisal district, Tax Code, local government revenue, homestead portability, service-connected disability, veteran benefits, Texas property tax, residence homestead, disability rating, disaster response, financial assistance, helicopter, municipalities
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 17th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- CMS, on the federal level, does provide parity protections for those. uh, governmental, uh, employee
- HHS-OIG found that CMS is not correctly reviewing. Medicaid plans for parity compliance.
- So we have concerns that CMS is not getting the job done. on parity regulation and compliance for the
Keywords:
financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, HB 618, Texas insurance code, IVF, in vitro fertilization, fertility treatment, infertility coverage, government employee health benefits
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/15/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- The reason House Bill 707 talks about 10^-4 cm/s is because that's silty sand.
- The reason House Bill 707 talks about 10^-4 cm/s is because that's silty sand.
- The reason House Bill 707 talks about 10^-4 cm/s is because that's silty sand.
- The reason House Bill 707 talks about 10^-4 cm/s is because that's silty sand.
- The reason House Bill 707 talks about 10^-4 cm/s is because that's silty sand.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- previous concern was that the implementation of the bill would require a state plan amendment with CMS
- Representative Bliss's floor amendment in the House, which made coverage of the added services contingent on CMS
- previous concern was that the implementation of the bill would require a state plan amendment with CMS
- Representative Bliss's floor amendment in the House, which made coverage of the added services contingent on CMS
- President of Bliss's floor amendment in the House which made coverage of the added services contingent on CMS
Keywords:
AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, motorcycle registration, safety fund, education, awareness programs, low-income scholarships, motorcycle training, special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications
Summary:
The Committee on Appropriations met with all members present, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and announced its final hearing would be the following Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. The committee first heard HB 2134, the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which would bar state and critical infrastructure entities from contracting with Chinese companies for access to critical infrastructure, prohibit Chinese-produced software and equipment in certain systems, require annual certifications and reporting, and direct the Corporation Commission and DEMA to implement oversight and emergency communications measures. The sponsor and a witness argued the bill was a targeted national-security measure and a companion to federal efforts; concerns were raised about cost, overlap with federal law, and staffing, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote.
The committee then considered HB 2051, which would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to CMS approval, to provide breastfeeding and lactation care services in multiple settings. Testimony from lactation consultants, researchers, advocates, and tribal representatives emphasized maternal and infant health benefits, access gaps, and potential Medicaid savings; AHCCCS and ADHS were neutral, with AHCCCS estimating a $1.8 million general fund cost and ADHS saying it could not absorb implementation costs. The committee adopted a 15-page amendment creating a voluntary state certification for lactation care providers and a DHS advisory committee, then passed the bill as amended on a 9-0 vote.
HB 2700, creating a technology-first study committee on assistive technology for people with disabilities, also passed unanimously after testimony from disability advocates and a proposed amendment to add minority-party appointments was discussed but not voted on. HB 2800, which increases the penalty for knowingly lending a vehicle to a person with a DUI-related driving restriction if that person causes serious injury or death, drew extensive debate over whether the felony penalty was appropriate when the lender may not know the eventual outcome; after testimony from the sponsor and the victim’s widow, the bill passed 9-1. HB 2114, which uses motorcycle safety fund money for scholarships for rural and low-income riders and requires ADOT to issue motorcycle registrations only when an owner has a class M license, passed 10-0 amid concerns that the license language may need clarification on the floor. The committee then began HB 2127, an omnibus special-plates bill with multiple amendments, but discussion centered on whether one amendment was hostile and whether a community-college plate should be offered later; no final action on HB 2127 was taken in the portion provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 18th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We think that CMS might take administrative action to reduce those payments down to 100% of Medicare.
- However, we're very much still in negotiations about that with the federal government, and the federal CMS
- Then, $5 billion at CMS administrator's discretion.
- ready as soon as the guidance comes out, because we are expecting announcements in about a month from CMS
- We did receive a letter from the federal regulator at CMS basically saying, "You better get started.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jun 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- will have access to enough affordable EV options in the market to support the aggressive targets of CMS
- For reference, CMS set far more aggressive targets for EV use by rideshare platforms than the new sales
- latter program was recently put into question by the federal government, which could directly impact CMS
- We could fall short of the CMS target without better public and private investment.
- average in California per ride for insurance alone, post other government taxes and fees, including CMS
Summary:
The hearing focused on transportation network companies in California, with the chair framing it as an informational hearing on the history, regulation, safety, climate, accessibility, and data issues surrounding Uber, Lyft, and smaller or autonomous TNC services. The CPUC described its decade-long regulatory role, including safety rules, background checks, insurance requirements, reporting obligations, and two major legislative programs from 2018: the Clean Miles Standard and the Access for All program. Members asked about complaint trends, data collection and disclosure, program implementation, and how the CPUC uses annual reports for policymaking, compliance, and program oversight.
Uber and Lyft said the statewide framework has supported growth while providing safety and access benefits, but both companies emphasized that insurance is a major cost driver and argued that California’s UM/UIM requirement is unusually high compared with other vehicles. They said the Clean Miles Standard is pushing electrification but faces headwinds from EV affordability and charging infrastructure, while Access for All has expanded wheelchair-accessible service but still needs continued support. They also discussed transit partnerships, wildfire response, and the potential role of autonomous vehicles, with both companies saying human drivers will remain important and that future regulation should account for new technology.
The final panel, including the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and UC Berkeley researchers, presented evidence that TNCs have increased congestion and reduced transit ridership, especially in dense urban areas. They described prior research showing TNCs contributed to congestion growth in San Francisco and noted that this work helped spur local taxes on ride-hailing trips to fund safety and transit improvements. The panel also discussed the CPUC’s evolving data-disclosure decisions, arguing that public access to TNC trip data is important for understanding transportation impacts and informing local policy.