Transcript Highlights:

• They choose at the Federal Student Aid call center.
• And that includes state and federal aid? State and federal aid, correct. Okay.
• Data from that application is never sent to federal student aid.
• Administration of state aid programs.
• With current uncertainty at the federal level about Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, and other financial

Transcript Highlights:

• Sarah Flachs, California Federation...
• It's important that more than ever that we send Security Administration threatened to shut down the administration
• How exactly is the federal government doing this?
• In the middle of all the federal chaos last week, this administration has also effectively prevented
• at the federal level, If California workers are unable to get a remedy at the federal level, California

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several labor-related measures. AB 465 would require city and county employers, when requested by a union, to negotiate minimum disciplinary and grievance standards in MOUs, including progressive discipline, just-cause protections, grievance appeal procedures, and paid release time for representatives. Supporters said it would create fairer, more consistent due process protections for local public employees; opponents argued it could be too rigid, create litigation, and interfere with existing bargaining and civil service systems. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Appropriations. AB 792 would allow multi-region bargaining for court interpreters when more than one region is negotiating at the same time, with supporters saying it would streamline negotiations and help address interpreter recruitment and retention. There was no opposition, but some members questioned whether the proposal would meaningfully solve the underlying staffing and pay issues. The bill passed and was held for add-ons. AB 1309, which would improve Cal Fire firefighter compensation by making salaries more competitive with local fire departments, drew broad support and no opposition; members praised firefighters’ work and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also considered AJR 8, a resolution urging protection of Social Security and opposing cuts or closures that would make benefits harder to access. Supporters emphasized Social Security’s role in preventing poverty among seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, while one member objected to naming political figures in the resolution. The resolution passed and was held. AB 1247 would require contracted classified school employees to meet the same training and qualification standards as direct hires and address retirement contributions; supporters said it would protect students and improve parity, while opponents warned it would burden schools and limit flexibility. It passed 5-2. Finally, AB 288 would authorize the Public Employment Relations Board to act when the NLRB fails to remedy a labor claim by its deadline, with supporters framing it as a backstop for workers’ organizing rights amid federal inaction; it passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll continue doing that in the hopes that the federal and state partners.
• administration. ...but also that it will not be tolerated from non-federal institutions, whether state
• We expect to see further initiatives from federal agencies.
• This happens a lot in federal grant conditions.
• Recent discussions have focused on federal policy development and potential impacts focused on federal

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under law, federal law, it's revenue losses attributable to the provision of federal tax laws, which
• are for federal debt, the bigger concern is how much that federal debt actually grows over time that
• So if we're cutting federal revenues given where federal debt is, it's a bad situation.
• We've conformed to federal standard federal itemized deductions since 1990. when there's been changes
• standard federal itemized deductions since 1990 Rory Wilson, Arizona Department of Revenue: To federal

Bills: SB1042 , SB1043 , SB1044 , SB1135 , SB1136 , SB1142 , SB1180 , SB1221 , SB1252 , SB1254 , SCR1003

Committees: Senate Finance , Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Keywords: public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, property tax, tax exemption, Arizona Revised Statutes, digital currency, workers' compensation, death benefits, burial costs, spousal compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen federal funding and policy changes, particularly... ...2025-27 period.
• About $155 million are those federal changes that I just spoke to.
• You also see administrative reductions at a number of general government agencies.
• The Family Impact Network has served as the network administrator since 2014.
• Recent federal actions have destabilized its funding.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> administrator. Is that how it works? administrator. Is that how it works?
• And the federal government contributed $50.8 million. And that's under the IDEA, the federal law.
• Um, all of our federal programs.
• So, Department of Administrative Services charges rent for every single federal program.
• Um, you know, the federal and state differences between federal law and state law.

Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under this administration, the federal government exists to help the corporations as they screw the American
• Under this administration, the sides.
• Under this administration, the federal<00:09:50.240><c> government</c><00:09:50.640><c> exists</c><00
• Even as the administration to pay.
• </c> 20somes unelected showing up at federal 20somes unelected showing up at federal agencies<00:22:17.039

Transcript Highlights:

• They have a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to improve data in the commercial
• G5 is a Department of Disability federal grant.
• They have a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to improve data in commercial
• Phillips for a Medicaid administrative hearing officer.
• Phillips for a Medicaid administrative hearing officer.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• Our final administration is a Family Well-Being Administration, which is led by Assistant Commissioner
• Our final administration is a Family Well-Being Administration, which is led by Assistant Commissioner
• Administration is a family<00:09:28.000><c> well-being</c><00:09:28.519><c> Administration</c><00:09
• Sixty-eight percent is paid for by federal funding. Federal shares do differ among the programs.
• c> shares</c> for by federal funding uh Federal shares for by federal funding uh Federal shares do<00

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.
• constraints and federal regulations.
• , or non-federal licensing, right?
• It’s a federal restriction.
• One, it’s simply not an administrative check-the-box process, so you can’t just give it to the administrators

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee and heard several bills focused on insurance transparency, wildfire mitigation, market access, and workforce issues. AB 75 would require insurers to give homeowners 30 days’ notice before collecting aerial images of their property and allow homeowners to review those images; supporters said it would improve privacy and prevent inaccurate non-renewals, while consumer and industry groups both sought amendments. AB 234 would add the Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tem, or designees, as non-voting members on the California FAIR Plan governing committee; the Department of Insurance supported it as an oversight measure, while Consumer Federation of California said it was only a small first step toward broader transparency reforms. AB 428 would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance, with supporters citing rising insurance costs for small water systems and no remaining opposition after amendments. AB 943 would streamline producer pre-licensing education by removing the 20-hour per-line requirement while keeping ethics training; industry sponsors said it would reduce barriers to entry, while consumer advocates warned it could lower professional standards. AB 1209 would create a pathway for cannabis employers to secure workers’ compensation coverage and related services through a state-coordinated network; supporters said it would help bring the industry into compliance, while one member raised concerns about creating a special carveout for a federally restricted industry. AB 1 would require periodic review of the state’s Safer from Wildfire regulations every five years, and it drew broad support from the department, insurers, local governments, and industry groups as a way to keep wildfire mitigation incentives current. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AB 69, AB 487, and AB 570, all of which were sent to Appropriations. The committee approved AB 75 to Privacy and Consumer Protection, AB 234 to the Assembly Floor, AB 428 to Local Government, AB 943 to Appropriations, AB 1209 to Business and Professions, and AB 1 to Appropriations. Most measures passed on strong or unanimous votes after members added coauthor requests and expressed support for the bills’ consumer protection, transparency, or wildfire-related goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, in the summer of 2020, the Trump administration deployed a staggering number of federal law
• The violent federal response involved 337 Border Patrol agents with Mr.
• They can be searched by thousands of federal employees.
• I was really shocked when the Biden administration shut that off.
• I was alarmed, therefore, to see the Trump administration rescind a federal policy protecting sensitive

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they would likely do so through the federal government.
• You’re saying states have to resemble the federal system.
• For administrative simplicity. I'll take a shot at that one.
• As many of you did, we also rang this alarm when we saw the shift in the federal administration.
• Yvonne Fernandez with the California Federation of Labor Unions.

Transcript Highlights:

• approval, assume administrative primacy for mineral leasing on specified federal lands located within
• , that the state would be entitled to the 2% administrative fee for those federal lands, and that would
• approval, assume administrative primacy for mineral leasing on specified federal lands located within
• approval, assume administrative primacy for mineral leasing on specified federal lands located within
• fee for those to the 2% administrative fee for those federal<02:44:26.160><c> lands</c><02:44:26.479

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of Wyoming law as well as federal law. of Wyoming law as well as federal law.
• </c> that federal court uh, in there also. that federal court uh, in there also.
• </c> federal authorities. federal authorities.
• </c><00:54:30.640><c> federal</c> troopers to go assist federal federal troopers to go assist federal
• often require federal cooperation and create<00:58:36.640><c> unnecessary</c><00:58:37.440><c> administrative

Bills: HB0130 , HB0095 , HB0096 , HB0097 , SF0101 , SF0106 , SF0067 , SF0123

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen federal funding and policy changes, particularly... ...2025-27 period.
• We've seen federal funding and policy changes, particularly 25, 27 period.
• About $155 million are those federal changes that I just spoke to.
• About $155 million are those federal changes that I just spoke to.
• Recent federal actions have destabilized its funding.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2773, International Criminal Court — Federalism.
• HB 2793, annexation and territory procedures — Federalism.
• HB 2028, DWR application administrative completeness.
• HB 2370, schools weapons detection systems administration.
• I mean, they're still under federal watch.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the federal application.
• Access in the position of, do we violate federal law or state law?
• I think that this conflicts with federal law, first of all.
• The administration of these types of drugs via IV is not the same as oral administration.
• Even your state cannot limit your own federal offices.

Summary: The committee first approved the January 28, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1241 for a later hearing because a witness was unavailable. It then took up Senate Bill 1144, which would create an alternative pathway for veterinary technician certification through supervised on-the-job training and board-approved skills standards. Supporters, including the Arizona Humane Society, a high school student in a veterinary program, and other advocates, said the bill would help address workforce shortages, reduce student debt, and improve access to care, especially in rural and low-income areas. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association and several veterinarians, argued the bill could weaken training standards, increase liability, and create safety risks; the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association ultimately moved to neutral after amendments added supervision and affidavit requirements. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1144 as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee next passed Senate Bill 1247 unanimously. That bill would allow a person who does not receive care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center, and would bar the Department of Health Services from imposing requirements on that person that the resident would not face. Supporters said the bill was needed to fix a recent agency interpretation that could force spouses or other companions to separate or pay for services they do not use, and noted a possible floor amendment to extend the same treatment to assisted living homes. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1286, which would extend from 14 days to 60 days the period for veterinary prescriptions and renewals issued through telemedicine. Supporters said the change would improve access in underserved and rural areas and reflect how telemedicine is already used in human medicine, while opponents warned that longer telemedicine prescriptions could delay necessary exams and diagnostics, increase the risk of misdiagnosis, and create animal welfare and liability concerns. After testimony, the sponsor asked that the bill be held for a possible amendment next week, so no vote was taken. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1164, which would allow Medicaid claims to continue under a prior owner’s billing number during a skilled nursing or assisted living facility change of ownership until new enrollment is complete; supporters said this would prevent long reimbursement delays, while Access raised concerns about federal-law conflicts and said it needed advance notice to process ownership changes. The bill passed 6-0 with one member not voting. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 1181, which expands CPA licensure pathways by allowing combinations of degree and work experience and updates reciprocity and rulemaking provisions, and Senate Bill 1415, which creates a licensing path for salaried insurance adjusters with out-of-state credentials, subject to an amendment clarifying exam and employment requirements. Both bills were supported as workforce and mobility measures, and both were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I don't know what this new administration at the federal level is going to, how that's going
• You know, I don't know what this new administration at the federal level is going to, how that's going
• Also, in consultation with our federal partners, with the Administration for Children and Families, they
• Also, in consultation with our federal partners, with the Administration for Children and Families, they
• Also, in consultation with our federal partners, with the Administration for Children and Families, they

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal cuts to our system.
• For example, the federal government's unwinding of... its pandemic policies.
• The federal government allowed that we have maintained. Yeah.
• It's set as a percent of the federal poverty level, which is probably about 138% of the federal poverty
• I'm sorry, I don't have the federal poverty level in front of me.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requirements, uh checks against federal requirements, uh checks against federal and<00:09:43.200
• </c><01:09:55.960><c> That</c> one single state administrator. That one single state administrator.
• </c> respect to AI from the administration. respect to AI from the administration.
• administration administration withholding<01:26:30.360><c> I</c><01:26:30.400><c> think</c><01:26:30.600
• </c> federal government. federal government. Representative<01:30:45.080><c> Greenman.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy