Transcript Highlights:

• By eliminating driver's education, it's $1,043,000.
• By eliminating driver's education, it's $143,525.
• By eliminating driver's education, it's $143,525.
• Education in Idaho at the cost of $445.
• education and students in Idaho.

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 940, which revises Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) policy and funding. Sponsors Rep. Doug Pickett and Rep. Sonia Galavis walked through the bill’s intent: to preserve IDLA as a gap-filling resource for Idaho students while narrowing access to areas such as credit recovery, dual credit, rural course offerings, graduation-required courses, and overload courses. They also explained provisions limiting K-5/LaunchPad use, excluding private school reimbursement, addressing custom sections, setting course fees, and tying eligibility to students enrolled in schools that are not entirely virtual. The sponsors said the bill’s fiscal note reflects a roughly $13.4 million reduction driven by multiple policy changes, including private school enrollment, driver’s ed, LaunchPad, online-only enrollment, custom sections, and fee offsets. Testimony was split. School administrators and IDLA supporters, including Andy Grover, Craig Woods, Dr. Jeff Simmons, Dr. Jason Moss, Jeff Gee, Catherine Larson, and Quinn Perry, argued that the amendments would sharply reduce access, especially in rural districts, and would make it harder to staff required and elective courses, recover credits, and offer dual credit or other opportunities. They said the custom-section limits and the “not entirely virtual” language would create administrative burdens and restrict flexibility, and several noted that the program is already being cut significantly. Supporters of the bill as written said it is a workable compromise that addresses concerns about custom sections and funding while preserving IDLA’s core mission. Committee members questioned the sponsors and witnesses about the meaning of “not entirely virtual,” the treatment of schools like GEMP Online, how the fee caps work, and how the fiscal note was calculated. After testimony, Senator Cook moved to send House Bill 940 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. Senators Carlson and Zito opposed the motion, saying the bill should be amended or that the cuts are too severe, while Senator Ward-Engelking supported the motion despite concerns about the reductions, citing even more problematic intent language in the related appropriation bill. The motion passed, and the bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation; Senators Carlson and Zito were recorded as voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to employees and salary supplements, out of Education
• House Bill 461, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to school tax, out of Education
• House Bill 461, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to school tax, out of Education
• House Amendment 1, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to energy drinks, out of Education
• The decision stems from the 1958 arrest of Mildred and Richard Loving, who were criminally charged under

Summary: The Senate received a large number of House communications and committee reports, including several nominations and many bills and resolutions returned from House committees or passed by the House. Committee reports covered a wide range of topics, including education, health, judiciary, finance, housing, transportation, emergency management, and business/technology. The Senate also assigned several measures to committees for further consideration and noted upcoming committee meetings. The chamber confirmed three nominations by roll call: Michael T. Scuse to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, J. Eric Firewold to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees, and Joan F. Coker to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees. The Senate also passed Consent Calendar 66, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 223 on DIA broadcast access for playoff and championship games and House Concurrent Resolution 149 designating June 12, 2026, as Loving Day in Delaware. Members discussed Loving Day and the importance of recognizing interracial marriage rights, with Senator Huxstable, Senator Buckson, and Senator Townsend offering remarks. On the floor, the Senate passed House Bill 141, requiring a firearm responsibilities notice for gun purchasers, after debate over gun safety and industry burden; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 200, as amended, expanding insurance coverage for HIV prevention medications PrEP and PEP; House Bill 426, modernizing municipal street-aid reporting; and Senate Resolution 21, directing a study of portable solar generation devices and related safety and utility issues. The Senate also passed Consent Agenda O, a large package of bills covering topics such as money transmission and stablecoins, nursing advancement, pilot licenses, commerce and trade, subaqueous lands, driver’s license loss due to medical issues, residential speed limits, electronic bidding, family court jurisdiction, agency regulations, technical corrections to multiple local charters, and other measures. The Senate then recessed until June 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill affirms CRNAs' ability to provide anesthesia services independently, consistent with their education
• bill affirms CRNAs' ability to provide anesthesia services independently, consistent with their education
• My group is the Erotic Service Providers Legal Education and Research Project.
• When you invest in housing, education, health care, these things matter.
• I know that there will be more questions that stem from today's hearing and we're committed to engaging

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 7, 2025, considering a large number of bills, with several measures heard in detail before the committee moved through consent and suspense items. Early in the hearing, AB 876 by Assemblymember Flora was heard on CRNA scope of practice and anesthesia access. Supporters said it would clarify that certified registered nurse anesthetists may provide anesthesia services independently, while opponents from physician and medical groups argued that anesthesiologists and CRNAs are not interchangeable and that physician-led care is needed for patient safety. The bill was ultimately voted out, with a later vote change recorded for Mr. Tangipa from not voting to aye. The committee also heard AB 379, a major human trafficking and child exploitation bill, which would expand penalties for solicitation of a minor, create a misdemeanor for loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex, increase fines on businesses that fail to post trafficking notices or knowingly allow trafficking, create a survivor support grant program, and establish a vertical prosecution grant program. The bill drew strong support from the author and some members who emphasized tougher enforcement and victim services, but also significant opposition from sex worker and civil liberties advocates who argued the bill would worsen criminalization, disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, and fail to address housing and other root causes. After extensive discussion, the committee voted the bill out, with one member later changing from not voting to aye. Other bills heard included AB 435 on child passenger safety, which would adopt a five-step test and update booster-seat and front-seat rules; AB 1415, which would give the Office of Health Care Affordability more access to information from health systems and private equity-related entities; AB 539, the Timely Care Act, which would extend the duration of approved prior authorizations for treatment; AB 1466, relating to groundwater adjudication and sustainability disputes; AB 127, which would tie the cap-and-trade price ceiling to the social cost of carbon; and AB 672, which would require public employers to notify PERB of certain court actions and allow intervention to protect labor rights. The committee also approved a large consent calendar and then deemed the suspense calendar approved, sending many bills onward. The hearing concluded with several bills reported out, some on call, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• you a lot of different perspectives of how we can be ready on different fronts with this operator educator
• Just think about the education system as a whole.
• So engineering stem making sure that you get that the the passion in the resources back into the K through
• You know, we really want to be supportive of all of our higher education institutions in the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's 9 a.m., and you are in the House Education Committee, and we will get started.
• the same educational opportunities as those in larger urban districts.
• we call it—the piece of educational reserve funds?
• In education, we don’t have cell phone use out there.
• It's an essential part of how we deliver a complete education to our students.

Summary: The House Education Committee heard House Bill 918, which would realign the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) by narrowing its mission, reorganizing its board, capping administrative costs at 30%, requiring outside and periodic LSO audits, setting course fees and a per-course state funding cap, and eliminating funding for private school, virtual school, K-5, and driver’s education participation, as well as custom sections except in limited emergency cases. The sponsor, Rep. Doug Pickett, said the bill was intended to address concerns about double-dipping, private use of a taxpayer-funded program, and IDLA expanding beyond its original supplemental purpose while preserving access for rural students and emergency staffing needs. Committee members questioned the rationale for the cuts, the board restructuring, the treatment of dual credit and advanced opportunities funding, and whether the bill would affect students taking IDLA courses during the school day. Pickett said the bill was designed to redirect dual credit through Advanced Opportunities, maintain flexibility without setting a hard enrollment cap, and keep the program focused on filling instructional gaps. IDLA Superintendent Dr. Jeff Simmons and several school leaders testified in opposition, arguing the bill would reduce school choice, shift costs to families and districts, limit middle school electives and dual credit, and disproportionately harm rural schools that rely on IDLA for courses they cannot staff locally. Supporters of the bill emphasized oversight, fiscal restraint, and limiting what they described as overuse of the program. After testimony, Rep. Galavis moved to send HB 918 to the floor with no recommendation. A motion to hold the bill in committee failed 10-4, and a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee to a time certain on Monday, March 23, passed on a roll call vote. The committee adjourned with the bill set to return on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I feel like the testing has, in a lot of ways, ruined education. And I know so many educators.
• I am very grateful to know so many educators.
• I'm on two education committees, and this testing thing is really a problem in education, not just in
• So I came back here, and I met with the Commissioner of Education.
• So I came back here, and I met with the Commissioner of Education.

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee heard and passed HB 921, which adds cursive writing to required instruction for grades 2 through 5 and requires students to demonstrate proficiency by the end of fifth grade. The bill sponsor argued cursive is important for historical literacy, everyday signatures, and possible early identification of learning differences. Opponents and several members supported teaching cursive but objected to the testing/proficiency requirement, saying students and teachers are already overburdened and that reading cursive is not currently part of the standards. Some members also raised concerns about fairness to charter schools and the bill’s application only to public schools. Despite those concerns, the bill passed 21-0 and was reported favorable. The committee then took up PCS for HB 1405, a major rewrite of Florida’s juvenile prevention and truancy statutes in Chapter 984, covering children in need of services/families in need of services. The bill updates definitions and procedures, strengthens truancy intervention, requires earlier and more detailed school reporting, adds parent involvement through child study teams, allows virtual participation, and sets review timelines for shelter placement. Sponsors said the goal is prevention and family support rather than punishment, with court involvement only after school-based intervention. Members asked about school compliance, court capacity, parent accountability, and whether all counties have child study teams; the sponsors said the bill expects CSTs in every school and can escalate cases to court and, if needed, to prosecutors for noncompliant parents. Public testimony on the juvenile justice bill was supportive, including from the Department of Juvenile Justice, youth services groups, and juvenile justice advocates. In debate, members praised the modernization effort and the emphasis on early intervention and family participation, while also noting the bill’s size and suggesting further attention to attendance thresholds. The PCS for HB 1405 was then approved unanimously and reported favorable. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:23.280><c> in</c> and home, of children and education in and home, of children and education
• </c><00:20:03.080><c> Next</c> committee number four, education.
• Next committee number four, education.
• </c> to committee number four, education. to committee number four, education.
• Stem Cell sponsored by Senator Barlow.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The University of Washington has conducted groundbreaking stem cell research on fetal tissue.
• So, yes or no, do you commit to protecting stem cell regeneration?
• I will protect stem cell research.
• Stem cell research today can be done on a... and you don't need fetal tissue.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is not agreed to. education and workforce. Pursuant to education and workforce.
• Speaker, the Trump administration continues to take away access to STEM education from students across
• </c> continues to take away access to STEM continues to take away access to STEM education<02:18:57.920
• </c><02:19:15.519><c> Educators,</c> Long Beach, California. Educators, Long Beach, California.
• ,</c> being spent every year on education, being spent every year on education, educational<03:13:17.760

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do that by educating people about the Holocaust and about anti-Semitism.
• Based on our analysis, the most acute threats against the Jewish community today stem from three main
• What I would ask of this committee is the courage to speak to our educators.
• We need to educate people the right way. Thank you and God bless you. Thank you.
• , educate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our mission is to educate and mobilize the citizens of Minnesota to address the climate crisis and to
• </c><00:59:36.920><c> and</c><00:59:37.119><c> mobilize</c> our mission is to educate and mobilize our
• 06:22.680><c> in</c> particularly in particularly in myo<01:06:24.760><c> the</c><01:06:25.000><c> stems
• > trying</c><01:06:26.520><c> to</c><01:06:26.640><c> protect</c><01:06:26.920><c> the</c> myo the stems
• from trying to protect the myo the stems from trying to protect the rate<01:06:27.319><c> payer</c><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to provide a brief introduction to the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Benefit
• The state higher education institutions are employees' retirement system employers, like other state
• I will be doing an educational briefing today on the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan.
• And as a reminder, this is an educational-only briefing today. Next slide, please.
• Thank you. ...higher education supplemental retirement plan. Thank you. Second.

Summary: The Pension Funding Council met on June 23, 2026, for a work session that began with an overview of the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) and a 2025 accounting valuation of that plan. Staff explained that the SRP is a closed defined benefit supplement for higher education employees hired before the 2011 closure, with employer contributions currently pre-funding benefits in institution-specific trusts while institutions still pay benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. The State Actuary’s office reported that the plan’s accounting position has improved, with combined market assets of about $245 million against $377 million in accrued liability, and that strong market performance since 2022 has increased the asset-to-liability ratio. The office emphasized that this was an educational accounting valuation, not a funding valuation for rate-setting. The council then received the 2025 actuarial valuation report for the state retirement systems. Actuaries reviewed the recent demographic experience study, noting updated assumptions for mortality, retirement, termination, and salary growth, and said the net impact on most plans was small. They reported that most plans’ funded ratios improved, with all plans at least 94% funded and several at or above 100%, and that contribution rates for the 2027–2029 biennium are generally lower than current rates. They also noted that future rates could be affected by market volatility as deferred gains are recognized over the next few years. During public comment, a representative of the Association of Washington Cities urged the council to consider rate reductions to help local governments facing budget pressures. In executive session, the council first approved a motion directing the Office of the State Actuary to perform an actuarial evaluation and analysis of each institution’s Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan, including institution-specific contribution rates, asset sufficiency, and funding policy options, due by July 1, 2028. The council then adopted the 2027–2029 pension contribution rates based on the 2025 actuarial valuation report. Both motions passed 5-0, with one member excused. The meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents of children in special education are no longer afraid of the term mental illness.
• Sue Abderholden: We’ve actually changed the term throughout, even in the education statutes.
• He noted that positive supports matter, and that nurse educators are involved for that reason.
• Stevens responded yes, and said that is why nurse educators are involved.
• </c><01:04:40.880><c> talking</c> conversation really does stem talking conversation really does stem

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of folks have been educated about adverse childhood effects, ACEs, and the intersection of that
• A lot of folks have been educated about adverse childhood effects, ACEs, and the intersection of that
• They are provided with stability, job training, education, and meals.
• One hundred percent of residents received educational and training opportunities.
• She also helped me to learn and further my education and to maintain my employment.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 44, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to work with community-based organizations on social services needs, drew broad support from nonprofit providers and coalitions that said contracts and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of services, leaving agencies unable to retain staff or meet demand. DHS said it supported the bill’s intent but asked for clarification because the language was broad and did not specify which organizations or how funds should be allocated. Committee members and the bill’s introducer discussed how to make the measure more specific and equitable, including whether to set a percentage increase, use a baseline date, and direct DHS to distribute funds among different program areas; the True Cost Coalition and DHS agreed to follow up in writing with proposed language and a funding number. The committee then heard HB 1349, which would authorize Medicaid/CHIP coverage for income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, Aloha Care, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said the bill would improve prenatal and child health, reduce the chilling effect of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and help prevent premature or underweight births by ensuring earlier access to providers. DHS provided comments and the committee asked where the measure would fit in the budget; the department identified the relevant budget code. Written testimony in support came from multiple advocacy and health organizations and dozens of individuals. Finally, the committee heard HB 613, which would appropriate funds to DHS for emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the Office of Youth Services, Rise, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others supported the bill, emphasizing youth homelessness, the need for coordinated shelter and outreach, and the high share of LGBTQ+ youth among homeless minors. OYS asked that the committee consider funding its existing Safe Spaces pilot rather than creating a new program, while DHS said it supported the intent but wanted clarification because multiple department programs could be implicated. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair instead requested follow-up language and funding information for HB 44 and continued the measures for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• been linked to anemia, cognitive impairment, and behavioral dependence, outcomes that can derail education
• This compact, it's not necessarily a uniform requirement for continuing education around the country
• This compact, it's not necessarily a uniform requirement for continuing education around the country
• In my town, Amherst, which, as you know, hosts three higher education institutions, several years ago
• For a STEM seminar, all of our homework questions were in the book that we had to purchase, along with

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with testimony taken both in person and virtually. The chairs reviewed hearing logistics and testimony limits, then heard a series of bill presentations covering public health, alcohol licensing, professional licensure, consumer issues, and automotive warranty reimbursement. Committee members asked questions throughout, particularly on interstate licensure compacts and the structure of proposed regulatory changes. Representative John Barrett testified in support of H 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide to curb recreational misuse and protect young people, and members echoed concerns about its health risks. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported H 488, seeking an extension of district liquor licenses to match delayed downtown revitalization and business development. Leslie Ross and Keith Buckout testified on S 2636, a cosmetology licensure compact, with Buckout explaining that compacts improve mobility for workers and military families; Melissa Willett of the Defense State Liaison Office also supported the compact for the same reason. Representative Mindy Domb testified for H 559, proposing a commission to study the effects of electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing on students and affordability. George Cronin of MassPack supported H 4597, which would limit new alcohol retail licenses within 500 feet of another alcohol seller after 2026 to address oversaturation; he said the bill would not disturb existing licenses. Luke Van Horn testified for H 559 and also raised concerns about H 4719, describing the burden of costly course materials and access codes on students. Mike Capuccio and Ryan Williams supported H 4719, which would create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, arguing it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy outcomes; no opposition was heard on that bill in the excerpt. On H 4019, the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association supported a change to warranty reimbursement rules, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Subaru New England opposed it, warning it would raise costs and allow overpayment using aftermarket time guides. The committee concluded by reading the agenda items and then voted unanimously to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes changes to the board stemming from the recent Sunset Review Oversight hearing.
• her efforts to provide a pathway for program directors and assistant program directors of nursing education
• As part of their education, LVNs are trained and licensed to perform a range of practical nursing tasks
• confusion, major care disruptions, and unanticipated cost increases in health care, social service, and educational
• This bill makes statutory clarifications to enhance the board's oversight of continuing education providers

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development heard several sunset and policy bills affecting state boards and professional practice. SB 1302 would extend the Board of Registered Nursing for four years and make operational changes such as streamlining renewals, updating simulation and school-approval standards, and allowing certain out-of-state nurse practitioner experience to count toward California recognition; nursing groups supported it, while the California Medical Association raised a concern about the out-of-state NP provision. SB 1303 would extend the Board of Naturopathic Medicine to 2031 and add a fictitious name permit program, term staggering, and other technical changes; it drew support from the board and naturopathic doctors, but the California Naturopathic Association opposed it unless amended to clarify the board’s jurisdiction. SB 1304 would extend the Respiratory Care Board to 2031 and revise respiratory care rules, including LVN practice in certain settings; it was supported by some providers and respiratory therapists, but hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other groups opposed it unless amended to allow LVNs to perform basic respiratory tasks in more health care settings. SB 1363 would extend the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and update apprenticeship, licensure, and tribal exemption provisions, and SB 1368 would extend the speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board while adding a retired license category and continuing-education oversight changes; both were supported and had no opposition. All of these bills were voted out of committee, generally on a 10-0 basis after the committee later established quorum and took recorded votes. The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program within the Office of Small Business Advocate to support large independent multi-day music festivals. The author and supporters argued that festivals like Aftershock and GoldenSky generate substantial tourism, hotel nights, jobs, and tax revenue, and that state support would help keep events in California rather than other states. Opposition focused on the use of public funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable festivals should receive a grant subsidy. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with Senator Choi opposed. Members also heard SB 1297, which would create regional wildfire public-private partnerships and a financing structure using local commitments, a revolving fund, and state-backed revenue bonds coordinated with iBank to fund wildfire mitigation projects. Supporters said the bill would help address the state’s large wildfire mitigation funding gap by leveraging public and private capital for home hardening, vegetation management, and other prevention work; questions centered on where bond repayment funds would come from, and the author said the bill was still a work in progress and not intended to cost the state. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process; testimony described safety concerns and staffing impacts, and the bill passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• It shows a revenue impact to the Education Legacy Trust Account beginning in fiscal year 2027 of approximately
• The state tax, of course, will continue to support education through the Education Legacy Trust.
• So not only do we lose out on that $400 million of education revenue projected from the higher rates,
• I'm certainly an advocate for education myself, having taught for 10 years, and reducing regressive tax
• is what's called the fixture test, and John talked about the kind of common law fixture test that stems

Bills: SB6114, SB6244

Keywords: excise tax, definitions, tax law, taxation, fixtures, affixed, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• been linked to anemia, cognitive impairment, and behavioral dependence, outcomes that can derail education
• But Massachusetts would not have authority to dictate, for instance, renewal or continuing education
• But Massachusetts would not have authority to dictate, for instance, renewal or continuing education
• This compact, it's not necessarily a uniform requirement for continuing education around the country
• In my town, Amherst, which has, as you know, hosts three higher education institutions, several years

Bills: S2636, S2628, S2913, H4907, H4877, H4661, H4662, H4597, H4719, H4019, H559, H4588

Keywords: cosmetology, cosmetologist, beauty industry, hairdresser, esthetician, salon, licensure compact, interstate compact, multistate license, license reciprocity, professional licensure, occupational licensing, workforce mobility, license portability, military spouse, military family, background check, disciplinary action, scope of practice, consumer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• I am speaking on behalf of myself today as a retired educator of 35 years in special education with deaf
• And as a 20-year Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind educator, as well as a public school educator
• working with deaf and hard of hearing... ...blind educator, as well as a public school educator working
• , and jobs, all stemming from mistakes we never made and had no power to stop.
• Come to the education kicker. All right.” “Aye.

Summary: The committee heard a JLBC presentation on H.R. 1’s SNAP impacts, including expanded work requirements, higher state administrative costs, and a potential state share of benefits if Arizona’s payment error rate remains above 6%. JLBC estimated the administrative cost increase at about $33 million in FY 2027 and $44 million in FY 2028, and said a 2024 error rate of 8.8% could expose the state to about $139 million in benefit costs starting in FY 2028. The chair also opened the meeting by asking members and speakers to keep remarks shorter to improve efficiency. The committee then considered several SNAP-related bills. HB 2797, which requires DES to more frequently verify eligibility through data matching, post fraud/noncompliance data, and address out-of-state EBT purchases, passed 7-5. HB 2442, requiring certain able-bodied SNAP adults with school-age children to participate in employment and training unless exempt, also passed 7-5. HB 2448, which limits DES’s ability to seek work-requirement waivers or discretionary exemptions without legislative authorization, passed 7-5. HB 2206, which sets a goal of reducing the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030 and adds reporting and corrective-action requirements, passed 7-5 after debate over staffing, technology, and whether the target was realistic. The committee also advanced HB 2180, appropriating $2.5 million to the University of Arizona for AZ REACH, a hospital transfer coordination program serving rural facilities. Supporters said it improves patient transfers and reduces burdens on rural hospitals; some health system representatives were neutral but asked for operational improvements. HB 2180 passed 11-1. HB 2184, as amended, passed 7-4-1; it would extend fetal death certificate filing and require patients to be informed of the option to transfer fetal remains to a funeral home, with supporters describing it as a matter of parental dignity and closure. HB 2188, as amended, creating a Language Acquisition Grant Program for deaf or hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers, passed unanimously after testimony about balancing spoken-language and ASL options. The committee then began hearing HB 2194, a bill requiring insurers to provide a contact for detailed explanations after claim or prior-authorization denials, but the transcript ends before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if we're choosing between this and education, We just don't have the money.
• And if we're choosing between this and education and health care and all the things that we're facing
• additional $10 million General Fund in 2026-27 through 2028-29 to help address increased workloads stemming
• additional $10 million General Fund in 2026-27 through 2028-29 to help address increased workloads stemming
• There's been attempts to curtail civil rights, restrict labor protections, and restrict access to education

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard updates from the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Justice. Cal OES Acting Director Tina Curry described the department’s proposed budget, disaster response and recovery work, Los Angeles wildfire recovery, FEMA reimbursement delays, hazard mitigation grant applications, planning for major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympics, and the state’s next generation 911 priorities. Senators raised concerns about Operation Stonegarden, small-disaster recovery delays, FEMA reimbursement timing, VOCA funding, and the need for more detailed reporting on federal grants and recovery costs. The committee then focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES staff said the current regional deployment encountered call-routing and transfer failures, leading the department to pause further rollout and propose a new phased plan centered on a statewide provider, followed by an open procurement for a long-term vendor. They said the plan is intended to improve reliability, simplify architecture, and support Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the Olympics, with a target of full statewide transition by summer 2030. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to pause major changes until it receives more information, including a clearer explanation of the problems, alternatives considered, costs, cybersecurity and privacy issues, and oversight needs. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a joint oversight hearing and requesting quarterly fiscal reports and monthly progress updates. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload, emphasizing public safety enforcement, fentanyl and human trafficking prosecutions, housing enforcement, civil rights work, and extensive federal litigation against the Trump administration. DOJ said the additional federal accountability work has significantly increased staffing and overtime demands, though it has hired 44 additional employees. The committee also heard DOJ’s firearms workload proposal, including funding for SB 704 implementation, continued firearms IT modernization, and a proposed shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO recommended using special funds and loans instead of ongoing General Fund support where possible, and asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 2027 for determining which firearms and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue. The Department of Finance largely agreed with the need for SB 704 funding but disagreed with the LAO’s proposed loan approach for the firearms account.