Transcript Highlights:

• I tried to do a deeper dive of this morning when I got the request.
• But I looked at the two accounting units where we had requested prior transfers of appropriation 1880
• So, we had a shortage there as well. >> So, your request is for transfers within... >> So, your request
• None of the recommendations require legislative action.
• We just need to figure out when would be an appropriate time.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review. The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget. The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• TSP also cross-reports to Otis and ODE as appropriate.
• And I will get requests for interviews from all of them.
• Or I won't get a request from one person, but I'll get a request from another.
• And we learned from ELPRO that Representative McIntire had requested a legislative opinion about what
• You know, the opinion was requested by Representative McIntyre.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to say emails, office space, phone numbers for legislators are for legislators and then their employees
• </c><00:22:45.000><c> in</c> you know, we got a bonding request in you know, we got a bonding request
• So this legislation legislation legislation provides<00:35:21.200><c> state</c><00:35:21.560><c> agencies
• </c> Roll call requested. Roll call granted. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
• </c> Madam Chair, request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee will come to order for the purpose of a public hearing.
• We now request a staff briefing on Substitute Senate Bill 5834 from David Pringle.
• Also coming as a request to the Department of Retirement Systems.
• Legislation was passed in 2018. I believe it took effect in 2021. Thank you very much.
• So it's a great policy and was requested by DSHS.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on several bills. Senate Bill 5109 would raise the mortgage lending fraud prosecution surcharge on recorded deeds of trust from $1 to $5 and remove the 2027 sunset on the surcharge and account. Committee staff said the change would generate additional revenue for county auditors and the Department of Financial Institutions to contract with prosecutors; King County and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys testified in strong support, saying the current funding has eroded and the bill would better sustain mortgage fraud prosecutions. A question was raised about whether other budget funding could serve a similar purpose, but supporters said the dedicated surcharge/account structure was the best fit. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5500, which would require DCYF’s biennial child care report to include a current cost-of-quality study in addition to the market rate survey. Testifiers from Child Care Aware of Washington, child care providers, and the early education design team supported the bill, saying the market rate survey alone does not capture the true cost of providing quality care. Staff said the bill would have a small fiscal impact for DCYF. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 5834 and Senate Bill 5835, both Department of Retirement Systems request bills: one would broaden use of pension fund interest earnings for fund-protection expenses beyond the 2025-27 biennium, and the other would raise the threshold for lump-sum payment of small monthly benefits from $50 to $250. Neither bill drew public testimony, and staff said the fiscal impacts were minimal. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5872, which would create the Pre-K Promise Account for ECAP funding and allow gifts, grants, and donations to be used solely to expand the program. Supporters including rural health coalitions, the Balmer Group, and Snohomish County said the account would help expand access to early learning, especially in child care deserts; DCYF estimated staffing costs to administer the account. Substitute Senate Bill 6007 would direct WSIPP to study DCYF’s child welfare screening tools and their effects on outcomes, with a reported cost of about $234,000; there was no public testimony. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6019 would clarify home care agency rate-setting and require that no more than 20% of Medicaid home care rates go to administrative costs, with DSHS saying there would be no fiscal impact. Labor and caregiver witnesses supported it as a parity and accountability measure. Finally, Senate Bill 6065 would allow school districts in binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight to use transportation vehicle funds more flexibly, including temporary loans or permanent transfers with approval; a rural education representative supported the bill, and staff said OSPI would incur only modest administrative costs. The committee took no final action and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Requesting records should be a straight or a processed.
• That's something that outsourced our company so we handle patient requests.
• Continuing care requests insurance, para requests, life insurance requests, attorney requests government
• requests and request you name it.
• Still results in some just very action by the appropriate agency board.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I guess we're requesting, we're not requiring, and the request is based on whether they determine
• When I was unable to do so, then it was appropriate for me to make that decision.
• As legislators, we all operate differently. I can't go into your area.
• Because a bill doesn't — excuse me — a memorial is a request.
• Very briefly, this requests an appropriation to the Veterans Services Department to— This requests an

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first heard House Memorial 7, which asks Legislative Council Service, the State Personnel Office, DFA, and GSD to study the use of temporary, term, seasonal, casual, on-call, and other non-regular classifications in state government. The memorial was presented as a response to concerns that some workers are repeatedly terminated and rehired, sometimes after a one-day break, to avoid regular status and associated benefits. Testimony from CWA and AFSCME described long-term temporary workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and other agencies who allegedly do full-time work without health insurance, retirement, leave, or consistent pay progression, and who in some cases were denied union coverage. Committee members questioned the scope, definitions of temporary employment, and whether the issue should instead be referred to the state auditor; the sponsor said the study would gather data and recommendations first. The committee voted due pass, and House Memorial 7 passed unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 177, which appropriates funds to the Veterans Services Department to contract for shelter and care of service and companion animals so veterans can access housing, medical care, and other services without fearing separation from their pets. Support came from the Veterans Services Department, Animal Protection New Mexico, and the Veterans and Military Families Caucus/Veterans Integration Center, all of whom said pets are often a barrier to veterans seeking care and that existing community-based animal boarding models could be used. The bill received no opposition, and the committee voted due pass with no opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill intended to update and clarify the Public Employees Retirement Act and align it with administrative practice. Testimony focused on a provision allowing PERA to use licensed physicians, including out-of-state physicians who can be licensed in New Mexico, to serve on the disability review process when needed so disability cases are not delayed. Committee members raised concerns about ensuring medical expertise and avoiding abuse of the licensing flexibility, but PERA explained the change was meant to address recruitment difficulties and maintain timely review. The committee voted due pass on House Bill 43.

Transcript Highlights:

• So to keep this work going, we have submitted a $1.5 million special appropriation request for the upcoming
• This will be to continue this work as As a reminder, our original request for the special appropriation
• We've been given support through the special appropriation, and I hope that we can enjoy legislative
• There were a number of requests for special appropriations made, but I'm glad To hear that.
• In our operating budget request, you will see a special appropriation for $500,000 to continue to build

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> written requires no appropriation. written requires no appropriation.
• . legislate. legislate.
• </c> appropriate emergency care. appropriate emergency care.
• </c> and I request a division vote. and I request a division vote.
• Division's been requested. &gt;&gt; There it is. Division's been requested.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thurston County has not made a capital request... ...state legislators that represent a piece of Thurston
• The Senate budget does not include the funding that we requested, so we request that you keep it in the
• The Senate budget does not include the funding so that we request, so we request that you keep it in
• the House budget through the negotiation process. the funding so that we request, so we request that
• Request to fully fund our project.

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held a hearing on Proposed Substitute House Bill 2295, the supplemental capital budget. Staff said the proposal totals nearly $911 million, including about $400 million in bonds and $511 million from other state and federal sources, with much of the increase over the governor’s proposal coming from Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding. Major spending areas include housing and homelessness, K-12 construction, human services facilities, and CCA-funded clean energy, decarbonization, and habitat restoration projects. The chair said the committee would not take amendments at the hearing and planned to vote out the budget on Thursday, with a technical fix striker expected. Testimony was largely supportive of the House proposal, with many witnesses asking the committee to preserve or increase specific items in final negotiations. Housing advocates urged support for the Housing Trust Fund, manufactured housing preservation, and projects such as Alliance Place, Cloverdale Cottages, Cherry Street Village, Somos, and the Thrive Center. Education and public facility witnesses backed investments in school seismic safety, small district modernization, Healthy Kids Healthy Schools, community college and university maintenance, and projects at Cascadia College, WSU, CWU, and UW. Health and human services testimony supported behavioral health, Tubman Center, HealthPoint, pregnant parenting treatment, and the Yakima Behavioral Health Hub. Natural resources, climate, and infrastructure witnesses praised funding for Flood Plains by Design, community forests, trust land transfer, salmon recovery, the Skokomish land purchase, and the Lower Columbia River dredging project. Several local governments and organizations requested additional support or Senate-level funding for specific projects, while Climate Solutions cautioned against using CCA dollars to backfill existing obligations. The committee heard no votes during the hearing, and the chair closed by saying the budget would be executed on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I AM CURIOUS, WAS THIS LEGISLATION AND ORIGINAL THOUGHT?
• APPROPRIATION.
• THESE RULES ARE IN RESPONSE TO LEGISLATION FROM THE 2023 SESSION.
• THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
• WE HAVE FOUND AGENCIES REQUEST WE UTILIZE THE PROGRAM. IT SAVES DOLLARS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We requested enough appropriation to support a $1,000 cap.
• With respect to our FY27 budget request, I'll start by saying that our budget appropriation is set by
• For fiscal year 27, CHIA is requesting an appropriation of $32.9 million.
• I'm pleased to be the only agency today that is requesting an appropriation that is lower than our FY26
• For FY27, we are respectfully requesting an appropriation of just over $5.6 million.

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session on health and human services, held in Clinton and opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs, local officials, and committee members. The chairs emphasized the importance of hearing directly from agencies about the Commonwealth’s health care and human services budget needs, thanked Clinton for hosting, and introduced the day’s panels, beginning with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and then MassHealth. Secretary Kiame Mahania presented Governor Healey’s FY27 EOHHS budget, describing a $33.7 billion request driven largely by non-discretionary cost growth, caseload increases, and federal uncertainty. He highlighted targeted investments in foster parent reimbursement, family resource centers, maternal health, food assistance, immigrant legal services, and workforce rates, while warning that federal cuts and the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act could strip billions from state health funding. Members questioned him about primary care shortages, federal program integrity audits, ConnectorCare, regional health disparities, and the proposed cap on adult dental coverage; he defended the cap as a difficult but necessary cost-control measure and said the administration would continue cooperating with federal partners. Undersecretary Michael Levine then testified for MassHealth, saying the agency faces two major challenges: rapid cost growth and looming federal changes. He outlined a $22.7 billion gross MassHealth budget and proposed actions including a moratorium on new expansions, capping adult dental benefits at $1,000, ending GLP-1 coverage for weight loss only, reducing care management spending to peer-state levels, and convening work groups to slow growth in personal care attendant, adult foster care, and adult day health programs. He also warned that federal policy changes could cause about 300,000 residents to lose coverage by 2030 and reduce federal revenue by about $3.5 billion, and said MassHealth would use outreach and systems changes to help eligible members stay covered. Members raised concerns about the impact of these cuts on homeless care, preventive services, dental access, GLP-1s, and regional hospital and specialist shortages, while Levine argued the proposals were aimed at preserving core coverage and sustainability.

Transcript Highlights:

• We request your aye vote. Thank you very much. We request your aye vote. Thank you very much.
• The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. SB 1401, Stern, due pass to Appropriations.
• At the appropriate time, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• And so I've never supported this type of legislation.
• And so I've never supported this type of legislation.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, juvenile justice, mental health, and criminal procedure. SB 1157 by Senator Archuleta would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile placements in the probation setting, with Judicial Council rules on issues such as insurance, staffing, background checks, notice, and zoning. Supporters said the bill would add needed safeguards for youth still serving custodial terms, while opponents argued it would impose rigid standards on a diverse continuum of placements and that the Judicial Council is the wrong entity to set substantive program rules. Members generally supported the goal of accountability, but the bill was not moved because quorum was not yet established at that point in the hearing. SB 1012 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, the Fire Camp to Career Act, would require CDCR to connect California Conservation Camp participants to state-approved apprenticeships and require apprenticeship programs to consider prior fire camp training. Supporters, including labor organizations, formerly incarcerated workers, and fire-training advocates, said the bill recognizes real skills gained in fire camps and creates a path to stable employment after release. Committee members largely supported the measure, with one noting that certification still must reflect demonstrated competency. SB 1012 was presented favorably, though the transcript does not show a final roll-call vote before the meeting moved on. SB 1306 by Senator Cortese would align California law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Supporters said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens without affecting pure GBL or public safety, and committee members expressed support. SB 1401 by Senator Stern would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor procedures, including timelines, information-sharing, and conservatorship referral tools. Supporters said it would prevent people from falling through gaps in the mental health system, while opponents warned it could expand court control and weaken confidentiality and due process. The committee passed SB 1401 to Appropriations on a roll-call vote, with members voting aye and the bill held on call for absent members. The committee also heard SB 1027 by Senator Strickland, which would create a task force to study street prostitution, human trafficking, victim services, and community impacts. Supporters from law enforcement, cities, and district attorneys said the bill would help identify victims and develop better statewide responses; some opponents remained opposed to the bill as introduced but said they would review the amendments. Members praised the amended version, and the committee passed SB 1027 as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee on a roll-call vote, with the bill held on call for absent members. SB 1307 by Senator Jones, dealing with fraudulent or forged real estate documents and clouded titles, was also heard; after opposition withdrew, members supported the measure and moved it forward as amended, held on call for absent members. The transcript then shifted to SB 1276 by Senator Rubio, which would clarify that knowingly viewing livestreamed or AI-generated child sexual exploitation is criminalized; the author and witnesses described it as a needed update to keep pace with technology and close loopholes protecting predators from accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up on the agenda is STR 96 SD1, requesting the Public Utilities Commission to provide a report
• or the safest way is is not appropriate or the safest way to<00:19:19.520><c> go.
• So, we would request some funds just to be able to get it to us, whether it's an appropriation or some
• </c><00:21:14.559><c> or</c> us, whether it's an appropriation or us, whether it's an appropriation or
• </c> requesting the Public Utilities requesting the Public Utilities Commission<00:26:44.000><c> to</

Bills: SCR96, SCR109, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, mail-order pharmacy, insurance, healthcare access, chronic disease management, cost savings, rural access, emergency healthcare, patient adherence, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> development account appropriations. development account appropriations.
• President, I request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
• I would request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
• </c> request a roll call. Roll call. request a roll call. Roll call.
• Request a green vote and request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• God, we thank you for this legislative body.
• In 2000, Barbara received the Legislator of the Year award from the National Republican Legislators Association
• Education and appropriations. 1476, child. 1458, primary board. 1447, school management appropriations
• Health and Human Services. 1826, appropriation.
• All legislators and legislative staff are welcome to join me tonight from 4 to 6 p.m. for the National

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First on the agenda is the waiver request, TIPS waiver by Stuttgart School District.
• Jill Thayer, Bureau of Legislative Research.
• Marty Garrity with the Bureau of Legislative Research.
• Marty Garrity with the Bureau of Legislative Research. This is a request.
• At this time, there has been no request, but I would like to request the use of those monies to renovate

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was legislation.
• The motion is do pass to Appropriations.
• Item number two, AB 1873, do pass to Appropriations.
• Item number three, AB 2458, do pass to Appropriations.
• AB 2266, do pass as amended to Appropriations. Item number 20, AB 2464, do pass to Appropriations.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> states have enacted similar legislation states have enacted similar legislation and<00:29:06.080
• A roll call has been requested. A roll call has been requested.
• Senator Carson: Yes. been requested Senator gray and seconded been requested Senator gray and seconded
• </c> and effective policy it is appropriate and effective policy it is appropriate to<01:23:28.159><c
• Okay, a roll call has been requested. A roll call has been requested and seconded.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our requested amendment is narrow.
• This legislation is of its own making.
• As a result, we are respectfully requesting a no vote.
• We respectfully request your aye vote on SB 1085. Thank you.
• This is why SB 1170 is such a critical piece of legislation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if no one else is interested, I will go forward and put it legislation, you know, work with legislative
• Legislative consent for...
• The second item that we are requesting some consideration on The second item that we are requesting some
• and legislators are hearing that story.
• Legislative Council has full access to those requests, and we can work with them to generate a report

Keywords: 908, all