Transcript Highlights:

• So, the next section is around behavioral health and housing, which I'm not sure we can adequately cover
• are recommendations for formalizing cross-system collaboration and information sharing between behavioral
• health, corrections, and... ...behavioral health corrections, and providers.
• and responsibilities, and ways to share information related to release date information and the behavioral
• least, these are the things that can happen more immediately, and then within workforce, within behavioral

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I see a lot of your background is in behavioral health, and we've been doing a lot of work on that, and
• In relation to this position and your experience with behavioral health, it might be... ...to this position
• and your experience with behavioral health, it might be not 100% pertinent to this position, but I'll
• If you have the magic wand, what would you change about the way that we do behavioral health?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or thwarts.
• We will not accept disruptive behavior or behavior that incites or threatens violence.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with Chair Tasha Berner presiding and reviewed one item, AB 2790, a committee bill concerning the California Teleconnect Fund. The chair opened with extensive ground rules on orderly conduct and public comment, then the committee secretary called the roll and established a quorum. The bill was described as updating eligibility and administrative procedures for the CTF, clarifying treatment of non-instructional facilities, and revising how applicants coordinate CTF applications with the federal E-Rate program. Supporters said the measure responds to concerns raised in a prior oversight hearing about CPUC rulemaking that could make the program harder for schools and other eligible entities to use. Kim Lewis of CENIC said the bill would preserve continuity, stability, and fairness for broadband support to educational and research institutions, while Christina DeCaro of the California Library Association and Kimberly Rosenberger on behalf of Superintendent Tony Thurmond also voiced support. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee then voted to pass AB 2790 and refer it to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The roll was left open briefly for additional votes, and the bill ultimately passed 9-0 before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1704, permitting public employees to bargain individually with public employers without intervention
• without intervention. without intervention.
• weakens those guardrails and shifts labor relations towards case-by-case decisionmaking, executive intervention
• > executive case-bycase decisionmaking, executive case-bycase decisionmaking, executive intervention
• intervention, and increasing litigation. intervention, and increasing litigation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They come together for a crucial discussion on the root of the child's behaviors and how the child's
• disability, special education services, and school setting impact those behaviors.
• They come together for a crucial discussion on the root of the child's behaviors and how the child's
• disability, special education services, and school setting impact those behaviors.
• This hearing is about the why, not the what, that caused the child's behaviors.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level. The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• > DOJ<03:42:39.040> uh oversight following a DOJ uh oversight following a DOJ uh intervention
• :40.800> case<03:42:41.040> of<03:42:41.680> or<03:42:42.399> 2008 intervention
• into the case of or 2008 intervention into the case of or 2008 case<03:42:43.520> Ortega<03:42
• This persistent federal judicial<03:45:00.000> intervention<03:45:00.880> has<03:45:01.120
• > created judicial intervention has created judicial intervention has created operational<03:45

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• psychologist and policy leader who has dedicated her career to improving access to high-quality behavioral
• As CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association and through her leadership with the California
• leadership, your advocacy, and your continued dedication to improving the lives of those affected by behavioral
• psychologist and policy leader who has dedicated her career to improving access to high-quality behavioral
• As CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association and through her leadership with the California

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:29.360> from<00:07:29.680> some threatening behavior from some threatening behavior
• > public<00:07:43.919> service<00:07:44.240> is<00:07:44.479> rewarding behavior
• Um public service is rewarding behavior.
• ,<00:07:52.319> the<00:07:52.560> work<00:07:52.720> becomes escalated behaviors
• , the work becomes escalated behaviors, the work becomes even<00:07:53.360> harder.

Bills: HF4141, HF3951

Keywords: housing authority, criminal penalty, assault, public safety, redevelopment, submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Behavioral Sciences and the Board of Psychology.
• We have Roseanne Helms from the Board of Behavioral Sciences Legislative Deputy here to answer any technical
• Hi, I'm Steve Sodergren, I'm the Executive Officer of the Board of Behavioral Sciences and first of all
• Thank you chair Ashby and thank you to the Board of Psychology and Board of Behavioral Sciences their
• As the fourth largest producer of behavioral health practitioners in California in our sector, we play

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He experienced emotional and behavioral distress in the aftermath.
• This authority will be subject to certification by the Texas Behavioral Health Council.
• Testifying on behalf of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, neutral on House Bill 5537.
• I'm the presiding member of the Behavioral Health Executive Council, and prior to that...
• Thank you for your time and your commitment to improving our behavioral health system. Thank you.

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, I was compelled to do a mini-fellowship in behavioral health to expand my training because
• For example, I was compelled to do a mini-fellowship in behavioral health to expand my training because
• For example, I was compelled to do a mini-fellowship in behavioral health to to fill the gap.
• For example, I was compelled to do a mini-fellowship in behavioral health to expand my training because
• And also the behavioral health roadmap has really helped cut down on emergency department boarding.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers. Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there’s no indication for us that raising the no-show fee would actually change the behavior, and
• But there’s no indication for us that raising the no-show fee would actually change the behavior, and
• But there’s no indication for us that raising the no-show fee would actually change the behavior, and
• But there’s no indication for us that raising the no-show fee would actually change the behavior, and
• <00:21:12.720> um would actually change the behavior um would actually change the behavior

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of Behavior Uh once the<01:36:53.239> IND<01:36:53.560> idual<01:36:53.880> may
• years entangled them in behavior years entangled them in criminal<01:54:23.840> justice<01:54
• I knew exactly what in illegal Behavior I knew exactly what would<01:56:46.000> happen<01:56:
• Untreated mental health needs can lead to unsafe behaviors.
• Unsafe behaviors can lead to contact with law enforcement, and repeated contact with law enforcement

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is incentivizing behavior that we want, and the other is rewarding costs when it occurs.
• Do you, could you speak a little bit to what it does to that first category of incentivizing the behavior
• One is incentivizing behavior that we want, and the other is rewarding costs when it occurs.
• Could you speak a little bit to what it does to that first category of incentivizing the behavior?
• Could you speak a little bit to what it does to that first category of incentivizing the behavior we

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the 2025 session and received an overview of add-on weights in the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), followed by a Department of Education presentation on a legislatively required study of add-on weight funding and expenditures. The chair explained that add-on weights apply to acceleration and career programs such as AP, IB, ACE, CAPE, dual enrollment, early graduation, and certain small-district needs, and noted that add-on funding has grown substantially as the base student allocation increased. The chair also raised concerns that the department’s report did not clearly show whether districts’ reported costs included the full costs required by the proviso, and asked for more specificity on any recommended adjustment to the weights. Deputy Commissioner Suzanne Pridgen said the department surveyed districts on how they spent add-on revenue for fiscal years 2021-22 through 2023-24, with categories including teacher compensation, materials, equipment, professional development, exam fees, counseling, apprenticeship costs, and other expenditures. She said most add-on funds were spent on teacher bonuses and compensation, with AP, ACE, CAPE, and dual enrollment showing the largest increases in spending in 2023-24 due to higher FEFP funding; IB and early graduation were relatively flat. The department reported that add-on revenue covered between 41.8% and 79.2% of total program expenditures in 2023-24 and recommended adjusting add-on weights to better align with pre-2023-24 funding relationships, though no specific percentage was given during the meeting. Members asked about how “other” expenditures were categorized, whether teacher compensation included only statutory bonuses, how dual enrollment tuition and fees were counted, the small district factor, and whether the weights incentivize districts to offer advanced programs. The department clarified that teacher compensation in the study referred only to bonuses, that some “other” costs included charter school payments and dual enrollment tuition/fees, and that the small district factor is 1.0277, increasing base funding by 2.77% for fiscally constrained counties. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I love the program because when we're looking at the behavioral system in New Mexico, it is broken.
• You have to have a session with a client for behavioral health, mental health.
• So, for primary care behavioral health, we reimburse those services at 150 of what Medicare pays for.
• So, I'm very familiar with the behavioral health.
• So, we obviously need to deal with behavioral health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's put everything in place that deters the bad behavior. Everything.
• Let's put everything in place that deters the bad behavior.
• So if we're worried about the behavior, which is injuring and causing people harm, let's govern...
• it where it actually deters that behavior.
• We must change our behavior. This is, to me, not acceptable any longer.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with CS/SB 678, which would allow pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; it drew support from a business representative and was reported favorably. Members then heard several bills by Senator Leak, including SB 466 to designate St. Johns County as the site of the Florida Museum of Black History and create a board to work with the museum foundation and Florida Memorial University; the bill drew supportive testimony about preserving accurate Black history and the significance of the site, and it passed favorably. Leak’s CS/SB 578 would let Florida wineries use recyclable inserts and other alternative containers for larger wine sales, and it also passed favorably. SB 582 would increase penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, limiting the higher penalties to certain nationally or internationally recognized historic properties; it was supported by preservation advocates and reported favorably. CS/SB 1168 would create an aggravated offense for installing or using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of crimes such as murder, domestic violence, or robbery, and it passed favorably after a brief discussion about stalking and violent crimes. CS/SB 806 would make the Florida Attorney General the exclusive public official with standing to enforce Florida charitable trusts, limiting out-of-state attorneys general from suing over Florida-administered trusts; members debated whether this would burden out-of-state beneficiaries, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 1228 would advance spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee Springs and Santa Fe spring flows and allow a utility compliance plan amendment to deliver reclaimed water to replenish the aquifer; it passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 304 would require a qualified medical opinion in child protective investigations involving infants and young children with possible genetic or medical conditions that can mimic abuse, and it drew emotional support from parents and advocates before passing favorably. SB 1286 would clarify that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities like biking or playing outside do not constitute neglect absent reckless endangerment, and it was reported favorably. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated the most extensive debate: it renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the prohibition to handheld device use, and adds penalties in work zones and school zones; supporters cited fatal crash statistics and personal loss, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, racial disparities in traffic stops, and the need for broader distracted-driving and insurance reforms. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably after amendments. The committee also approved two claims bills, SB 14 for the estate of Penao-Hanvier against Miami Beach and SB 20 for J.N. against Hillsborough County, both settled claims recommended favorably by the special master. Finally, CS/SB 68 would modernize health facilities authority financing for private not-for-profit health systems, and CS/SB 172 would restrict misuse of health care specialty titles while preserving titles authorized under existing practice acts; both were discussed with questions about doctors, optometrists, and CRNAs, and both were reported favorably after amendment and debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their behavior affects all those around them, including their families, places of work, and the state
• affects all those others their behavior affects all those around<00:08:46.480> them<00:08:47.360
• that's when you set change your behavior that's when you set different<01:04:55.240> daily<01
• I mean, I think any sort of opt-in is allowing for this predatory behavior to continue.
• But it doesn’t prohibit the ability to collect all this data about us, our behaviors, our habits, our

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were incentivized, the evidence shows, financially to have looked the other way, behaviorally to
• have The evidence shows, financially, to have looked the other way, behaviorally to have allowed this
• The behavioral impact destroys families, prevents people from getting jobs, destroys marriages.
• system was based on a social theory that assumed experts could diagnose the causes of individual behavior
• opposed to the idea felt that it needed to exist due to the inherent presence of repeat violator behavior

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• violence has become more common in healthcare settings, especially in the emergency departments and behavioral
• Hospital security officers play a vital role by addressing aggressive behavior, stepping in during assaults
• environments, intervening with patients, visitors, and individuals in crisis displaying violent behaviors
• crisis, visitors, and individuals in crisis, displaying<00:04:40.639> violent<00:04:41.040> behaviors
• <00:04:41.759> Um, displaying violent behaviors. Um, displaying violent behaviors.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And largely that's related to behavioral analysis and CMS, which is now... ...a component, or largely
• So it's a stronger impact, and it's largely coming from that CMS and behavioral analysis component.
• of managed care, and we had the same problem, is the rising costs for a service cluster called behavioral
• I think the behavior driver. Is that correct?
• I think the behavioral analysis component continues to outpace anything we project for it, it seems like

Summary: The committee met to hear Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s constitutionally required long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast reflects slower but still positive economic growth, continued above-average personal income growth, rising wages, and population growth that is increasingly driven by in-migration as Florida’s senior population expands. She highlighted weakening housing-related revenue, especially documentary stamp taxes, softer consumer sentiment, and the expectation that Florida will pass 25 million residents by 2030, with nearly a quarter of the population age 65 or older. Baker said the outlook largely retained the March 2025 general revenue forecast, but the Legislature’s 2025 session actions significantly improved near-term funds available by redirecting or freeing up money, including contingency appropriations and reversions. She noted total state reserves are just under $15 billion, or about 30% of general revenue, and that the budget stabilization fund is at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures in the outlook were critical needs, led by a new emergency preparedness and response fund transfer and Medicaid growth driven mainly by medical inflation and behavioral analysis costs in managed care, not by caseload growth. Other high-priority needs were also identified, and Baker said the first year shows a projected surplus, but years two and three show shortfalls, meaning fiscal strategies will still be needed. Members questioned Baker about the accuracy of the forecast, Medicaid managed care costs, the emergency preparedness fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook is a good representation of the total picture, though the Legislature will likely adjust it as conditions change, and that more information on federal changes would come in later estimating conferences. Senator Trumbull asked about the governor’s veto of $750 million, and Baker said it simply returned to unallocated general revenue rather than being spent or added to the budget stabilization fund. The chair closed by warning members to expect a difficult budgeting process and noting that the committee would adjourn without further action.