Transcript Highlights:

• This bill defines a wellness reimbursement program.
• The second new article creates the West Virginia Job Development Grant Program, which will award grants
• The grant program is funded each year when the Department of Commerce informs the Tax Division how many
• program before it hits general revenue.
• . ...grant program before it hits general revenue.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills and one constitutional resolution, with several measures receiving title amendments and some taking effect immediately or on a specified date. Early action included moving House Bill 5438, concerning the foundation allowance for instructional programs, to the foot of third-reading bills. House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system, was amended with a Judiciary strike-and-insert technical fix, then passed 28-6 and was set to take effect July 1, 2026. House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance passed unanimously, with a title amendment adopted. House Bill 5484, creating felony offenses related to denying medical treatment to sexual offense victims, also passed unanimously with a title amendment. House Bill 5515 modernizing workers’ compensation statutes passed unanimously with a title amendment, and House Bill 5527 establishing licensure and regulation for wellness reimbursement programs passed unanimously. House Bill 5528, protecting personal residential information of certain public officials, passed unanimously with a title amendment. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 5537, an education-related bill that was amended to add a child-protection provision later referred to as “Rayleigh’s law.” The amendment would bar approval of home instruction requests in certain child abuse or neglect cases until the Department of Human Services confirms the investigation is unfounded, closed, or not substantiated, or until 10 days pass without a response. Senators argued the measure was intended to protect children and not target homeschooling. After a point of order, the chair initially ruled the amended language not germane; that ruling was challenged and ultimately overruled by a 24-7 vote, allowing the amendment to remain. The bill then passed 24-7, and a title amendment was adopted. Other measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 5582 removed the sunset on the TANF applicant drug-screening program and passed 28-3 after a technical committee amendment. House Bill 5687 reduced the metallurgical coal severance tax over time and adjusted oil and gas tax allocations, passing 31-3. Several supplemental appropriations also passed and were made effective from passage, including funds for Homeland Security/corrections, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Culture and History. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 42, which would place on the ballot a constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and allowing future changes by general law. In second reading, the Senate advanced bills on workforce training reimbursements, aerospace and advanced manufacturing incentives, portable benefit accounts, literacy and science-of-reading training, school aid formula changes, and wedding venue regulation, with amendments adopted on several of them before advancement to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the CTE programs for the district.
• The program has also helped us expand programs at Lake Technical College.
• non-credit programs.
• non-credit programs.
• Florida Bright Futures has a program.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path. Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus. Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lines 65 and 66 are taxpayer assistance grants and tax credit outreach grants.
• Lines 65 and 66 are taxpayer assistance grants and tax credit outreach grants.
• Lines 65 and 66 are taxpayer assistance grants and tax credit outreach grants.
• Lines 65 and 66 are taxpayer assistance grants and tax credit outreach grants.
• out assistance grants and tax credit out outreach<00:46:52.040><c> grants.

Bills: HF2730, HF2257, HF2768, HF1932, HF2437

Keywords: local government debt, municipal bonds, county bonds, capital improvements, public financing, bond issuance, public hearing, notice period, bond guarantee, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, volume cap, private activity bonds, housing finance, residential rental bonds, LIHTC, low-income housing tax credits, redevelopment, courthouse financing, jail financing, law enforcement center

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the section where we're talking about the Venture Capital Tax Credit Program, the RISE Program
• , where we're talking about venture capital tax credit program, the RISE Program, research, innovation
• It's talking about the educational programs, the training programs, and things like this.
• I've worked with their grant team at ARPC and some others to help win, in this case, a grant that was
• Regional councils help us assess grants and programs to help us invest in our community.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and favorably reported several bills. SB 1672 removed duplicative state provisions related to labor pools; CS/SB 940 prohibited third-party sale of restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s consent; and CS/SB 1820 made changes to motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer franchise law, including disclosure of performance measures, anti-retaliation protections, and limits on franchise termination or nonrenewal. The committee also approved CS/SB 324, creating a revolving loan program to help small businesses affected by prolonged public works construction, and SB 936, which creates a recurring three-year study of the effects of AI, robotics, and automation on Florida’s workforce and economy. SB 1322, the Florida Rural Jobs Act, was amended and reported favorably to encourage private investment in rural small businesses through a state tax credit program. The committee also reported favorably on CS/SB 910, which regulates for-profit veterans’ benefit assistance services, and CS/SB 656, which extends protections from extraordinary collection actions to all bill-of-care payment actions by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 1264, a broad Department of Commerce agency bill. The strike-all amendment added or revised provisions on Secure Florida, the RISE venture capital tax credit program, data center tax exemptions, business development classifications, military land transfers, and other economic development matters, while also repealing regional planning councils from statute. That repeal drew extensive opposition from local officials and regional council representatives, who argued the councils are important for emergency management, grant writing, planning, and support for small and rural communities. Supporters of the amendment said the councils could continue locally without state statutory involvement. After debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, though Senators Davis and Smith voted no. The committee also considered CS/SB 1238, which would tighten reemployment assistance rules by disqualifying claimants who fail to meet job-search requirements or refuse work, and by adding verification and reporting requirements. Supporters framed it as adding guardrails and preventing fraud, while opponents argued Florida’s unemployment system is already difficult to access and that the bill would add unnecessary barriers and costs. Despite opposition from labor and advocacy groups, the bill was reported favorably, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of Alexis Yarborough and John Gilbert to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Transcript Highlights:

• Had one other question: we're talking about programming. Who determines what programming?
• or what program is accepted?
• Program.
• The first is our SKIP program that's entirely grant-funded through NOAA, and it's been entirely grant-funded
• So, the SKIP program, as I mentioned, is entirely grant-funded, but the Mezzonette system does receive

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the drinking water program.
• that in federal grant dollars.
• We have secured grant, federal grant and loans.
• Whether it's a FEMA grant at 75%, or whether it's a DWR grant at 75%, it'd be about 18.5.
• through their cost share program.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And line 143 through 145 is the appropriation for the community grant program.
• This is related to the community grants program.
• This would require the DNR staff that is working on the community grants program to complete annual training
• This would require the DNR staff that is working on the community grants program to complete annual training
• Section 12 is the community grants program appropriation.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, to finalize House File 3426. After roll call established a quorum, staff walked members through the conference agreement and spreadsheet, noting that most appropriations were unchanged from the House and Senate positions. The report kept the LCCMR recommendations in resiliency, water, fish and wildlife, energy, and most land and education/outdoor recreation items, while removing the “cultivating conservation leaders through education and wilderness experiences” project and a Senate rotational grazing pilot provision. The committee also noted the overall appropriation total and carryforwards/extensions, and that the community grants program appropriation remained in the bill. Members then reviewed the policy language in the DE amendment. The agreement retained House provisions setting guardrails for the community grants program, including requirements for emerging issues account votes, maximum grant amounts, staff training, monitoring visits, pre-award risk assessments, surety bond or fiscal-agent approval for advance payments, and quarterly progress reports, while also adopting Senate language repealing a DNR acquisition-approval requirement. Senators McEwen and Her offered contrasting comments about the removal of the Boundary Waters-related project, with McEwen criticizing the decision as politicized and Her emphasizing stewardship and the importance of exposing young people to the Boundary Waters. Representatives Heintzeman and Fischer defended the need for accountability and said the issue had been addressed in a bipartisan way. The committee reported receiving a letter from the DNR supporting the language and thanking the conferees and staff. Chair Her moved adoption of the HF 3426 DE amendment and the spreadsheet dated 5/13/26 at 11:38 a.m., authorized staff to prepare the conference committee report and make technical and conforming changes, and the motion passed 7-0. The meeting ended with thanks to staff, LCCMR participants, and Speaker Melissa Hortman, followed by adjournment and instructions for members to watch for and sign the conference committee report electronically that night.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call granted. requested. Roll call granted.
• Roll call granted. A call requested. Roll call granted.
• Roll call has been granted. requested. Roll call has been granted.
• , the DOJ stop violence at school grant, and the local food purchasing assistance program.
• 03:38:18.480><c> program,</c> program after assistant program, program after assistant program, people

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> House Bill 78, Forest Health Grant Program, an act relating to the state forestry, sponsored by
• This program forest grant is a really a cost share program sets up a program for the state forester could
• This program<00:37:36.720><c> forest</c><00:37:37.119><c> grant</c><00:37:37.440><c> is</c><00:37:37.680
• grant is a really a cost program forest grant is a really a cost share<00:37:39.119><c> program</c><
• House Bill 78, Forest Health Grant Program, has passed Committee of the Whole.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is what the land-grant university really is. So welcome to your land-grant university.
• And land-grant means a lot to me.
• , loan programs and stuff like that, but do we, and I know FSA had a program at one time, I don't know
• , loan programs and stuff like that, but do we, and I know FSA had a program at one time, I don't know
• We have a program in family and community wellness, which includes our food and nutrition programs.

Summary: The committee met in Fargo and approved the minutes from the March 31 meeting before hearing a series of informational presentations focused on North Dakota agriculture, water, and research. NDSU President David Cook opened with remarks about NDSU’s land-grant mission, emphasizing statewide service through research, teaching, and extension, and highlighting examples such as the Lilac Agriculture startup and the university’s role in applying research to real-world problems. He said he intends to spend time listening across the state to better understand local needs. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study projected significant potential for expanded irrigation acreage, especially in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau, and estimated major economic gains from irrigation, including higher farm returns and support for value-added agriculture. Members discussed water permits, surface water versus aquifers, infrastructure, drought resilience, and the role of legal drains in improving productivity and generating economic activity. The presenters also noted that the full report is available online. Dr. Greg Lardy followed with NDSU’s required interim report, outlining the university’s agricultural research and extension system, including the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, seven research-extension centers, and the economic importance of agriculture to the state. He highlighted recent research impacts such as new crop varieties, potato breeding successes, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, weather-network tools, and 4-H programming. He also described NDSU’s budget priorities: restoring the governor’s proposed 10% cuts, additional operating support, and deferred maintenance funding. Committee members asked about the new agricultural field lab, storage sheds, and NDSU’s partnership with Grand Farm. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor presenting water-related research, including data center cooling, water reuse, smart irrigation, and a feasibility study on co-locating data centers with greenhouse and aquaculture production. Members asked about water use, ownership, and whether the concepts were operational or still speculative. Finally, North Dakota AgTech presented its NSF-funded innovation engine work, describing startup commercialization, on-farm trials, workforce development, and partnerships with NDSU, UND, tribal colleges, and other land-grant institutions. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• At Hualapai Indian Village, I am the director of our program, the Acorns to Oaks program, which focuses
• You know, our program is really unique.
• and for programming in each community.
• youth through the age of 25 for a three-year grant period.
• So here, follow this program.

Summary: The joint Assembly Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an oversight hearing on AB 988, California’s 988 crisis line and mobile crisis response system, followed by a discussion of suicide prevention and intervention in California Indian communities. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that AB 988 was intended to create a true alternative to 911 for behavioral health crises, with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and that Native communities continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and barriers to culturally responsive care. The first panel of call center and stakeholder witnesses largely argued that implementation is falling short of the law’s intent. They said 988 call centers are underfunded, text/chat answer rates remain far below call answer rates, staffing is strained, and the system still lacks meaningful statewide interoperability between 988 and 911. Several witnesses said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 as envisioned, and that funding formulas and governance are too opaque. San Joaquin County was presented as a local success story, with integrated 988, access lines, and mobile crisis handoffs that have reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds. Witnesses also discussed the need for better tribal outreach, the role of CCBHCs, and the importance of culturally competent services. State officials from CalHHS and DHCS described the five-year 988 implementation plan, the current governance structure across multiple agencies, and efforts to support training, public awareness, and referral tools. They reported growth in 988 contacts, ongoing training with the Trevor Project, a statewide resource directory, and a tribal awareness campaign. DHCS also outlined proposed trailer bill language that would create a formal designation process for 988 centers, set statewide standards, and require existing centers to obtain designation by 2029. Officials said current funding includes SAMHSA grants, block grant dollars, and an expected $67.3 million from the 988 fund in the next budget year, with a large share earmarked for Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:14.840><c> of</c> we'll start with program of we'll start with program of all-inclusive<00
• </c><00:01:28.479><c> was</c> authorized or this program was authorized or this program was authorized
• You mentioned the D Day program as one of the sites that they can get those programs.
• We do operate a flexible grant funding called the Transitions to Community program, or the Whatever It
• We do operate a flexible grant funding called the Transitions to Community program, or the Whatever It

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Kentucky 7 1915 C waiver programs. Kentucky 7 1915 C waiver programs.
• </c> the waiver program. the waiver program.
• Same program.
• grant in Kentucky.
• </c><01:54:00.360><c> in</c> program with the block grant in program with the block grant in Kentucky

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no new grant programs created, no eligibility expansions beyond existing statutes...
• There are no new grant programs created, no eligibility expansions beyond existing statutory authority
• These changes were made to reduce confusion across Department of Commerce grant programs and to ensure
• from $50,000 to $100,000 as far as the grant program.
• And the GEM grant program is intended to be an infrastructure grant that allows for job creation, job

Summary: Senate Commerce first took up three gubernatorial appointments and sent all three to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation: Salvador Cruz as director of the Department of Finance, Nora Carpenter to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Gregory Donica to the same board. Each motion passed without opposition. The committee then received an annual update from Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho. He reported record enrollment activity, including more than 139,000 selections in open enrollment 2025 and over 144,000 in open enrollment 2026, with most enrollees receiving tax credits and many working with agents or brokers. Kelly said the exchange remains financially self-sustaining, has low operating costs, and achieved strong customer satisfaction scores. Members asked about rising premiums, the shift toward bronze plans, and enrollment timing; Kelly and later Insurance Director Dean Cameron said Idaho premiums remain among the lowest nationally, helped by the 1332 reinsurance waiver, though affordability concerns are increasing. The committee also reviewed and approved one Department of Commerce pending rule docket and several Department of Insurance rule dockets under zero-based regulation. The Commerce rulemaking was described as a non-substantive cleanup that removed obsolete language, aligned definitions, and adjusted some grant limits, including the Idaho GEM grant program. Insurance rule changes similarly focused on simplifying, clarifying, and removing duplicative statutory language across self-funded plans, long-term care insurance, small employer and individual health insurance, coordination of benefits, short-term health insurance, and managing general agents. The most notable policy-related change was the short-term health insurance docket, which was approved with an effective date upon adjournment to avoid a gap after a temporary rule expires; all dockets were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no new grant programs created, no eligibility expansions beyond existing statutes.
• There are no new grant programs created, no eligibility expansions beyond existing statutory authority
• These changes were made to reduce confusion across Department of Commerce grant programs and to ensure
• There's an increase from $50,000 to $100,000 as far as the grant program.
• And the GEM grant program is intended to be an infrastructure grant that allows for job creation, job

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: Senate Commerce met with a quorum and first took up three gubernatorial appointments. The committee voted to send Salvador Cruz’s appointment as director of the Department of Finance, Nora Carpenter’s appointment to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Gregory Donica’s reappointment to the same board to the Senate floor with recommendations that each be confirmed. The committee then heard an annual update from Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho. Kelly reported record enrollment, low operating costs, no state funding, and strong customer satisfaction, while noting that affordability remains a concern and that more enrollees are shifting to bronze plans. Senators asked about enrollment timing, premium costs, and Idaho’s standing compared with other states; Kelly and later Insurance Director Dean Cameron said Idaho’s premiums remain among the lowest nationally, helped by the 1332 reinsurance waiver and a robust marketplace with eight medical carriers. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to approving a series of pending administrative rule dockets, mostly from the Department of Commerce and Department of Insurance. The rules were described as housekeeping or clarification changes under zero-based regulation, including updates to grant program rules, self-funded health plan rules, long-term care insurance standards, small employer and individual health insurance rules, coordination of benefits, short-term limited-duration insurance, and managing general agents. Several changes removed duplicative statutory language, repealed references to obsolete programs, and in one case adjusted short-term insurance rules to align with recent federal guidance; the committee approved each docket, including one short-term insurance rule with an effective date upon adjournment to avoid a regulatory gap.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the DFS suggested language that clarifies that the program grant would pay for roof covering
• This amendment specifies that mitigation grants of the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program may
• Thus, grants should only be provided for work that will accomplish this purpose.
• In the My Safe Florida Home program?
• I just want to thank you for continuing the program in this form.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 480 before taking up four bills. SB 282, relating to home service warranty association finance requirements, was explained as aligning Florida’s home warranty solvency rules with the framework already adopted for motor vehicle extended warranties. Two amendments were adopted: one correcting a cross-reference tied to the $100 million net worth option and another making a technical title change. A representative of the Florida Service Agreement Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered two proposed committee bills preserving public records exemptions. SB 7008 would continue the exemption for certain records held by the Office of Financial Regulation related to financial technology sandbox applications, with staff explaining the exemption is narrow and intended to protect proprietary information. SPB 7010 would continue the exemption for sensitive records held by the Department of Financial Services when acting as receiver for an insolvent insurer, including policyholder personal information, claim data, and trade secrets; staff said the exemption mirrors existing protections and allows consumers to request their own information. Both measures were moved as committee bills and reported favorably. Finally, SB 592 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was heard. The bill narrows eligibility to certain condominiums, changes owner approval from unanimous consent to 75%, and clarifies eligible roof mitigation techniques. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring the grant work to match the initial inspection report and comply with inspection requirements, and another limiting grants to work that results in a mitigation discount. Testimony was supportive, including from home inspectors and AARP Florida, and senators praised the program’s benefits for hardening homes and lowering insurance costs. SB 592 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and these programs a paid leave program and these programs have<00:04:41.280><c> seen</c><00:04:41.600
• > sent</c><00:26:24.559><c> that</c> the grant program and we've sent that the grant program and we've
• The way that the process works is that you do first request information from us about the grant program
• grant is meant to help assistance grants grant is meant to help a<00:33:38.320><c> small</c><00:33:38.640
• ><c> serious</c><00:55:54.880><c> program</c><00:55:55.280><c> integrity</c> program has serious program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program in pharmacy.
• I'm not sure exactly when these, the programs began and when funding began for these programs.
• programs are more effective.
• And the Wright Grant has been very beneficial in helping us to be able to continue offering programs
• So I ask that you guys consider the Wright Grant and continue that program because it has an immense

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Office of the Inspector General and California Correctional Health Care Services on prison oversight, medical care, reentry, and related budget requests. The OIG requested $275,000 General Fund for two additional intake analysts, citing a sharp rise in complaints from 3,200 in 2022 to 7,860 in 2025 and explaining that the unit reviews and routes complaints, including PREA and staff misconduct allegations, within 30 days. Its medical inspection unit reported on cycle seven prison health inspections, noting generally adequate case-review performance but weak policy-compliance results, especially in medication management and health care environment indicators, and said it was beginning cycle eight with revised inspection methods. Members questioned the OIG about what kinds of complaints were driving the increase, whether the office tracks validity or systemic patterns, and how it distinguishes duplicative complaints from those already handled by CDCR. OIG said the largest categories were prison conditions and staff misconduct, that it does not determine whether complaints are “valid” in a statistical sense, and that it forwards issues to CDCR or other entities as appropriate. Senators also asked about the medical inspection findings, the remaining prisons not yet delegated back from federal receivership, and whether more detail should be provided in future reports. LAO and Department of Finance staff said they had no concerns with the OIG proposal. The committee then reviewed the correctional health care budget, including staffing, pharmacy, contract medical costs, and the state’s progress toward ending the Plata medical receivership. CDCR said it is trying to reduce vacancies through hiring events, social media outreach, new classifications, and more on-site care, while also using CalAIM to improve reentry services; CalAIM officials reported 89% Medi-Cal activation at release, 87% managed care assignment, 88% reentry care plans, and 59% warm handoffs, with about $14.7 million in reimbursements to date. Members pressed staff on the cost of receivership, the pace of delegation, whether more care could be consolidated into fewer facilities, and whether the state should seek more federal reimbursement or alternative staffing models. Finally, the committee discussed the new mental health receivership and a telemental health staffing proposal. The receiver’s office requested $33.9 million from the Mental Health Special Deposit Fund, including $8.2 million for the receiver’s office and $25.3 million to make court-ordered bonus payments permanent; CDCR also sought about $8.9 million for telemental health staffing, growing to $13 million ongoing. LAO recommended approving the action plan and portions of the telehealth request, but urged the Legislature to monitor progress, consider out-of-state recruitment and expanded telehealth, and avoid across-the-board salary increases; Finance cautioned that out-of-state licensure would require major statutory changes and that staffing-ratio changes would need receiver approval. Senators raised concerns about the high cost of receiverships, vacancy-driven fines, the need for more detailed benchmarks, and whether the state should consolidate mental health populations and better target recruitment to fill hard-to-staff positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• One that complements those grant programs with something just as powerful, patient capital that earns
• The Texas Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Program is actually the 2604 grant managed by the Texas
• almost $10 million of unfunded grants.
• It also sets 10% of the funds for the department, uh, of the grant of the new money and for the grant
• program.

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• In case You're unaware, the federal government has a program that they call the Continuum of Care program
• Support law enforcement interventions and diversion programs.
• So we were awarded a federal SAMHSA grant.
• And they have a much more extensive CCBH program in Texas.
• , for SSDI, for housing, all these different programs?

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.