Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Ael as your subject matter expert for the questions that I could never answer if my life depended
• answer<00:21:08.640><c> if</c><00:21:08.799><c> my</c><00:21:08.960><c> life</c><00:21:09.120><c> depended
• </c> answer if my life depended on him. answer if my life depended on him.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes and adopting the consent calendar without objection. It then postponed the Board of Licensed Dieticians and the Board of Accountancy items to next month, with a waiver granted for the dieticians item so it could be carried over. The committee also noted that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources interim rule would be discussed further, and staff flagged a specific concern about authority over kindling size for category 3 fires under NCR 5601.04. The Board of Registry and Optometry received conditional approval. Staff said the board had addressed editorial comments, but raised one substantive issue about the drug formulary: the statute requires posting it online but does not clearly exempt it from rulemaking, suggesting a possible legislative carveout may be needed. The committee agreed to add that issue to a list of legislative suggestions for later consideration. The DNCR interim fire rule was the main contested item. Committee members and staff discussed whether the rule exceeded authority by regulating kindling for category 3 fires, and the agency explained that the regular rules had expired and interim rules were needed quickly for public safety and permit enforcement. The committee ultimately granted conditional approval on the interim rule 25-4, with the understanding that the agency would continue regular rulemaking and address the objection. The Board of Examiners’ dental rules were then reviewed. The agency explained that it revised the rules to address prior concerns about anesthesia and sedation for children, including a pathway for oral surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists to obtain exemptions for under-13 patients, a pediatric minimal sedation permit, and a moderate sedation permit with pediatric qualification. Members also discussed whether the rules were consistent with House Bill 470; staff and members concluded they appeared compatible and would not require additional rulemaking. The committee approved the dental rules, and then adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• stakeholders to learn how there's a path forward to establishing our recycling market. to be less dependent
• To begin the conversation, we're going to hear those bills, and depending on what we hear, there may
• Our industry manufactures thousands of products and materials that we depend on for everyday life, from
• The economic value of glass is very dependent on local markets.

Bills: SB410, SB795, SB2510, SB728, SB2689, HB143, HB143

Keywords: Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, beverage container recycling, deposit return system, container deposit, bottle bill, recycling refund

Transcript Highlights:

• So it really depends on the particular program and the particular proceeding.
• This program is depended on by part of our population that needs this in a very critical way.
• world and an increasingly sophisticated and technologically advanced world, we're all more and more dependent
• I mean, 500 megawatts is still a small resource relative to the entire library reserve, which is dependent

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas taxpayers do not need to provide more incentive for non-dependable energy. Thank you.
• Bennett, you’d agree that they are dependent upon an affirmative vote of the local elected officials,
• Act, which had massive increases of renewable, I call them renewable, but they're really weather-dependent
• Because these industries depend on having sufficient access to electricity, the 2023 legislation intended

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, mostly related to economic development, tax incentives, and workforce programs. Senate Bill 1534 would direct a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission on health physics education and workforce needs; resource witnesses from the Workforce Commission and Coordinating Board testified, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1553 would authorize Kerr County to impose a hotel occupancy tax for tourism-related uses, and Senate Bills 1086 and 1087 would authorize similar county hotel taxes for Children’s County and Mason County; all three bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1754, which would prohibit county and local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power wholesale, with testimony sharply divided between landowners and policy groups opposing renewable subsidies and industry representatives and some senators arguing the bill would harm clean energy investment and local decision-making; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2322, which would exempt dispatchable electric generation facilities from the JEDI program’s compelling-factor test so they could qualify for school district tax incentives; testimony was mixed, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 1718, which would add the NRA annual meeting to the state’s major events reimbursement program. The bill’s sponsor and NRA representatives argued the event brings substantial tourism and economic activity, while opponents said it would use taxpayer funds to subsidize an organization that opposes gun safety measures; the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events reimbursement program, with the committee substitute exempting it from the usual competitive site-selection requirement because of timing; testimony from the event organizers and Arlington tourism officials was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support college-and-career readiness and technical assistance in rural communities; witnesses from Texas 2036, Collegiate Edgination, and a rural school district supported it, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 913 would repeal a special requirement that Alpine dedicate at least 50% of its hotel occupancy tax to advertising and promotion, and Senate Bill 1143 would require more coordination and reporting for youth workforce programs serving disconnected young Texans; both bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. At the end of the hearing, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• That it has, in fact, lowered the price, which is why it sells well in areas where it's introduced, depending
• allowed specifically in Section 30233 of the Coastal Act, so it would be when it's basically coastal-dependent
• A coastal-dependent use is something like a port or aquaculture.
• Now, if you have a commercial— if you have a coastal-dependent use, there could be a nexus, in which

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of natural resources and climate-related bills. AB 70 would codify a definition of pyrolysis and allow procurement credit for projects using organic waste to generate pipeline biomethane; supporters said it would help divert organic waste from landfills, reduce methane, and support energy reliability. AB 30 would authorize E15 fuel sales in California, with supporters arguing it could lower consumer fuel costs and emissions, while opponents from boating and marine groups raised concerns about engine damage and the need for clear labeling and continued E10 availability. AB 66 would create a CEQA exemption for emergency evacuation routes in high fire-risk areas; supporters emphasized wildfire evacuation safety, while some members worried the bill lacked sufficient guardrails and environmental review. AB 399 would let the Coastal Commission consider blue carbon sequestration in coastal permitting and authorize blue carbon demonstration projects; environmental groups supported it, while business groups objected to new costs and regulatory uncertainty. AB 491 would codify California’s nature-based solutions climate targets for lands and wetlands, with supporters citing climate and adaptation benefits and the Farm Bureau opposing statutory targets. AB 580 would extend Metropolitan Water District authority related to the Colorado River Aqueduct, and AB 43 would make permanent state authority to protect federally designated wild and scenic rivers if federal protections are weakened. The committee also considered AB 436 to streamline siting and permitting of composting facilities and AB 539 to streamline certain Coastal Act procedures and reporting. Most measures received due-pass recommendations and were reported out on roll calls, with several bills also moving on consent; AB 404 was pulled at the author’s request.

Transcript Highlights:

• It really depends on the expectation of the legislature.
• appreciate the the question<00:09:14.360><c> it</c><00:09:14.480><c> really</c><00:09:14.720><c> depends
• </c><00:09:15.040><c> on</c><00:09:15.240><c> the</c> question it really depends on the question it really
• depends on the expectation<00:09:16.120><c> of</c><00:09:16.279><c> the</c><00:09:16.440><c> legislature

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They deserve action from this legislature all of our communities and and our future workforce depend
• re-evaluate the success of certain programs. that we fund and it just, like we always work together, it depends
• that point, you still get all your rural schools, and maybe you don't even need the high... needs depending
• Well, it depends on the year, right?

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's be clear: this will not hurt any communities that depend on rideshare drivers.
• Let's be clear: this will not hurt any communities that depend on rideshare drivers.
• Let's be clear: this will not hurt any communities that depend on rideshare drivers.
• Let's be clear: this will not hurt any communities that depend on rideshare drivers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just struggle with that, especially when my area is very dependent upon the ones that are going to
• my<00:10:39.680><c> area</c><00:10:40.279><c> is</c><00:10:41.000><c> very</c><00:10:41.320><c> dependent
• /c><00:10:41.920><c> upon</c><00:10:42.440><c> the</c><00:10:42.560><c> ones</c> my area is very dependent
• upon the ones my area is very dependent upon the ones that<00:10:42.959><c> are</c><00:10:43.120><c>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:12 Introduction of Guests 01:09 HB 88 Discussion 01:46 HB 88 Roll Call Vote 03:24 HB 346 Discussion 04:20 HB 346 Roll Call Vote 21:58 Chair Comments 24:31, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 88, which was described as a short bill to clarify procedures for Waste Management boards, including term limits, appointments, and making sure consolidated governments actively recruit community members and make openings easier to find. The sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve confusion about members staying on after terms expire. The bill received no opposition, passed the committee unanimously, and was reported favorably for the floor. The committee then took up House Bill 346, as amended by a committee substitute. The sponsor explained that the bill responds to a dispute over air emission fees, especially for emergency generators and backup generators used for worker safety and limited non-emergency testing. The bill would exempt emergency generators and backup generators operating 100 hours or less for maintenance/testing from fees, while also removing an existing 4,000-ton cap so the per-ton fee would drop for most permitted sources. Members discussed the possible impact on utilities and ratepayers, with concerns raised that costs could be passed through to consumers and affect coal-dependent areas. The sponsor and another member argued the change would generally reduce fees for most sources and incentivize emissions reductions; the cabinet was described as neutral, and the affected utilities were identified as TVA, LG&E, East Kentucky Power, and Big Rivers, with only TVA having raised comments. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation, though one member voted no and several members explained yes votes while expressing ongoing concerns about future rate impacts. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed broader concerns about utility surcharges and the need to monitor the effects of legislation on ratepayers, but those comments were not part of the bill under consideration. The chair noted that future meetings may include more bills and could start earlier if needed, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• small farmer could be up to 500 acres or even more, defined in... ...the state of Florida today, depending
• But until we get to that point, it may be $400 million, $600 million, depending on how many disasters
• And depending on what they're hauling would probably determine how often you would get pulled over.
• And depending on what they're hauling would probably determine how often you would get pulled over.

Summary: The committee received an overview from Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including staffing, licensing, forestry, law enforcement, and consumer services. He emphasized agriculture as a major economic driver and a national security issue, arguing that Florida should protect farmland, aquifer recharge areas, and the wildlife corridor through the Rural and Family Lands program. He said the program is cost-effective because the state buys development rights rather than land outright, keeps land on local tax rolls, and helps preserve farmland in perpetuity. He also highlighted the Fresh From Florida marketing program, increased social media reach, and the department’s efforts to reduce vacancies and improve pay and efficiency. Members asked about nutrient management, citrus disease, housing, disaster recovery, wildfire prevention, interdiction stations, and concealed carry permitting. Simpson said SB 1000 and updated best management practice manuals, informed by University of Florida research, are helping agriculture use less water and fertilizer, and he described citrus greening as having devastated the industry while noting research, replanting programs, and CUPS as possible paths to recovery. On housing, he argued that allowing H-2A farmworker housing on farms would ease pressure on the broader housing market, and on disasters he described a zero-interest loan program for farmers affected by hurricanes and other events. He also detailed wildfire preparedness improvements, including upgraded helicopters, dozers, drones, and prescribed burns. The commissioner said ag interdiction stations are catching stolen semis, drugs, human trafficking, and other illegal activity, and that the department wants more technology, including X-ray scanning, to inspect more trucks. He also discussed concealed carry administration, saying the department cleared a large backlog and that constitutional carry reduced but did not eliminate permit demand because permits still provide reciprocity and other benefits. Members generally praised the department’s work, expressed support for rural land protection, Fresh From Florida, water-quality improvements, and foreign-interference concerns, and the meeting ended with no formal votes or other committee action beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our communities know the importance of this work because our lives depend on it.
• 00:03:01.000><c> because</c><00:03:01.280><c> our</c><00:03:01.519><c> lives</c><00:03:01.840><c> depend
• </c><00:03:02.159><c> on</c><00:03:02.280><c> it</c> work because our lives depend on it work because
• our lives depend on it right<00:03:03.280><c> now</c><00:03:03.560><c> there</c><00:03:03.680><c> is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want that to happen because we depend directly on the support of the hotel sector of the industry
• 00:19:42.720><c> happen</c><00:19:43.080><c> because</c><00:19:43.400><c> we</c><00:19:43.600><c> depend
• </c> that to happen because we depend that to happen because we depend directly<00:19:44.520><c> on</

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, a lot of that would depend on the solvency analysis as well.
• But again, a lot of that would depend on the solvency analysis as well.
• Depends on the quality of the restaurant.
• You know, it depends what shift you get, what day you get, a bunch of variables.
• It varies widely, and it also depends on whether they're full-time or part-time.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They also, depending on how they do the exam, they can monitor what applications you have up on your
• Um they<00:32:45.760><c> also</c><00:32:46.559><c> depending</c><00:32:46.880><c> on</c><00:32:47.039
• And depending upon the these curriculum.
• It would depend on what your primary form of identification is.
• on what your visa status is depends on what your visa status is would<04:30:50.880><c> depend</c><04

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 12, which would let certain veterans who already qualify for a disabled veteran license plate use that VA disability determination to obtain a walking disability placard without having to undergo a second physical or submit additional proof. Senator Waters, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a constituent and would reduce redundant paperwork. Melinda Sims of United Spinal and Leo Pacquin of the State Veterans Advisory Committee both supported the bill, saying veterans already go through an extensive VA certification process and should not have to repeat it for the state. A DMV representative said the department had no known objection and explained that the change would let the placard travel with the veteran in another vehicle. The hearing on SB 12 was then closed. The committee then took up SB 40, which would allow safe boater education certificates to be completed and tested online, rather than requiring an in-person final exam. Representative Coker and Senator Tim Lang described the bill as a cleanup measure to make a COVID-era online process permanent and said it would improve convenience and keep more revenue in New Hampshire. Tom Praol, representing the vendor, said the state lost significant revenue when the online option ended and argued that online proctoring can verify identity and prevent cheating. The New Hampshire Marine Trades Association supported the bill, saying it would help boaters learn New Hampshire-specific laws and keep dollars in-state. The Department of Safety Marine Patrol was neutral: Captain Tim Dunlvy said the current system includes classroom and online coursework followed by an in-person proctored final exam, and he raised concerns about safety, exam integrity, and lower scores in computer-only testing, while noting New Hampshire’s strong boating safety record. Committee members asked about reciprocity, proctoring methods, costs, and crash data, but no vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• He communicated so he thought the aspect of a legal dependent under custody at an address outside the
• So this again is tying someone’s right to vote to someone else’s ability to claim you as a dependent,
• I can’t control if my parents claim me as a dependent; if they don’t, you know, that’s a decision for
• So this again is tying someone’s right to vote to someone else’s ability to claim you as a dependent,
• <00:27:08.559><c> upon</c><00:27:08.840><c> the</c> depending upon the depending upon the topic<00:27

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of that, whether they'll be able to be redeployed somewhere else, will depend on, you know, if they're
• They scale depending on the size of the institution.
• It depends on the facts and situation that you're dealing with.
• The strength of the Texas economy depends on it.
• We simply want a model that you can trust, colleges can plan around, and students can depend on.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum, adopted its interim rules on a 6-0 vote, and heard opening remarks from members and staff introductions. The chair emphasized higher education’s role in workforce development and noted a Legislative Budget Board survey issue that was resolved after a community college initially did not respond because the survey was marked optional. The committee then focused on monitoring implementation of Senate Bill 37, which governs public higher education boards, curriculum review, faculty senates/councils, training for regents, and the ombudsman office. Testimony from Chancellor Brandon Creighton of Texas Tech, Commissioner Wynn Rosser, UNT Chancellor Michael Williams, and Ombudsman Brandon Simmons described how SB 37 is being implemented. They said boards now have stronger authority, faculty senates are advisory, and institutions are reviewing general education curricula and other programs for rigor, relevance, and workforce value. Rosser said the statewide advisory committee is reviewing the core curriculum and board training requirements are being administered, while Simmons reported the ombudsman office has received 73 complaints, opened two investigations, and expects a third, with many complaints outside its jurisdiction or harassing in nature. Members questioned witnesses about transfer credits, board training content, auditing, conflicts of interest, curriculum decisions, and whether any institutions were missing deadlines. Rosser said non-transferable credits have declined since reporting began under earlier law, and that the most common reason is courses outside degree requirements. Witnesses said they were not aware of institutions missing the SB 37 review deadlines. Senators also raised concerns about an appearance of impropriety in a Texas Tech-related matter and about whether a Dred Scott case should be taught in law school, with Creighton saying the curriculum review process did not prohibit teaching Supreme Court cases and that he would follow up. Later testimony from University of Houston, Texas State, UT, and Texas A&M system officials said their systems had updated policies, abolished prior faculty senates, created compliant advisory councils, and completed or were completing core curriculum reviews and related governance changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And depending on where you are, so in my situation, we're tied to Boston.
• I mean, depending, there are different provisions that work differently depending, but yeah, I mean,
• It recognizes that a functional housing market depends on balance.
• Landlords deserve a fair return and market depends on balance.
• My family depends on me, and I am a single mother.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement. Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties. The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and a Ensures that when a juvenile court orders a parent or guardian to undergo drug testing in a dependency
• Under current law, courts already have the authority to order drug testing in dependency cases.
• It's a measure that's focused on child safety during one of the most critical stages in the dependency
• The answer is it's not a monolith, and it depends on the market that you're talking about.
• Now, it depends upon your point of view as to the extent of that friction or irritation.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• members of the legislature who are former Purple Kids as well, as in they are sons and daughters of dependents
• 00:23:05.600><c> and</c><00:23:05.679><c> daughters</c><00:23:06.000><c> of</c><00:23:06.040><c> dependents
• </c><00:23:06.520><c> that</c> sons and daughters of dependents that sons and daughters of dependents
• We're in there for most of the day, if not a couple days or three days, depending on the committee that
• on the on the committee and depending on the on the committee that<01:25:57.680><c> we're</c><01:25:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It depends on what type of reagents, what type of instrument we will be needing, and the capacity that
• And depending on the number of resources that they need to assist us for any referrals, you know, with
• I will say it depends.
• So obviously it's context-dependent.
• So obviously it's context-dependent.

Summary: The hearing began with a stakeholder presentation from Let California Kids Hear urging coverage of pediatric hearing aids for children in the large group market. Advocates described the issue as a long-running developmental emergency, argued that existing state efforts have been inefficient, and said the new proposal would cover about 70% to 80% of affected children without new spending by redirecting existing dollars. Public commenters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s advocates, strongly supported the proposal and emphasized the need for timely access to sound. The chair thanked the group and noted hope for a future fix, including continued work on the exchange market. The Department of Finance then gave a broad budget warning about the state’s more than $20 billion structural deficit and said new investments must be weighed against out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with an overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, seismic hospital compliance, workforce programs, and the Data Exchange Framework. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, behavioral health pipeline programs, the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, and future CalRx products such as EpiPens and GLP-1s. HCAI also described its enforcement approach for health care spending targets, saying the board would not change the targets in response to H.R. 1, and outlined the diaper access initiative, which will distribute diapers through hospitals in higher-need areas. Several HCAI budget items were discussed and held open, including additional expenditure authority, the transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate, long-term care payment transparency staffing, and reporting on health care worker waiting periods. The department also presented its Behavioral Health Services Act workforce initiative and a proposed $100 million General Fund offset, which both the LAO and the chair questioned as unclear and potentially one-time in nature. HCAI said the final workforce plan would be adjusted after stakeholder consultation if the offset proceeds. The department also described the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying California received $233.6 million in federal funds, had to revise its proposal to satisfy CMS, and must obligate the money by October 30; the program will fund rural care models, workforce development, and technology, with grants rolled out on a phased basis. The Department of Managed Health Care then presented its budget and three legislative implementation requests: SB 41 on PBM reform, SB 306 on prior authorization transparency, and AB 1041 on provider credentialing timelines. Finally, the administration outlined a menopause care proposal requiring coverage and education for menopause-related services, provider training, and an outreach campaign, with DMHC requesting staffing and funding to implement and enforce the new requirements. Throughout the hearing, most items were held open for later action, and no final votes were taken in the portion provided.