Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> that</c> &gt;&gt; Did you see the tag in the vehicle that &gt;&gt; Did you see the tag in the vehicle
• </c> the eyes. the eyes.
• Number two under this heading includes posting on the county site, making copies available from the probate
• ><c> the</c> of the of the publishing of the of the of the of the publishing of the of the list.<00:17
• for the voters and the taxpayers.

Bills: HB272 , HB272

Committee: House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections

Keywords: HB272, LASEA, AMSTEP, Alabama Commission on Higher Education, State Department of Education, teacher loan repayment, student loan forgiveness, educator shortage, teacher shortage, acute educator shortage, acute shortage location, public K-12 schools, school systems, math teachers, science teachers, computer science teachers, charter schools, failing schools, underperforming schools, teacher recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:50.080><c> the</c><00:31:50.240><c> law,</c> under the law, under the law, and<00:31:52.000><c
• under the law to allow them to address persistent or severe disciplinary issues.
• under the law to allow them to address persistent or severe disciplinary issues.
• law a proper, you under the current law a proper, you know,<00:36:42.720><c> a</c><00:36:43.040><c>
• Now, this sounds extreme, that you would even prosecute a student under 12 years old, but I think the

Summary: The Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee received an Office of Education Accountability presentation on student discipline data in Kentucky schools for the 2024 school year. OEA said the study used Safe Schools data, educator and student surveys, site visits to 12 schools, and principal surveys. The report found that about 1 in 10 schools have major behavior-related challenges and up to one-third have at least moderate challenges, with the most common concerns varying by level: high schools cited vapes, cell phone misuse, apathy, and tardiness; middle schools cited apathy, vapes, and cell phone misuse; and elementary schools reported more extreme classroom behaviors such as throwing objects, overturning furniture, and screaming. OEA also noted that 14% of students had at least one behavior event in 2024, but repeated events were rare, and event rates alone do not reliably measure the severity of behavior problems in a school or district. The presentation emphasized that many disciplinary consequences do not align consistently with statutes or local expectations. OEA said law violations made up 19% of more than 250,000 recorded behavior events, while most were board violations, and that some serious incidents resulted in minimal consequences. The report highlighted concerns about weapons, threats, and assaults: only 9.2% of weapon events led to expulsion or alternative placement, few threats resulted in those outcomes, and fewer than 10% of assaults led to expulsion or alternative placement, including some first-degree assaults. OEA also said the Safe Schools data do not identify victims, limiting analysis of assaults on staff or students, and recommended clearer statutory definitions and better data reporting. A major theme was the difficulty schools face in addressing chronic disruption and severe behavior while complying with federal protections for students with disabilities. OEA said principals reported the biggest challenges were federal limits on disciplinary removals and a lack of alternative placement options. The report described variation among districts in how they implement federal requirements, with some administrators discouraging alternative placements or avoiding discipline because of perceived legal risks. Site visits found that many schools lacked chronic-disruption policies, and teachers often reported frustration with minimal consequences and repeated classroom removals. OEA recommended that KDE collect more information from educators, identify promising practices for alternative instructional settings, and develop clearer guidance and training. In discussion, committee members said the findings showed reporting gaps and resource strains, and OEA staff clarified that some underreporting reflects local discretion, while law violations should still be reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:06:44.240><c> bill</c><01:06:44.520><c> that</c> under the bill the bipartisan bill that under
• Reform</c><01:12:55.679><c> Bill</c> under the bipartisan bail Reform Bill under the bipartisan bail
• </c><01:13:07.840><c> the</c> preventatively detained under the preventatively detained under the bipartisan
• the</c> program the the response is the program the the response is the amendment<05:44:38.558><c> under
• license; the other, under the same circumstances, cannot.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the recent past, we have had a shift in our culture to protect the one who is being under justice,
• We have had a shift in our culture to protect the one who is being under justice, the perpetrator.
• of it under Title 33 and Chapter 29 of the Wyoming statutes.
• under the municipality.
• under the municipality.

Bills: SF0082

Committee: House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• And it also creates the Clinical Laboratory Personnel Committee, which is the committee under the State
• And it also creates the Clinical Laboratory Personnel Committee, which is the committee under the State
• I want to drive it into the ditch.
• LDH came to me from the floor to hear that the labeling was under LDH.
• LDH came to me from the floor to hear that the labeling was under LDH.

Bills: SB237

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> under RSA 1045 it defines what the under RSA 1045 it defines what the primary<00:15:28.279><c> duties
• </c><01:03:44.880><c> specific</c> under the state police has specific under the state police has specific
• For example, driving under the influence regulations are designed to protect lives.
• For example, driving under the influence regulations are designed to protect lives.
• would fit under the animal cruelty statute and that would ...that would fit under the animal cruelty

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training through the police standards system. Representative Barbara Coma, the sponsor, said the bill was prompted by problems in animal cruelty cases, especially in rural areas without animal control officers, and she described it as a limited training measure. She said an amendment was forthcoming that would add an eight-hour approved course and a two-hour refresher every three years, and she emphasized that the trained officers would serve as resources rather than being required to take action themselves. Members asked about cost, due process, overlap with animal control officers, how trained officers would be identified and notified, and whether veterinarians could fill the role. Coma responded that the bill would not be a heavy financial lift, would not interfere with animal control officers, would apply to livestock as well as companion animals, and would still require law enforcement involvement because veterinarians cannot lawfully remove animals from property. She also said the training could improve due process by helping officers better understand when animal removal is appropriate and how cases should proceed. Sheriff William Wright, speaking for the New Hampshire Sheriffs Association, testified in opposition. He said training itself was acceptable, but the bill went beyond training by creating an obligation for sheriffs and state police to respond to and potentially investigate animal cruelty cases, which he argued would be ambiguous, unfunded, and burdensome for staffing and resources. He said some sheriff’s offices do not have investigative deputies and that the bill could create liability and uncertainty about who would lead investigations. In response to questions, he said the association would likely have no objection if the bill were limited to training, but it opposed the assistance/investigation mandate as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the following year. and it drives the the following year. and it drives the districts<00:40:34.800
• <01:24:14.560><c> by</c><01:24:15.360><c> the</c> been and it's also in influenced by the been and it's
• the base cost up, yeah, you can say you're driving the base cost up to $10,000 a kid right now.
• Yeah, you can driving the base cost up.
• </c> "They're going to get hammered from the standpoint under the formula right now.

Committee: House Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c> summer in reviewing the RIS the the summer in reviewing the RIS the the lists<00:40:23.119
• </c><01:13:41.280><c> the</c> the State High School can or the the the State High School can or the the
• Late PSO enrollments exacerbate the problem, destabilizing our CIS programs by leaving courses under-enrolled
• Thank you very much, and sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to drive out here and testify
• as one of the deliverables under the partnership with Carrie at the U of M.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• arrest, 23,000 are younger, young people under the age of 18.
• We passed the test under the time limit, which to all of us was a big relief.
• the test under the response we passed the test under the time<01:15:05.159><c> limit</c><01:15:05.639
• For example, in the city of Lakeville, the hockey rinks or the city parks aren't necessarily under the
• necessarily under the city parks aren't necessarily under the school's<01:46:51.719><c> purview</c><

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation, under God,
• tariff</c> 2025 that under the net metering tariff 2025 that under the net metering tariff that<00:35
• ><c> net</c> working um operating under uh the net working um operating under uh the net metering<00:
• c> here</c> you for driving all the way down here you for driving all the way down here and<05:09:20.718
• the structure of actually exist under the structure of the<06:07:26.240><c> bill.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• That one is for emergencies under the PREP Act.
• in the amendment and not those designated by the president under the Antiquities Act?
• Across the state, unelected offices and consultants are influencing policy and spending under the banner
• the drive I had to make to get here today.
• And under this bill, the burden will not fall on the powerful.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 339, which would create liability for vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida and require them to stand behind their products if consumers are harmed. The sponsor argued the bill is meant to restore trust in vaccines, improve informed consent, and address inadequate federal vaccine-injury compensation systems; he said he was open to amendments and noted the bill was modeled on Texas law. Opponents, including a former vaccine-court official, a Florida Justice Reform Institute representative, and a physician, argued the bill is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, is vague, and is unnecessary because existing federal compensation programs already provide a remedy. After an amendment delaying the effective date by three months was adopted, the committee heard extensive public testimony, mostly opposed, and then approved HB 339 as amended by a 12-4 vote. The committee then began HB 1001, a strike-all on official actions of local governments that would bar counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and spending, define DEI and related terms, add enforcement provisions, and include broad exceptions for holidays, observances, and certain content-neutral civic events. The sponsor said the measure is intended to curb what he described as divisive and wasteful DEI activity in local government while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws and other listed exceptions. Members questioned the lack of definitions for terms like “preferential treatment” and the bill’s possible effects on local festivals, language-access services, Pride events, memorials, and community programs; the sponsor said some concerns were addressed by exceptions and that he was open to further changes. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers warning of overbreadth, preemption, frivolous lawsuits, harm to local autonomy, and impacts on marginalized communities, while supporters said the bill would restore neutrality, accountability, and merit-based governance. The amendment to HB 1001 was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony and debate on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• influence of the enriched benefits.
• </c> retirement and just oftentimes the retirement and just oftentimes the influence<00:16:41.839><c>
• </c> influence of the the enriched benefits. influence of the the enriched benefits.
• He said he had been asked to give a brief overview of the statutory framework under which retired TRS
• can pay them any wage they want to, under the new limitations, the 10% limitation.

Summary: The meeting began with quorum, approval of the prior minutes, and an announcement that the June meeting had been canceled and replaced by this combined May/June meeting; the next official PPOB meeting was announced for July 21 at 2:30. Staff then gave an overview of the Public Pension Oversight Board’s required actuarial audit process, explaining that House Bill 238 requires a review every five years of the retirement systems’ actuarial assumptions and methods, funded by the systems themselves. The presentation distinguished this audit from a financial or forensic audit, described the three possible audit levels (full replication, limited/spot review, or basic review), and noted that the last audit in 2021 was a level one performed by Milleman Consulting at a cost of about $190,000. Members discussed timing for the next audit cycle, with a request to LRC likely needed in July or August to target the June 30, 2026 valuation, and several members expressed interest in another level one review. Questions also addressed whether prior audits found major issues; staff said the 2021 review was generally clean but recommended more consistency in reporting and assumptions across systems. The committee then welcomed new staff and interns, including Odet Guanzi of KPPPA and Team Kentucky intern Amamira Bowman. Bo Barnes of the Teachers Retirement System presented an overview of the statutory framework for reemployment after retirement under KRS 161.605. He explained that the law is intended to let retirees return to help with staffing needs, do so in an actuarially sound way through required contributions, and keep TRS compliant with federal tax rules for a qualified plan under section 401(a). Barnes described the required breaks in service and earnings limits for retirees returning part-time or full-time, including the three-month or 12-month break depending on the employer, the 6,900-day limit, and the daily wage threshold based on years of service. He also noted a lightly used critical shortage program that allows school districts to hire retirees without a wage cap, while still observing the break-in-service rules. Members asked questions about who decides the scope and level of the actuarial audit, how the audit would treat leave balances and other benefit-related items, and whether the prior level one audit identified substantial problems. Staff said the committee would request the audit, but LRC would handle contracting, and that the audit scope could include items like sick leave and annual leave costs if requested. On the reemployment topic, Barnes emphasized that the rules are designed to avoid pre-arranged retire-and-return arrangements that could jeopardize TRS’s tax-qualified status. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the meeting concluded with the presentations and discussion of these pension oversight issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that was our approach toward giving those voices a seat at the table and helping influence
• lifts given the height of things that generally go under the bridge?
• lifts given the height of things that generally go under the bridge?
• That is what is included in the final supplemental environmental impact statement that is under review
• as the cost of the vehicles, the cost of customer service, the cost of the operator in that vehicle.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff provided updates on permitting and environmental milestones, including the biological opinion, the Coast Guard navigation review, the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and the amended record of decision expected in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and the transition from Greg Johnson to interim administrator Carly Francis. Johnson thanked the committee for its support as he prepared to step down, and members praised his leadership and the program’s outreach and transparency. A major focus was the bridge configuration and cost-estimating process. Staff said the Coast Guard is reviewing the Navigation Impact Report and will decide whether a fixed 116-foot span or a movable span is permissible. They said the final environmental document will also resolve open questions such as one versus two auxiliary lanes and single- versus double-deck configurations. Members pressed staff on why a cost estimate was not yet available, whether the federal decision could delay funding deadlines, and what cost drivers were most significant. Francis said the estimate is still being developed, that a movable span would cost more and affect schedule, and that the program is also considering value engineering and other efficiencies. The committee also reviewed transit-related costs and operations. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative, and that ridership and operations estimates are based on federal modeling methods. They said updated annual operations and maintenance costs are about $10.3 million, down from a prior estimate of $21.8 million because the current service plan assumes 15-minute train frequency rather than a more intensive schedule. Oregon’s share is estimated at about $5.15 million and Washington’s at $4.12 million, with TriMet said to have committed its portion while Washington-side funding sources are still being identified. Members asked for more detail on TriMet’s fiscal stability and on how the transit operating costs will be covered. In public testimony, economist Joe Cortright criticized the program for not providing an updated cost estimate and argued that the project is behind schedule and has been inconsistent about the Coast Guard process. He said the committee needed the most critical information—total project cost—before moving forward. The hearing then continued with additional public testimony not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that was our approach toward giving those voices a seat at the table and helping influence
• lifts given the height of things that generally go under the bridge?
• That is what is included in the final supplemental environmental impact statement that is under review
• That is what is included in the final supplemental environmental impact statement that is under review
• as the cost of the vehicles, the cost of customer service, the cost of the operator in that vehicle.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff outlined major milestones, including the recent biological opinion, the Coast Guard’s opening of a public comment period on the Navigation Impact Report, expected decisions in early 2026 on navigational clearance and the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and a possible amended record of decision in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant amendment deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and ongoing community outreach and contractor engagement. Greg Johnson announced he was stepping down as program administrator, and Carly Francis introduced herself as interim administrator. A large portion of the meeting focused on design and cost questions. Staff said the program is studying fixed and movable spans, single- and double-deck configurations, and one versus two auxiliary lanes, with final recommendations to be made through the federal environmental process. They said the Coast Guard’s decision is central to what bridge configuration is permittable and to the timing of the updated cost estimate, which has not yet been released. Members pressed for more detail on cost drivers, potential impacts to businesses upriver, and whether the states would need to seek additional funding. Staff said they had reached agreements with four impacted river users, but the underlying evaluation materials are protected and not publicly releasable. The committee also reviewed transit-related questions. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative and that ridership and operations estimates are being updated using federal modeling methods. They said projected opening-day transit operations and maintenance costs have dropped from an earlier estimate of $21.8 million to about $10.3 million annually because the current model assumes lower frequency, with Oregon and Washington shares split by geography and fare recovery. Members raised concerns about TriMet’s financial stability and the need for a funding plan by fall 2027, ahead of a planned federal transit funding application in fall 2028. During public testimony, several speakers criticized the delay in releasing a new cost estimate and argued the project scope should be reduced if costs continue to rise. Testifiers from City Observatory and the Just Crossing Alliance said the project appears to be avoiding bad news, urged the committee to consider scope reductions, and questioned whether the active transportation and freeway components align with the project’s core purpose. The meeting ended with thanks to Johnson for his service and a transition to public hearing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• rise to the level of a misdemeanor in office under the Constitution of Kentucky.
• in office under the misdemeanor in office under the Constitution<01:33:31.200><c> of</c><01:33:31.360
• </c> currently under an investigation by the currently under an investigation by the Judicial<01:34:19.200
• rights to do so under the proper circumstances in the future.
• the proper circumstances in the under the proper circumstances in the future.<01:37:46.800><c> The</

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe I was under the impression that the Constitution talks about this Gold Star Mother's Day.
• It's already in statute, but it's under the executive branch, so that seems to be the best way to do
• It's already in statute, but it's under the executive branch, so that seems to be the best way to do
• There’s nothing hidden about it, but could that be construed to be illegal lobbying under the bill?
• There’s nothing hidden about it, but could that be construed to be illegal lobbying under the bill?

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 118 in executive session and adopted Amendment 0882H, which would remove the House and Senate members from the Child Care Commission while leaving the commission in place. Members said the amendment was a continuation of earlier committee discussion and supported it as a needed change. The committee then voted 12-0 to recommend ought to pass as amended, and HB 118 was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 142, dealing with Gold Star Mother’s Day. The sponsor explained that the bill was unnecessary because existing statute already directs the governor to issue a proclamation for Gold Star Mother’s Day and to urge appropriate observance, including flag-related ceremonies. Several members discussed how to ensure the proclamation and flag observance would happen and whether the committee report should note the existing statute. Other members said they would oppose killing the bill because the recognition was important. The committee voted 9-3 to table/ITL the bill, and HB 142 was declared inexpedient to legislate. The final major item was a public hearing on a non-germane amendment to House Bill 456, with a related draft amendment also discussed. The sponsor said the amendment would raise the annual membership allowance from $20 to $75, rename fees as dues, prohibit dues from being used to pay lobbyists, require NHMA dues to be brought before voters as a separate warrant article for transparency, and require separate accounting so lobbying funds are not co-mingled with other funds. Supporters said the goal was to keep taxpayer-derived money from funding lobbying while preserving non-lobbying services such as legal advice and training. Opponents argued the proposal was an overreach and would micromanage local towns. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> meter</c> Drive buys interrogating the meter Drive buys interrogating the meter downloading<00:55:
• ><01:12:16.760><c> costs</c> the best way to drive costs the best way to drive costs down<01:12:18.760
• :12:50.600><c> in</c> the competition that drives cost down in the competition that drives cost down
• bill</c><02:23:32.359><c> for</c> the potential under the bill for the potential under the bill for inaccurate
• c> to work as intended under the bill and to work as intended under the bill and there<02:24:16.120><

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill, and under current law versus under the bill?
• The bill addresses petition drives that are ongoing now, as well as amendments proposed after the bill
• I'm talking about the ones who have access to the courts under the current scheme that's in law.
• time they refer the patient they will be under the obligation to let the patient know whether the entity
• And under HIPAA, 30 is supposed to be the outlier of that.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk. The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0. The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> eligible</c> under the the heading of eligible under the the heading of eligible facility<00:19:
• </c> under the current law. under the current law.
• for the tax credit under the way it's for the tax credit under the way it's worked<00:20:05.600><c> in
• under like the insurance they're covered under like the insurance of<01:13:28.520><c> the</c><01:13:
• So no other under the laws of the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm wondering if the rest of the funding is being calculated under the structural deficit.
• By moving innovation to the state level under the BHSA, the Commission has an opportunity to take on
• to support the establishment and expansion of the Alcove model statewide under the Commission.
• The BHSA did reimagine the required program components that were formally under the Mental Health Services
• on counties under the BHSA funding.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH), the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on budget proposals and implementation updates. DSH outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget, including funding for patient operating expenses, IST solutions savings, conditional release program costs, LPS bed allocation changes, electrical infrastructure projects at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and expanded dental services at Metropolitan and Patton. DSH also reported that it has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks in the Stiavedi v. Clinton case, with average time to initiate treatment down to about five days and pending placements reduced to roughly 250, while noting that Proposition 36 could increase referrals and SB 1323 may divert some individuals earlier into community-based treatment. Members asked about rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, the timing and structure of capital projects, and whether IST solution funds are being fully used; DSH said the savings reflect slower-than-expected ramp-up of community programs and that the Central California FACT replacement program is still on track for January 2027 activation. The Commission for Behavioral Health described its role under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), including data, evaluation, grantmaking, technical assistance, and transparency work. It highlighted the new statewide Innovation Partnership Fund, a five-year, $20 million-per-year program with small and large grant categories; the first RFA drew strong interest, with more than 400 questions and over 1,000 bidders’ conference participants. The Commission also discussed a proposed extension to spend down about $4.1 million remaining for the Alcove Youth Drop-in Center grants so sites can finish implementation and Stanford can complete the final evaluation. Members asked about grant duration, whether projects can be renewed, what qualifies as innovation, and whether the fund could support service delivery rather than awareness campaigns or training; the Commission said awards are expected to be three-year contracts and that proposals must be new or meaningfully expanded approaches that support BHSA priority populations. DHCS reviewed major behavioral health changes under CalAIM and BH Connect, including peer support, mobile crisis, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, updated specialty mental health access criteria, and new substance use treatment standards based on ASAM’s fourth edition. DHCS reported strong contingency management results, with more than 13,000 members served and 95% testing negative for stimulant use during treatment, and said 21 Indian health care providers have been approved to offer traditional health care practices. It also described BH Connect initiatives such as the $1.9 billion access reform and outcomes incentive program, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation by four counties, and transitional rent services. On BHSA implementation, DHCS said it is not tracking individual county contract cuts but is monitoring county plans and statewide outcomes, while stakeholders raised concerns about local prevention and service gaps. DHCS also outlined its H.R. 1 implementation strategy, including outreach, streamlined renewals, exemptions for disabled, substance use, and medically frail individuals, and proposed clinic navigator and outreach funding; it said it has not yet produced a focused estimate of H.R. 1 impacts on behavioral health populations. The discussion ended with DHCS noting that B-CHIP bond funding has supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 new or expanded facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds across the state.