Transcript Highlights:

• It feels the... ...with the SB 375 process and maybe we can try to solve them together.
• And so we know the process very intimately.
• We're committed to seeing that process through. We think it's headed in the right direction.
• And the insurance process is actually a check on making sure that the vehicle is.
• Process is actually a check on making sure that the vehicle is used on a limited basis.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several transportation, climate, and vehicle-related bills. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon proposed modernizing SB 375 regional planning by moving plans from a four-year to an eight-year cycle, clarifying agency roles, aligning funding programs with regional climate plans, and reducing duplicative process costs. Supporters from MPOs and environmental groups said it would improve efficiency and implementation; opponents warned it could weaken climate accountability, expand vehicle miles traveled concerns, and reduce public participation. SB 1315, also by Senator Cabaldon, would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner to build data for future policy; it drew no opposition. SB 1275 by Senator McNerney would replace the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a higher vehicle license fee to preserve a federal tax deduction and reduce money sent to Washington, with LAO providing technical testimony on the tax structure. The committee also heard SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado, which would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. Supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural economic development; there was no opposition. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road diesel vehicles, with supporters saying it would save time and costs and opponents asking for CARB analysis before taking a position. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would streamline environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review, while preserving other environmental laws; it received broad support and no opposition. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog exemption for certain collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic car and lowrider supporters backed it, while air quality groups opposed it as likely to increase emissions and weaken smog-check accountability. After testimony, the committee took up motions and later completed roll calls once a quorum was established. SB 1213 was placed on the consent calendar and approved. SB 1087, SB 1315, SB 1275, SB 1287, SB 1423, SB 1064, SB 1375, and SB 1392 were all reported out of committee, generally to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with SB 1392 receiving the closest vote and some opposition from members. The committee also briefly discussed another bill on active transportation funding tied to SB 79 areas, and that measure was approved after amendments and a roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a process.
• We made a promise to families to the process.
• We made a promise to families to the process.
• What's the process? Mr. President? Thank you.
• and this entire process for a student who may not enroll in our school is a very difficult process for

Summary: The committee first heard the Pre-K-12 education budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 and voted to adopt it as the committee’s recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The proposed $34.7 billion budget includes increases for the FEFP, Family Empowerment Scholarships, VPK, school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. Members asked no questions on the budget before it was advanced, and staff was authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then passed CS/SB 1402, which expands eligibility for dropout retrieval services to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer only dropout retrieval services. An amendment to clarify the grading calculation was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also took up SPB 7030, a comprehensive scholarship-program bill sponsored by Senator Gates, which would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding as its own categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, change payments to a monthly schedule, require background checks for paid instructional providers, mandate annual FTE audits by the Auditor General, and standardize reimbursement and eligibility procedures. After extensive discussion and public testimony, the bill was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no. Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 508, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide for students with existing plans such as IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services, and the bill was reported favorably. Public testimony included support from parent-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about administrative burden and the scope of the required disclosures. The meeting concluded after the final roll call votes and adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• drags out or the bid process drags out.
• So the process...
• And so that's really the process.
• Well, it's more of a grants processing system.
• So we are still in processing projects and many things.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to review funding models for the Florida College System and district workforce education programs, with an emphasis on how new dollars are allocated in the program fund and how performance and targeted funding are incorporated. Chancellor Hebda explained the Florida College System model, including base program funding, student success and pipeline funds, performance incentives for industry certifications, and the 2022 president-developed formula that weights enrollment, workforce enrollment, completions, small-college factors, and regional cost differences, plus a targeted funding floor for colleges below a minimum per-FTE level. Vice Chancellor Goodman then outlined the district workforce model, which uses lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local revenue offsets, small-district adjustments, and unmet-need calculations to distribute lump-sum appropriations to school districts offering workforce education. The department also provided updates on several grant programs and funding delays. Goodman said the Workforce Development Incentive Grant, Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Startup Grant, and teacher apprenticeship/mentor bonus programs all involve multi-year awards and often require reversions and reappropriations because projects are delayed, extended, or not fully obligated by year-end. She said the department is moving toward an electronic grants system and had already adjusted internal deadlines to speed awards, while acknowledging some reimbursement delays and explaining that mentor bonuses for teacher apprentices will not be paid until the first cohort reaches the statutory timing requirement. Members asked about tracking whether CTE students work in their trained fields, how Xello is used to inform students about career pathways, how FTE is calculated, whether the funding formulas could encourage growth over quality, and how students with disabilities are counted in workforce funding. Questions also focused on tuition, enrollment trends, and the gap between college and university funding. The committee heard that tuition has remained flat for more than a decade, enrollment has rebounded from COVID and is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the college system’s funding per FTE varies widely. Valencia College President Kathleen Plinsky testified in support of the proposed formula and an additional $200 million for the Florida College System, saying Valencia is the second-largest college in the state but ranks last in per-FTE funding, which has made it difficult to recruit and retain faculty and admit qualified students in high-demand programs like nursing. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:12.120> of make it clear that in that process of make it clear that in that process
• <00:29:59.799> here host Community by this process here host Community by this process here
• /c> process or phase process um process or phase process um so<00:33:29.720> which<00:33:29.919
• location and type of disposal processing location and type of disposal processing a<00:42:05.319
• it hasn't gone to the amendment process it hasn't gone to the amendment process yet<02:17:53.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's... ...processes the refund application, the tax collector receives it, and if it's prior to the
• And so this is a little bit about how that process works.
• And so this is a little bit about how that process works.
• So it’s a pretty proactive process for the property appraisers. Follow-up, Mr. Chair.
• My question is how it seems like everything’s running fairly smooth with this process.

Summary: The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Lissette Kelly of the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Oversight Office on property tax relief for catastrophic events. Kelly reviewed existing statutory relief for homestead, non-homestead, commercial, and agricultural property owners, including extended rebuild timelines, preservation of homestead exemption during rehabilitation, agricultural classification protections, and the catastrophic event refund program for residential property that becomes uninhabitable. She also explained the refund process, the roles of property appraisers and tax collectors, and prior legislative reimbursements to local governments after storms such as Ian, Nicole, and Idalia. Members asked about how portability works if a homeowner chooses not to rebuild, and Kelly said she would follow up with more detail. Senator Bernard also asked how residents learn about the refund application, and Kelly said property appraisers and tax collectors actively notify affected owners, including through mailings, FEMA and Red Cross sites, public service announcements, and outreach at community events. She said the property appraisers take the lead in promoting the program, with tax collectors also helping direct taxpayers to apply. The chair noted that staff will distribute the department’s guide to offices before hurricane season and said the committee’s next meeting, during the first week of session, will focus on property taxes more broadly. Kelly said the department would be willing to review the process further and bring suggestions if needed. No votes were taken on legislation, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be hard to overstate the reach, influence, and wealth of the companies hosting, processing,
• by the controller; 5) the right to opt out of the processing of... 5) the right to opt out of the processing
• And I'll get to that definition. 6) if their data were processed for an automated...
• And so, these are the processes that most controllers are already using.
• Including that the controller describes the processing of consumer's data.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That process.
• Representative, then that process is working, correct?
• So this does not change that process.
• Do they have a map of the application process that's available? Yes. Thank you.
• Process.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's starting the communication process.
• So are we believing, is that the thought process that...
• So our plants here go through that process. Okay.
• The competition in this process happens at the pilot stage.
• Do we think the competing bidding process is important? Yes.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• has facilitated the development process has facilitated the development process for<00:08:51.680
• It's a pretty rigorous process.
• It's a pretty rigorous process.
• It's a pretty rigorous process.
• that process would look like. that process would look like.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September 25 minutes, and heard several informational presentations on occupational licensing and workforce access. The first major topic was the dietitian licensure compact, presented by Rep. Vanessa Gracel, Whitney Duddy, and Caitlyn Bison. They said the compact would be revenue-neutral, improve licensure portability, support military families, expand telehealth and rural access, and preserve state regulatory authority. Testimony noted that 15 states had joined the compact, including Ohio and Tennessee, and that Kentucky would have a seat on the compact commission if it enacted the measure. Members asked about bordering states and possible telehealth competition concerns; witnesses said they had not seen evidence of harmful effects in other compacts and described the compact as expanding access rather than displacing local providers. The committee then heard testimony on music therapy licensure, with Chris Millet, Laura Elliot Buckner, and Dr. Kimberly Cinemore speaking in support of Senate Bill 42. They described music therapy as a clinical, board-certified profession requiring formal education, supervised training, and national certification, and argued that state licensure would protect the public, clarify scope of practice, and help retain Kentucky-trained professionals. Witnesses said the bill would not require new state funding, could be administered through a self-sustaining licensing structure, and would not prevent others from using music in their work. In response to questions, they said licensure could help open doors to insurance, waiver, and HSA reimbursement, but would not guarantee coverage. Finally, the committee heard testimony on expanding physician access through a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians. Adam Meyer of the Cicero Institute said Kentucky faces a severe physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued that qualified international physicians should not have to repeat residency if they meet strict criteria, including an employment offer, prior training and experience, good standing, U.S. exam passage, and a three-year provisional period before full licensure. Rapender Carr of Baptist Health supported the concept, saying it could help fill hard-to-recruit positions across the state and improve access in rural markets. No votes were taken on these policy topics during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I really respect this process and the process that you go through, and again I really appreciate you
• There's a new process.
• In total, I was denied due process 37 times.
• It's harassment disguised as due process.
• They weaponized the legal process.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors. The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:41.280> when So, what is the follow-up process when So, what is the follow-up process
• through with the abandonment process. through with the abandonment process.
• expand or to process.
• to expand or to process. to expand or to process.
• processes need to keep pace. processes need to keep pace.

Bills: HF4740, HF3940

Keywords: financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules

Summary: The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed. Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it. MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:43.560> based project selection process based project selection process based undertaking
• <00:13:39.360> or program design is is a review process or program design is is a review process
• the in the filtering and review process the in the filtering and review process area<00:36:06.000
• funding um and so we're in the process funding um and so we're in the process of<00:38:12.280>
• any consideration in the scoring process any consideration in the scoring process for<00:39:35.079

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Or through statute, you could change to a different process.
• But I think that process can be streamlined. It can be simplified.
• And so the process can be simplified.
• It could be a one-page process. And I would take it a step further.
• It's a process issue.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, process of the probable cause issue?
• To me, it's more tickets processed.
• Well, I mean, we'll we'll take process.
• <00:22:25.960> and It actually simplifies the process and It actually simplifies the process
• You're not changing that process.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He can't afford to go see someone to begin the process to get the care, and he talked about that.
• So in that way, we’re familiar with the process that kind of emerges in that situation.
• that<02:11:48.400> was process interview process if that was process interview process if
• I don't know any other... process we've got hearing officers that process we've got hearing officers
• it um so that we're in that process it um so that we're in that process right<04:24:55.199> now

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• per regulatory process.
• Um, so regarding the phased process, phased review [clears throat] process, it kind of seems like it's
• <01:46:00.960> it What happens if you don't process it What happens if you don't process it
• <01:47:00.159> review the phased process, phased review the phased process, phased review
• c> of a current process of a current process of uh<02:14:40.159> adjudicating<02:14:40.880

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation. The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown. For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Still, there is a process to have that site open.
• That's a pretty standard process for us. Anything you would add?
• To look at where we can redistribute funds quickly through the process.
• Why haven't we started the automating process?
• single rate structure process that is definitely still ongoing.

Summary: The committee heard an extensive Department of Social Services presentation on child care budget issues, including the Governor’s proposed 2026-27 budget, federal CCDF changes, Prop. 64 revenue adjustments, and a one-time $11.5 million disaster-related infrastructure grant for licensed child care facilities affected by 2025 declared disasters. DSS said federal formula updates and lower Prop. 64 revenues would reduce funding and could result in about 4,176 CCTR slots being reduced, but the department said it was working to avoid impacts to currently enrolled children. The LAO supported aligning general child care funding with lower revenues and asked for more detail on the disaster grant. Members pressed DSS and Finance on why reductions were not being backfilled and why so many awarded slots remain uncontracted or unused; DSS said delays are largely due to providers building new infrastructure, licensing, staffing, and enrollment challenges, and that some unspent funds revert to the General Fund. The committee also discussed whether some contract dollars should be shifted to vouchers and whether more flexibility should be allowed for infrastructure and expansion costs. A second panel focused on the state’s commitment to expand child care and on rate reform. DSS reported that nearly 125,000 new slots have been awarded since 2021-22, but speakers from Stanislaus County Office of Education, Parent Voices California, and the California Budget and Policy Center argued that unmet need remains large and that the system still leaves many families without access. Stanislaus County described a large local shortage of infant and toddler care and said reimbursement disparities between child care programs and state preschool create disincentives for providers. Parent Voices gave testimony about the burdens and instability families face when trying to access care, especially for survivors and low-income parents, and called for a universal, publicly funded system. The Budget Center said only about 16% of eligible children were enrolled in 2024, urged expansion across the mixed delivery system rather than concentrating investment in TK, and called for faster rate reform and new revenue. LAO estimated that bringing certain CCTR adjustment factors up to CSPP levels would cost $88 million to $131 million ongoing. Members and witnesses discussed the single rate structure, automation needs, and the need for deadlines and a ramp-up plan; DSS said the goal is to eliminate disparities, but that policy decisions are still needed before automation can proceed. The committee then reviewed several trailer bill proposals. DSS outlined a 2026-27 COLA proposal that would apply a 2.41% increase through cost-of-care-plus payments, though the department said it had inadvertently excluded CalWORKs Child Care and the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program and would revise the proposal; LAO recommended making the COLA methodology uniform across programs. DSS also proposed replacing the market rate survey with the federally approved alternative methodology on a triennial schedule, limiting temporary absences in family child care homes to 20% of monthly hours, defining excessive unexplained absences as more than 30 days in a year, and aligning family fee deductions with new federal requirements so providers receive the full voucher value. Members generally supported the temporary absence change and asked about implementation timing for the family fee deduction, with DSS saying it was in contact with Riverside County. The committee also heard a brief update on the Early Childhood Policy Council reappropriation, which would extend unused funds through June 30, 2028 because prior costs came in higher than expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, throughout the process, we'll have a deliberate process from the members of this committee
• Due process, the due process that is owed depends upon the action being taken whether... ...infringes
• than previous redistricting processes.
• Oh, the entire process is very complicated.
• We need a process that honors us, and that means a transparent process with ample opportunity for community

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• process.
• And then as a budget process.
• um through a separate process.
• There's a separate process that's allowed and I believe that LBB has to be involved in that process,
• There's a separate process.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was thinking about the process of accreditation that a lot of law enforcement agencies go through.
• First, programs should use a clear and competitive process when awarding or expanding grants.
• The Digital Navigator Program had several breakdowns in this process.
• It was a really wonderful collaborative process, and we're very grateful to be here today.
• Of all, to create some sort of a template that says rule number one, it's a competitive process.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard three State Auditor’s Office performance audits: implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act, Washington’s digital equity planning, and the Department of Commerce’s Digital Navigator Program. In the law enforcement training audit, the State Auditor found the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training content but had not developed all required topics, lacked a systematic project management approach, and had weak tools to ensure participation and compliance. Auditors said most officers had not completed the required 40 hours, patrol tactics training was a major bottleneck, and the Commission’s reporting did not clearly show statewide compliance. The Commission said it generally agreed with the recommendations and had begun implementing some changes. Committee members raised concerns about staffing, liability, incentives, and whether the law had enough enforcement “teeth.” In the digital equity audit, auditors said Washington lacked a comprehensive, unified statewide plan, a designated leader, and reliable funding for digital equity efforts. They said existing plans were fragmented, with the NTIA-approved plan the most complete but no longer fully funded after federal changes. The State Auditor recommended the legislature establish oversight authority and require a lead organization to coordinate and evaluate statewide digital equity efforts and develop a unified plan. The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity agreed with the need for clearer leadership and coordination, and a public witness described ongoing coalition and local planning work. Committee members asked about best practices from other states and whether the auditor could provide additional research on coordination models. In the Digital Navigator Program audit, the State Auditor concluded Commerce did not consistently follow core grant-management practices, including competitive award processes, vetting of grantees, clear contracts, performance monitoring, and reimbursement controls. Auditors said Commerce expanded grants without a new competition, lacked adequate documentation and reporting, and paid out millions without sufficient support; they also cited management decisions that overrode staff concerns. Commerce said it had already begun major contract-management reforms, created a new contracts and compliance structure, and was working on risk assessments, documentation standards, and staff training. Members pressed Commerce on accountability, possible recoupment of improper payments, ethics issues, and whether the agency had clear performance metrics for the program. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.