Transcript Highlights:

• Henry, H.R. 282. Rep. Henry, H.R. 282. Ms. Champagne. Mr.
• To move H.R. 282 with amendments. Are there any objections?
• H.R. 275 by Representative Dickerson. Ms. Champaign. Mr.
• H.R. 275? H.R. 275 favorably? Are there any objections?
• H.R. 275 favorably? Are there any objections? Seeing none, H.R. 275, be reported favorably.

Bills: HR275 , HR282 , HCR112 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB513

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments. The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• by Buckley, H.R. 491 by Guillen, H.R. 492 by Dyson, H.R. 494 by by Morales of Maverick, HR-495 by Ashby
• . 506 by Bumgarner, H.R. 507 by Bumgarner, H.R. 508 by Paul, the following resolutions by Sweenor are
• being referred to the committee. and local consent calendars H.R. 509 through H.R. 512 and H.R. 522
• through H.R. 524.
• Davis of Dallas, H.R. 521 by Luther.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 207.
• I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 207.
• I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 207.
• Votes will be taken in the following order: motions to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 186 and H.R. 187
• Westerman, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 187, as amended.

Bills: HR187 , HR186 , HR375 , HR165 , HR204 , HR197 , HR207

Keywords: government oversight, accountability, federal employees, transparency, administrative leave, Elon Musk, conflict of interest, government efficiency, federal contracts, renewable fuels, ethanol, E15, ethanol-15, renewable fuel standard, RFS, RINs, renewable identification numbers, refinery capacity, farmers, refiners

Transcript Highlights:

• also includes over $200 million in total funding to begin California's response to the federal bill H.R
• 2025 Budget Act items, including several adjustments in response to federal House Resolution... or H.R
• **Jackson** on the budget sub to make sure that we had adequate adaptations to **H.R. 1**.
• And finally, thinking and reflecting on H.R. 1, as you worked hard, as many know, against H.R. 1.
• This is not enough to meet the anticipated need when H.R. 1 goes into effect.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are aware of Planned Parenthood's situation with respect to H.R. 1.
• So we are aware of Planned Parenthood's, you know, the situation with respect to H.R.1.
• H.R. 1 had only one cut that went into effect with the signing of the bill.
• There are slated 1,300 layoffs that are now being planned in our area because of H.R. 1.
• It's pointed out that this is because of H.R. 1 and action taken there.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 prohibition on Medicaid funding. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants through the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which lasts through July 4, 2026. Members also discussed why the amount increased from an earlier $60 million estimate, with Finance saying the figure was updated based on additional claims data and provider information. The committee debate focused heavily on the policy implications of the funding. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and related family planning services, emphasizing that the funding would backfill non-abortion services such as cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, mammograms, and prenatal care. Opponents questioned the use of General Fund dollars, the grant structure versus loans for other distressed providers, the Public Records Act exemption, and the bill’s priority compared with rural hospitals, developmental services, public safety, and other budget needs. Finance clarified that the federal funds at issue do not pay for abortion services and that the grant program would be open to eligible providers meeting criteria set by the department. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from Planned Parenthood affiliates, Essential Access Health, Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Medical Association, family physicians, OBGYN groups, and others, while some commenters used the opportunity to raise unrelated budget concerns such as Medi-Cal dental cuts, IHSS, and CalHome funding. After discussion, the committee approved AB 106 on a 12-4 vote and reported it out. The chair also noted that a later hearing would examine broader H.R. 1 impacts in more detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 9237 chooses veterans.
• H.R. 9237 chooses veterans.
• H.R. 9237 chooses veterans.
• H.R. 9237 chooses veterans.
• H.R. 9237 chooses veterans.

Bills: HB4970 , HR1420 , HB5362

Keywords: Orland Project, Central Valley Project, Sacramento Canal Unit, water transfer, water rights, drought relief, federal reclamation, Bureau of Reclamation, California water, irrigation, water management, Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act, Reclamation Reform Act, water users association, water supply, drought resilience

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an honor to rise in support of H.R. 107.
• I just want to obviously urge an aye vote on H.R. 107.
• H.R. 107. Thank you.
• Item 58, H.R. 105. The clerk will read.
• I'm in support of H.R. 105.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4549.
• Union Calendar No. 283, H.R. 5284.
• That is exactly what H.R. 5349 delivers.
• That is exactly what H.R. 5349 delivers.
• H.R. 225 delivers on that responsibility.

Bills: HB4423 , HB5348 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB4429 , HB3716 , HR225 , HB5349 , HB5346 , HB5345 , HB5284 , HB4313 , HR1262 , SB616 , HR176 , HB2159 , HB4323 , HB2066 , HB4549 , HB4495 , HB4491 , HB3174

Keywords: Burma, Myanmar, World Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, foreign aid, sanctions, military coup, democracy, development financing, multilateral lending, Treasury Department, Executive Director, international financial institutions, human rights, junta, national interest waiver, Social Security, SSN, Social Security number

Transcript Highlights:

• on December 30, 2025, at 3:17 p.m., set to contain messages from the President on his objections to H.R
• . 131 and H.R. 504. permission granted in clause 2H of rule permission granted in clause 2H of rule 2
• </c> The Clerk will report the message for H.R. 131 to the House of Representatives.
• I am returning here with without my approval H.R. 131, the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act.
• The clerk will report the message for H.R. 504 to the House of Representatives.

Bills: HR504 , HR131

Keywords: committee removal, federal indictment, ethics, congressional conduct, representative McIver, Committee on Ethics, expenses, Congress, funding, government oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• H.R. 206 by Representative Dickerson, Ms. Champagne. H.R. 206 by Representative Dickerson. Ms.
• H.R. 207, Ms. Champaign. Mr.
• Hearing none, H.R. 207 will be reported favorably. Next resolution, H.R. 208, Ms. Champaign. Mr.
• H.R. 170, Mr. Odom. Mr.
• The exact same thing as the H.R.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• The resolution comes H.R. 46 and lies over.
• That resolution comes H.R. 48 and lies over.
• That resolution comes H.R. 50 and lies over.
• That resolution comes H.R. 51.
• That resolution becomes H.R. 55.

Bills: HR46 , HR47 , HR48 , HR49 , HR50 , HR51 , HR52 , HR53 , HR54 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HCR31 , HB20 , HB21 , HB166 , HB494 , HB710 , HB795 , HB985 , HB986 , HB987 , HB988 , HB989 , HB990 , HB991 , HB992 , HB993 , HB994 , HB995 , HB996 , HB997 , HB998 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR45 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR29 , HCR30 , SCR13 , HB894 , HB983 , HB984 , SB19 , SB23 , SB26 , SB30 , SB39 , SB45 , SB46 , SB50 , SB51 , SB55 , SB69 , SB71 , SB73 , SB84 , SB85 , SB89 , SB96 , SB98 , SB101 , SB110 , SB148 , SB150 , SB160 , SB164 , SB303 , SB340 , HB28 , HB36 , HB50 , HB52 , HB56 , HB62 , HB68 , HB92 , HB110 , HB117 , HB119 , HB124 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB174 , HB182 , HB193 , HB196 , HB198 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB237 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB316 , HB351 , HB393 , HB400 , HB413 , HB446 , HB469 , HB486 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB807 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB474 , HB487 , HB503 , HB606 , HB633 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB846 , HB852 , HB856 , HB868 , HB875 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB854 , HB952 , HB221 , HB148 , HB331 , HB149 , HB901

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, leave granted for one member, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Women Shaping Industry Day, Louisiana Agriculture Week, and CODOFIL Day at the Capitol. The chamber also received Senate messages concurring in several House concurrent resolutions and adopting SCRs 14 and 15, which designated Flood Awareness Month and recognized the bond between Quebec and Louisiana. Numerous resolutions and bills were introduced and referred, including measures on retirement systems, juvenile justice districts, carbon sequestration in St. Helena Parish, tax administration, election procedures, education, criminal justice, and state property transfers. The House adopted several resolutions without objection, including commendations for Thrive Academy, Bishop Lonnie Welder, Pastor Aaron Holloway, World Down Syndrome Day, and others. Members also heard committee reports on a wide range of bills, with many reported favorably or with amendments. In morning hour, the House discharged and withdrew two bills from committee, and later returned some bills to the calendar with notice to call them on later dates. The chamber then took up a series of floor bills, passing HB 474 to create an income tax checkoff for the Grambling State University National Alumni Association, HB 487 on penalties for unsafe red-light passing maneuvers, HB 503 on utility terrain vehicles in Golden Meadow, HB 606 on personal delivery devices, HB 633 on estimated income tax filing timing, HB 707 on the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission Advisory Board, HB 970 on tacit dedication of public roadways, HB 728 on out-of-state tow truck requirements, HB 846 on license plate coverings, HB 852 on a domestic violence donation checkoff, HB 856 on DOTD indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts, HB 221 naming the proposed Mississippi River bridge the President Donald J. Trump Expressway, HB 148 designating a highway memorial, and HB 331 creating a Louisiana GOP specialty plate. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, though HB 221 drew debate and passed 68-26. The House adjourned after announcing committee meetings for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving to file item 521, H.R. 11, the clerk will read.
• I rise today on behalf of the Women's Caucus in support of H.R. 11.
• In that spirit, and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully request an aye vote on H.R. 11.
• I rise today in strong support of H.R. 11.
• I respectfully request your aye vote on H.R. 111. Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask for your support for H.R. 97. Thank you very much.
• Speaker, and I too rise in support of H.R. 97. Thank you, Mr.
• Speaker, and I too rise in support of H.R. 97.
• I rise in support of H.R. 99.
• So I rise and urge an aye vote on H.R. 99. Thank you, Assembly Member Rogers.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of H.R. 4275, which is the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025.
• title of the bill. >> Union Calendar Number 11, H.R. 1549, >> Union Calendar Number 11, H.R. 1549, a
• I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1549. In God we trust.
• Votes will be taken in the following order: H.R. 3357 and H.R. 4275.
• Moore, be removed as a cosponsor to H.R. 4401. Without objection. Thank you.

Bills: HR539 , HB4275 , HB3357 , HB1549

Keywords: LaMonica McIver, censure, House of Representatives discipline, Homeland Security Committee, removal from committee, Newark, Delaney Hall, immigration detention facility, federal officers, assault on federal officer, resisting arrest, interfering with federal officers, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, HSI, congressional ethics, House resolution, disciplinary resolution, 18 U.S.C. 111, immigration enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is in H.R. 1. And as I understand it, the CBO always scores such bills.
• So this is in H.R. 1. And as I understand it, the CBO always scores such bills.”
• I'm sorry, did you say H.R. 1 is creating the chaos? Well, because H.R. 1 caused the change.
• No, I think H.R. 1 created the chaos. I want to come back to a third of taxpayers.
• The bulk of H.R. 1 was retroactive to '25. Okay.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a series of bills, many dealing with cryptocurrency and tax administration. SB 1042 would allow certain state retirement and treasury funds to invest up to 10% in virtual currency; SB 1043 would let state agencies accept cryptocurrency payments; SB 1044 and SCR 1003 would exempt virtual currency from property tax, with SB 1044 contingent on voter approval of the referral. All four measures advanced on 4-3 votes, with Democratic members largely opposing them as risky, speculative, and favoring wealthy crypto interests. The committee also considered SB 1221, which would require the Department of Revenue to notify legislative tax chairs before adopting a new tax interpretation or application that would adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if a hearing is held. Supporters framed it as transparency and good governance, while opponents worried about added red tape and administrative burden. The bill passed 4-3. Another major item, SB 1142, would opt Arizona into a new federal scholarship tax credit program administered through certified scholarship-granting organizations; supporters said it would expand scholarship opportunities for public, charter, private, and homeschool students, while opponents argued it would deepen inequities, lack accountability, and divert resources from public schools. That bill also passed 4-3. A lengthy discussion followed on the Department of Revenue’s press release about tax conformity and the governor’s executive order. DOR explained that the forms were issued assuming conformity with federal changes, including the standard deduction and certain below-the-line adjustments, and said taxpayers generally should file on time but may need amended returns if the Legislature later changes the law. Members pressed DOR on the cost and clarity of the guidance, with estimates that widespread amendments could cost the department about $20 million. Finally, the committee heard SB 1254, which would require both grantor and grantee signatures on real property conveyances before recording; county assessors said it would reduce deed-fraud risk and fix recording gaps. County officials from Maricopa and Mohave supported the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• With H.R. 115,... And that is why this month remains so important.
• I respectfully ask for your aye vote on H.R. 115, and that the file be open for coauthors.
• And for those reasons, I rise in strong support of H.R. 115. Thank you, Assembly Member Succi.
• On behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus, I rise in support of H.R. 115.
• With that, members, I respectfully ask for your support of H.R. 115, and again, Mr.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several Senate bills, notices for committee hearings, and a successful motion to suspend rules so ACA 20 could be taken up later in the week. The chamber also recognized former Assembly Member Christina Garcia and later moved into a Pride Month observance. The main ceremonial item was House Resolution 115 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward opened on the resolution, and multiple members from different caucuses spoke in support, highlighting Pride history, LGBTQ+ rights, and the contributions of LGBTQ Californians. Assembly Member DeMaio offered supportive remarks while noting policy differences, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 53 co-authors were added. The Assembly then held a Pride honoree ceremony recognizing 15 individuals and groups for contributions to the LGBTQ community. On the floor file, members also adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding co-authors: ACR 187 on Men’s Mental Health Month, ACR 157 marking the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, ACR 222 declaring Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, and ACR 224 recognizing Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. Each drew personal testimony from members about the underlying issues, including suicide prevention, caregiving and dementia, mining reclamation, and harms to youth from social media. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 46 on mental health diversion by a 51-1 vote, and later adopted the consent calendar 66-0. The House adjourned until June 25, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• make it clear to people that we are creating a new upper class here through what we're seeing through H.R
• make it clear to people that we are creating a new upper class here through what we're seeing through H.R
• These provisions included in H.R. 1 disproportionately impact low-income and first-generation students
• We passed AB 79, AB 42, and AB 77.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• make it clear to people that we are creating a new upper class here through what we're seeing through H.R
• make it clear to people that we are creating a new upper class here through what we're seeing through H.R
• These provisions included in H.R. 1 disproportionately impact low-income and first-generation students
• We passed AB 79, AB 42, and AB 77.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on the impact of federal actions on California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing shared governance, student access, and the importance of protecting California’s public systems. The first panel included leaders from CSU, UC, California Community Colleges, and the University of the Pacific, who described major disruptions from federal policy changes, including grant terminations, changes to Pell and loan programs, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, tighter loan limits, and uncertainty around immigration, CalFresh/SNAP, and Medicaid-related rules. UC and CSU leaders said federal research and student-support cuts threaten research capacity, workforce pipelines, and services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and international students, while the community colleges highlighted uncertainty around TRIO, HSI/MSI/AANAPISI grants and the need to preserve student services and economic mobility. Members asked about the scale of funding losses, intersegmental partnerships, workforce impacts, indirect cost caps, H-1B hiring costs, and the effect of federal changes on health care and research. Witnesses said the federal environment has created instability, delayed planning, and could reduce access to graduate and professional education, especially in health fields and other high-need professions. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to support research bonds, housing and capital outlay, and continued state investment to offset federal retrenchment. The committee also discussed how cuts could affect student debt, food insecurity, and the diversity of future cohorts, with witnesses warning that the changes could narrow access and weaken California’s workforce pipeline for years. The second panel focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, the Golden State Teacher Grant, and a proposed state FAFSA alternative for students who cannot access federal aid, while urging reforms to Cal Grant, better integration with CalFresh, and more support for foster youth and adult learners. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy uncertainty are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and putting basic needs, transfer support, and workforce programs at risk. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities said federal loan caps, research cuts, and attacks on DEI and HSI funding are harming access and retention, especially for first-generation and low-income students, and called for stronger state support, including transfer aid and a state-backed loan option. The CSU Academic Senate also testified that abrupt federal changes to MSI and related programs have disrupted student research, summer programs, and equity-focused initiatives, with one campus example losing $2.7 million in student-centered funding on short notice.

Transcript Highlights:

• is H.R. 82 by Assembly Member Maritucci, the clerk will read.
• I ask for your aye on H.R. 82. Thank you, Assembly Member Ramos.
• I ask your eye on H.R. 82. Thank you, Assembly member Ramos.
• Members, I also rise in support of this important H.R.
• And so with that, I respectfully ask for your support for H.R. 82.

Transcript Highlights:

• In implementing anything related to H.R. 1 in particular, and the work that we have also committed to
• But overall, I think our goal is to keep a lot of the things related to H.R. 1 out of statute.
• But overall, I think our goal is to keep a lot of the things related to H.R. 1 out of statute.
• This is, the next slide shows sort of an overview of all the major provisions related to H.R. 1.
• We are working with, And state-directed payment provisions that are in H.R. 1.

Committee: Joint Joint Select Committee on Health Care and Behavioral Health Oversight

Summary: The committee met to hear updates from state health leaders on current priorities, including agency leadership transitions, licensure backlogs, federal policy changes, and rural health funding. Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham and HCA Director Ryan Moran described their recent listening tours and said their agencies are focused on access, affordability, quality, patient safety, and stronger coordination across public health, Medicaid, behavioral health, and rural systems. In response to questions, Worsham said health profession licensure delays have been reduced from about four months to six weeks, with the backlog expected to be caught up by January 1, and that the department is adding staff and using dashboards to improve turnaround times. A major portion of the meeting focused on implementation planning for H.R. 1 and its effects on Medicaid and SNAP. Governor’s Office health policy advisor Caitlin Stafford, HCA interim Medicaid director Trinity Wilson, and HCA staff said the state is analyzing eligibility changes, work requirements, and six-month redeterminations, while trying to keep most changes out of statute and instead handle them through budget and administrative action. They emphasized close coordination with DSHS, the Health Benefit Exchange, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, employers, and tribal partners, and said the state hopes to make the process as invisible as possible for enrollees. Wilson said the October 2026 eligibility change for certain lawfully present non-citizens could affect up to 30,000 Apple Health enrollees, while the December 2026 work requirement and redetermination provisions could affect about 620,000 adults, with automated verification expected to cover most cases but 15% to 20% likely needing manual review. Officials also said they are concerned about the cost of technology changes, estimating a possible $30 million system solution, and about the lack of federal guidance. The panel also reviewed Washington’s successful application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which was submitted to CMS on November 5. HCA said the application was shaped by more than 310 public comments, webinars, and tribal consultation, and includes six initiatives: rural hospital innovation, community-based prevention and care management, tribal investments, technology and data, workforce development, and rural behavioral health. Officials said the proposal includes support for rural hospital collaboratives, maternal and obstetric services, dementia and EMS supports, tribal workforce and data investments, telehealth and AI tools, rural training pipelines, and behavioral health services such as mobile crisis and school-based care. They noted that Washington is unlikely to receive the full $200 million annual amount available to each state, and that an advisory committee will likely help guide spending over the five-year program. Later, the committee heard a brief update on the 2023 organ transport law from Department of Health EMS program supervisor Don Felt, who said the state has licensed one organ transport company, has received no complaints, and has seen no operational problems. LifeCenter Northwest then described the organ donation system, explaining the legal framework, donor referral process, and the role of hospitals and organ procurement organizations. The organization said Washington has seen a 140% increase in organ donors over the past decade and a 103% increase in lives saved, while also noting common misconceptions that donation affects emergency care decisions. The final panel from the University of Washington Medical Center began an overview of its transplant programs, including kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, and living donor transplants, but the transcript ends before that presentation was completed.