Transcript Highlights:

• But when it's not, the EMTs' and paramedics' specialized skills aren't put to good use, and emergency
• These fire agencies were based primarily in urban and suburban communities.
• These fire agencies were based primarily in urban and suburban communities.
• Another significant barrier is hiring the skilled professionals these programs need.
• Challenges hiring skilled professionals were due to multiple causes, including a nationwide shortage

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain. Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them. The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation. Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eligibility is based largely on income, household size, and allowable expenses, with benefits delivered
• H.R. 1 also requires states to pay a share of benefit costs based on their payment error rate and increase
• So, therefore, we are working on a proposal to capture the work history, the skills, and the training
• Just access to the program can vary based on that federal eligibility threshold.
• We are in the highest bucket at 15% currently based on our error rates.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity in California, the recent federal shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, and the long-term effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, benefits, and state and county costs. Opening remarks emphasized that millions of Californians rely on CalFresh, that the shutdown briefly delayed benefits for the first time in the program’s history, and that state and local governments, including Alameda County, stepped in with emergency food aid and funding. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability problem, with several noting that California’s agricultural abundance contrasts sharply with persistent food insecurity. The first panel presented research and advocacy perspectives on food hardship. PPIC’s Tess Thorman described food insecurity rates, disparities affecting households with children and Black and Latino households, and the role of nutrition programs in reducing poverty. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio argued that hunger is a policy choice and highlighted campaigns to expand state-funded food assistance for immigrants, support reentry populations, and continue the CalFresh fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. The California Association of Food Banks’ Josh Wright said food banks are seeing sustained high demand, lower federal food supplies, and cannot replace CalFresh, while urging more state support for food purchasing, school meals, and SunBucks. The second panel reviewed CalFresh operations and participation. The California Department of Social Services reported that CalFresh participation has risen over the past decade, with the state closing much of the participation gap through outreach, simplified applications, and demonstration projects such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project and a minimum nutrition benefit pilot. Alameda County Social Services described local caseloads, application trends, and emergency food distributions during the shutdown, while also warning that H.R. 1’s work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and possible cost-sharing could reduce enrollment. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application and recertification process and urged more funding for campus basic-needs centers and outreach to reduce stigma and administrative friction. In the final panel, county, food bank, and policy witnesses described the shutdown response and the expected impact of H.R. 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank and the County Welfare Directors Association said counties, food banks, and community partners mobilized emergency funds, pop-up pantries, and food purchasing to bridge the shutdown gap, but warned that hundreds of thousands of Californians could lose benefits under the new federal rules. The California Budget and Policy Center began outlining the scale of federal cuts, noting that H.R. 1 will significantly reduce SNAP funding and shift costs to states. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible state responses, including backfilling benefits, preserving outreach funding, and improving administrative systems to protect enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• social worker may complete enhanced supervision with an attestation to the social worker applicant's skill
• What's really important to me is that you have the skill, yes, and also it's very important what happens
• And that skill, yes, and also it's very important what happens in that room, and that comes with both
• Turning to this bill, a child eligible for the tuition waiver in Washington State that is based on a
• It's about being able to choose a school based on the opportunity and goals, not just the cost.

Bills: HB2286 , HB2324 , HB2363 , HB2098

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: social work, licensure, alternative routes, education requirements, professional regulation, tuition waivers, veterans, education, children of veterans, higher education, military families, music therapy, temporary exemptions, healthcare, therapy practice, funding, tuition, financial aid, state budget, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:18:09.440><c> time</c> investigations solely based on time investigations solely based on time
• </c> established such as mastery based established such as mastery based credits<00:34:52.320><c> uh<
• </c><00:37:22.560><c> I</c> business and leadership skills. I business and leadership skills.
• </c><00:57:52.799><c> coming</c> have a ton of money in the base coming have a ton of money in the base
• </c> leadership and of course hands-on skills leadership and of course hands-on skills uh<01:21:31.199

Bills: HF3650 , HF1791 , HF3489 , HF4231 , HF4232 , HF4269 , HF4270 , HF3490

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, career and technical education, CTE, postsecondary scholarship, postsecondary grant, school district funding, cooperative unit, Minnesota high school, apprenticeship, certificate program, tuition assistance, workforce training, military transition, education finance, student aid, career pathways

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to the important uh Innovation uh base to the important uh Innovation uh base that<00:01:56.719>
• </c> effects across the income Spectrum based effects across the income Spectrum based on<00:14:10.120
• </c> band non-competes for highly skilled band non-competes for highly skilled workers<00:15:59.040><
• </c> example it is highly paid highly skilled example it is highly paid highly skilled professionals<
• </c><01:43:54.560><c> on</c> Allen help me work on my soft skills on Allen help me work on my soft skills

Bills: HF1355 , HF1469 , HF1768

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're giving them those skills so they can have that from each other.
• So we're giving them those skills so they can have that from each other.
• strengthen some of those community-based settings where youth are leading peer-based activities.
• I would also say that Bright Life Kids is... ...leading peer-based activities.
• I think I come to this from the school-based health perspective.

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• on who they are or when prices based on who they are or when they<00:12:29.519><c> shop.
• </c> systems could replace the skilled systems could replace the skilled workers<00:13:37.760><c> of<
• A late 2025 study found a number of hate bots were on an AI chatbot platform, including many based on
• </c> chatbot platform, including many based chatbot platform, including many based on<01:25:29.679><c
• We also know that these platforms can cause a child to die by suicide, to death from viral games, to

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and non-skilled providers and simplify the process.
• They must use evidence-based practices and procedures for pediatric emergency care.
• Health care providers cannot discriminate based on vaccination status. It's that simple.
• The way it’s written, it says solely based on that.
• There are other pieces that come into the…” “But it’s solely based on the vaccine.

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met for its final meeting of the session and handled a very full agenda, beginning with a few housekeeping items and a brief thank-you to staff. Senate Bill 596 was temporarily postponed. The committee then reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal access obligations and deleting a section that would have improperly affected nursing home facility records; the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after testimony focused on transparency, financial oversight, Medicaid managed care accountability, and internal controls at AHCA. Harris said she would prioritize staffing, monitoring, and improved reporting, and several health care groups waived in support. The committee next heard and passed several bills, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, both reported favorably. It also approved SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on allowing physician assistants and APRNs to complete death certificates under hospice/palliative protocols, SB 1412 on home health agency administration and staffing flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies and informed consent, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills were amended, generally to narrow scope, align with the House, or make technical changes, and most received support from provider associations, advocacy groups, or affected institutions. The most debated measure was SB 1270, which combined several health freedom and medical marijuana provisions. The strike-all amendment retained language prohibiting discrimination based solely on vaccination status, added protections related to mRNA vaccine documentation requirements, and included medical marijuana regulatory and background-screening language. The committee heard extensive testimony both in support and opposition, including concerns from senators about whether the bill would force providers to treat patients contrary to medical judgment, and support from witnesses arguing it protected patient autonomy and access to care. After a time-certain motion, the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• materials is based on vendors that submit.
• And so based on my experience and based on my preparation, I have a few questions.
• , scientifically based?
• Those two things, evidence-based and scientifically-based? Mr.
• and what is evidence-based, if our department creates that as an evidence-based, scientifically-based

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, which would strengthen reading instruction and educator preparation around the science of reading. The sponsor and supporters said the bill requires evidence-based, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction, including support for English learners and students in bilingual and dual-language programs, use of approved high-quality instructional materials for K-3 reading and interventions, a K-3 reading assessment, literacy coaches, and parent progress reports. An amendment package was adopted to clarify biliteracy language, broaden references to bilingual/dual-language and Indigenous language settings, remove awkward phrasing, and adjust reporting requirements from monthly to four times per school year. The committee then moved forward with the amended bill. Public testimony was largely supportive. Students, educators, school leaders, advocacy groups, and tribal representatives said structured literacy has improved reading outcomes and can help struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners. Several speakers emphasized that the amended bill better protects bilingual, dual-language, and Native language programs, and some noted the importance of parent communication and early intervention. Supporters also cited recent literacy gains in New Mexico and said the bill aligns teacher preparation, materials, assessment, and coaching. Opposition focused mainly on concerns that the bill could still privilege English over Indigenous languages, that high-quality materials requirements may be too restrictive or costly for districts, and that testing and reporting could add workload. Tribal speakers from Acoma and Taos said they could not support the bill without further changes to explicitly protect Native language revitalization. Other opponents raised concerns about funding for materials and coaches, the burden on teachers, and whether the assessment and HQIM requirements would be flexible enough for local needs. In committee discussion, the sponsor and PED said existing funds and staff could support implementation, that the assessment would be formative and teacher-focused, and that the bill was intended to complement, not replace, Native and bilingual education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> support</c> It's a market-based workforce support It's a market-based workforce support policy.<
• I do think based on the funding.
• </c> games with it. games with it. um<03:41:50.960><c> from</c><03:41:52.319><c> when</c><03:41:52.640
• </c> a lot there's a lot of LLC based a lot there's a lot of LLC based businesses<04:40:11.280><c> out
• </c> We've seen this in the gaming side. We've seen this in the gaming side.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Peer Services Program Manager for Youth for Change, a nonprofit behavioral health organization based
• specialists supports three programs within the county's behavioral health system. ...organization based
• The skills necessary for effective peer support, such as communication, empathy, self-awareness, and
• AB 1876 provides a definition of sex-based discrimination that would account for the various factors
• This is particularly important for TGI people who may face discrimination based on compounding factors

Committee: Senate Health

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It can provide so many things to young people based on what their specific needs are.
• I'm the the Executive Director of Creative Action, which is based here in Austin.
• Supporting community-based organizations like ours is vital.
• Maynard, Round Rock, where Colleen and Austin is our primary base. Thank you.
• When you say evidence-based, that excludes a lot of things, because evidence-based, for those of y'all

Bills: HB 1178 , HB1411 , HB1441 , HB1773 , HB1813 , HB2107 , HB2598 , HB2911 , HB2967 , HB3672 , HB5263 , HB3797

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:37:25.719><c> the</c><01:37:25.920><c> the</c><01:37:26.159><c> problem</c> skill skill set and
• the the the problem skill skill set and the the the problem of<01:37:26.679><c> trying</c><01:37:26.880
• </c><01:54:15.320><c> period</c> 26% in 2024 that average base period 26% in 2024 that average base period
• wage person be paying more income tax based on that scenario?
• the same wage based on their skill<03:52:39.600><c> or</c><03:52:39.800><c> what</c><03:52:39.960><c

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the 911 emergency communications grant fee is insufficient for the long-term funding of modern IP-based
• Next Generation 911 is an internet-based protocol.
• This enables science-based response, not reduced oversight.
• And when you look at all the lives that he's helped change and give good skill sets, these...
• So he's got technical skills and leadership skills.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee approved the January 19, 2026 minutes and then considered and passed a temporary and pending rule for the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission (docket 15-0601-2501). Testimony from Sheriff Andy Creech emphasized that the rule would reduce administrative burden and costs by allowing longer-term contracts for Next Generation 911 equipment and services, helping Idaho modernize degraded legacy 911 systems and improve location accuracy, redundancy, and call routing. The committee also introduced RS 32996, presented by Senator Shippy, which would create a new licensing procedure for “established caterers.” The proposal would allow qualifying caterers operating from a publicly accessible business location and serving at least 50 events per year to obtain liquor licensing for service at catered events, addressing the current limitation that they lack a traditional brick-and-mortar premise for licensing purposes. Senator Harris moved to introduce the bill, and the motion passed. After official business, the committee hosted the American Falls FFA Ag Issues team, which presented a courtroom-style debate on the USDA’s 2025 rescission of the 2001 roadless rule. Students argued both the environmental and tribal concerns tied to preserving roadless forest protections and the opposing case for forest health, wildfire mitigation, economic development, and management flexibility. Committee members praised the students’ preparation and public speaking, asked questions about their research process and views on the issue, and adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:24.320><c> on</c> the legislature make decisions based on the legislature make decisions based
• </c> is critical to keeping highly skilled is critical to keeping highly skilled doctors<00:15:32.240
• For injections around the eye or skill.
• </c> takes more skill, more education. takes more skill, more education.
• By tapping into the skills communities.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Those exemptions are now removed based on the new federal law, and we have updated our policy rule to
• There is job search training, supervised job search, volunteering, basic skills instruction, career or
• , supervised job search, There is job search training, supervised job search, volunteering, basic skills
• They also offer basic and foundational skills instruction, general studies, and GED.
• So the new definition based on the new federal So the new definition, based on the new federal law that

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The subcommittee first recognized the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute and received a brief DHS update on the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement process, including that the new cost-reporting period began in January and provider/contractor calls are underway. The main presentation then focused on SNAP and TANF, with DHS describing federal changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill that tighten SNAP work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 without certain exemptions, remove some prior exemptions, and add new federal definitions for Native American populations. DHS also reviewed SNAP Employment and Training providers, their service areas, projected budgets, participant characteristics, and outcomes, noting that the program is currently voluntary but will shift toward mandatory participation for those subject to the new rules. Members asked detailed questions about how mandatory participation will be implemented, how referrals will be made, what other training options exist, how verification of work, volunteering, disability, and exemptions will be handled, and whether DHS has enough funding and provider capacity. DHS said it will conduct verbal and written notices during eligibility interviews, make direct referrals to providers, use six-month recertifications and documentation from employers or volunteer organizations, and apply sanctions for noncompliance after determining whether a good cause exists. Members also requested additional data, including age breakdowns of at-risk SNAP recipients, provider-level outcomes and costs, and information on other training programs such as WIOA. The committee then moved to Medicaid community engagement requirements for ARHOME, which DHS said are also required by the same federal law and must be implemented by January 1, 2027. DHS said it is preparing policy, system changes, communications, and a customer-service/outbound verification vendor, and plans a soft launch beginning in July to help clients understand what would be required if the rule were already in effect. Members raised concerns about timing, local versus central decision-making, and how clients in rural areas will be notified and assisted. The meeting concluded with broader discussion of the committee’s workforce-development goals, the recently released Alliance for Opportunity audit, and interest in continuing the contract with that group to help guide future reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we have we call surface healing is based we have we call surface healing is based out<00:28:49.480
• </c><01:22:47.920><c> to</c> have the they lack the basic skills to have the they lack the basic skills
• </c> ...reading skills already.
• Swimming is a life skill.
• </c><05:03:19.080><c> on</c> is it is critical right now based on is it is critical right now based on

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The actuarial fiscal note shows an indeterminate impact that would vary based on the actual cost incurred
• Based on the current projected costs of around $400,000 per year, that would not be expected to result
• There's a fiscal note from the Health Care Authority showing indeterminate impacts based on changes in
• They decline it, and that's based on this year's current employees.
• This is a narrow and technical clarification that protects the pension status of the skilled building

Bills: SB5834 , SB5835 , SB5883 , SB5905 , SB6151 , SB6163 , SB6177 , SB6173

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: Washington retirement systems, retirement trust funds, interest earnings, public employee retirement system, teachers retirement system, state patrol retirement system, judicial retirement system, judges retirement system, school employees retirement system, public safety employees retirement system, law enforcement officers and firefighters retirement system, PERS, TRS, LERS, legal expenses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, fraud prevention, overpayment recovery, trust fund protection

Transcript Highlights:

• The skills required in the workforce will continue to change, and so we are creating structures to be
• The skills required in the workforce will continue to change, and so we are creating structures.
• C2C builds dashboards based on the priorities of the 21-person C2C Governing Board.
• As currently defined, it can take up to six months to identify students based on test scores.
• These are to meet the base of the demand for lease and rent agreements.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is on the base adjustments.
• One of the biggest lack of support that we've seen is independent living skills.
• We fight for them to get those skills.
• skills ourselves.
• We simply will give them those skills ourselves.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: A joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee heard presentations on the Idaho judicial branch budget, beginning with court operations. Legislative staff reviewed the branch’s structure, staffing, recent technology upgrades funded with ARPA dollars, and prior budget enhancements, including support for court technology, judicial compensation, and additional judges in several districts. Court officials explained a late budget request for an additional $800,700 from a dedicated magistrate retirement fund to cover unexpected retirement bonuses and purchase-of-service costs for seven magistrates, as well as the impact of a governor holdback and reduced federal support for some treatment and domestic violence court-related services. Committee members asked about the timing of the revised retirement request, the purpose and success of the magistrate retirement bonus program, the court’s technology modernization, and the effect of losing federal and other outside funding. Court officials said the retirement timing could not be known earlier because magistrates had until January to notify the court, and they described the bonus as helping judges complete their terms. They also said the court had moved case management and recording systems to the cloud and built a statewide network, and that cuts to treatment court and peer support funding would likely force reductions in non-constitutional services. The committee then heard the Guardian ad litem division request, including a $77,900 general fund enhancement for the Second Judicial District CASA program. The CASA director said the money would support a recruiter/trainer/data supervisor position and required compliance costs such as financial review, office space, and liability insurance. She described volunteer shortages across a large rural district, declining VOCA and grant funding, and the need to spend more time fundraising instead of serving children. Members asked about the decline in VOCA funds, the share of funding coming from donations and fundraising, the number of children served, and the role of CASA for older youth. The director said about 30% of the program’s funding comes from fundraising, that the district serves children over age 12 and some older youth, and she gave an example of a case where CASA helped stabilize a family and reunify children with their parents. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned until the next day.