Transcript Highlights:

• We formally handed the keys of the James Mountain VA Medical Center over to the...
• That will also connect the sky bridge to the VA hospital.
• When we had some issues with MCOs not wanting to pay or pay the appropriate rate.
• JD McCarty Center has not asked for an increase in appropriation in over 15 years.
• And then finally, our ask for appropriation is just a flat appropriation this year.

Committee: House A&B Health Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature set a dedicated appropriation for OPDP of $2.96 million in the 2021-23 biennium, and
• In the 2023-25 biennium, OPDP was appropriated $2.74 million, and it spent about $2 million.
• Instead, OPDP redirects them to appropriate agencies or resources.
• applications for that VA grant.
• Will this grant look at whether or not the VA already covers the full cost, including taxes?

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• And by the way, the VA doesn't cover any of this.
• They don't want more pills from the VA. They want options.
• The VA—does the VA pay for opioids? Do they pay for opioids?
• The VA does not help.
• The VA prescription epidemic and default VA prescription of opioids has just done a number on us.

Bills: HB28 , SB3 , SB 3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• of Alzheimer's and other dementias reached $345 billion nationwide, with Medicaid, Medicare, and the VA
• of Alzheimer's and other dementias reached $345 billion nationwide, with Medicaid, Medicare, and the VA
• </c><00:04:15.400><c> shouldering</c> Medicaid Medicare and the VA shouldering Medicaid Medicare and
• the VA shouldering most<00:04:16.239><c> of</c><00:04:16.359><c> the</c> most of the most of the burden
• We were so excited to learn that Tim met the appropriate FDA criteria to start this drug, called LMI

Transcript Highlights:

• VETERAN SERVICES DIRECTOR SOMEONE OVERSEES THE WHOLE PROGRAM AND HANDLES ALL THE BENEFITS WITH THE VA
• ONE PERSON TO MAKE SURE THAT IF WE DON'T GET MUDDY AND MAKE MISTAKES WHEN REACHING OUT TO THE VA BECAUSE
• ABOUT 2015 UTILIZING VA BENEFITS OR TA BENEFITS. WE ALSO HAVE VA WORK STUDIES.
• IT IS THE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE TO THE VA AND WE ALSO HAVE OUR STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA.
• MAKING SURE THAT WE TOUCH EVERY SINGLE VETERANS ORGANIZATION THAT WE CAN AND OPEN THE DOORS TO THE VA

Transcript Highlights:

• I do see that we're doing well online and everything's going as appropriately.
• I do see that we're doing well online and everything's going as appropriately.
• The second part of that is a physical exam by the VA or a contracted medical professional by the VA to
• eligible then for VA health care.
• Hospitals due to a lack of appropriate alternatives.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• But the VA charges nothing. American Legion, VA, they charge nothing.
• claims so long as they obtain VA accreditation and operate under VA rules and regulations under law.
• claims so long as they obtain a VA accreditation and operate under the VA rules and regulations under
• websites like eBenefits for VA.
• And at that time, when the VA, when that law was passed, the VA published their rule on the law, which

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives. Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the VA charges nothing. American Legion, VA, they charge nothing.
• claims so long as they obtain VA accreditation and operate under VA rules and regulations under law.
• websites like eBenefits for VA.
• I said, how do I apply for my VA benefits?
• And at that time, when the VA, when that law was passed, the VA published their rule on the law, which

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, including AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, which would require VA accreditation for veterans’ claims representatives and prohibit unaccredited persons from charging fees or otherwise handling VA claims, with the author and supporters arguing the bill would protect veterans from predatory “claims shark” businesses and restore accountability. Support came from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, National Guard representatives, and several individual veterans, who said accredited public services are free and that unaccredited firms often charge large fees, delay claims, or use questionable practices. Opposition testimony came from a veterans advocate and representatives of private claims companies, who argued that some for-profit consultants provide useful, performance-based assistance, that veterans need choice, and that the bill could eliminate access for those who cannot get timely help from public or nonprofit providers. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully restrict services already operating in a gray area under federal law, whether there is enough data on the impact of private claims assistance, and whether amendments could preserve “good actors” while targeting bad practices. The author and supporters responded that federal law already bars the conduct, that the state lacks oversight over these companies, and that the bill is a first step toward stronger protections. SB 694 was ultimately passed out of committee on a 6-0 vote and referred to the Committee on Judiciary; the consent calendar also passed with eight votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to Senate Appropriations.
• Welcome to seven appropriations.
• Welcome to Senate Appropriations.
• Welcome to Senate Appropriations.
• Welcome to Senate Appropriations.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2615, as amended by a strike-everything amendment creating an Independent Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety with 15 members, authority to review DCS data and practices, request briefings and audits, conduct site visits, and receive confidential complaints, with a $2.2 million FY 2027 appropriation. The sponsor and several parents and foster/adoptive caregivers testified in support, describing child safety failures and arguing for independent accountability, while some members questioned whether the Ombudsman’s office was the right home for the committee and suggested other oversight structures. The amendment was adopted, but the bill itself failed on a 5-5 vote. House Bill 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from FY 2027 through FY 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans Services for grants to emergency shelters serving veterans, received strong support from the sponsor and shelter advocates who said the funding would help move homeless veterans toward stable housing and connect them with VA services. Members emphasized veterans’ service and the need for trauma-informed case management, and the bill passed with a 10-0 do-pass recommendation. House Bill 2321, requiring DCS to place and later remove a credit freeze for children in care to prevent identity theft, also passed unanimously after the sponsor and members discussed the administrative process and protections for foster youth. The committee then considered House Bill 2601, directing ADOT to seek federal segmentation for the Interstate 11 project between Casa Grande and Wickenburg so environmental review could proceed separately from litigation affecting the southern portion. Supporters framed the bill as a bipartisan way to keep the project moving, while opponents from environmental groups and several members argued it would encourage sprawl, harm desert habitat, and add cost and delay; the bill passed 6-4. House Bill 2992, a pilot program for child sexual abuse and grooming awareness education in six public schools, drew testimony from a trafficking survivor and others who supported prevention efforts, but some members argued the topic should be handled through broader sex education or parent education; it passed 6-4. Later bills also advanced: HB 2156, appropriating $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund, passed 7-3; HB 2165, exempting certain veterans and National Guard members from state park admission fees, passed 6-4 after amendment narrowing the exemption; HB 2960, creating a veterans specialty court grant program and related data-sharing requirements, passed 8-0; HB 2014, directing studies on gasoline blends and fuel feasibility amid EPA waiver concerns, passed 6-2; and HB 2957, preserving non-Real ID licenses and limiting biometric/data retention with a Kavanaugh amendment, passed 5-4-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our appropriation resets every year to the base amount, which is $12.114 million.
• We'll also ensure that an additional $29 million in federal VA per diem resident maintenance fees and
• Task Force to talk about the request for an appropriation to address food insecurity.
• and to align it with how funding is appropriated to the CORE program, which MDVA is the grant-making
• If you look at information about what VA medical centers and CBOCs are dealing with.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 3, AB 1773 by Rubio, with a motion of due pass to Appropriations.
• Item 4, AB 1956 by Valencia, with a motion of due pass to Appropriations.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote at the appropriate time on this measure.
• We fully support, and always have supported, appropriate oversight. Thank you.
• The motion is due pass to Appropriations. Please call the roll.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, beginning with AB 2651 by Bonta, which would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd immunity thresholds. Supporters, including family physicians, PTA representatives, and medical groups, said the bill would improve transparency and help parents protect children and vulnerable family members. Opponents argued the data could be misleading, could identify medically exempt or conditional students, and might lead to stigma or discrimination. The bill was later moved out of committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with one no vote recorded on the roll call. The committee also heard AB 2123 by Aguirre-Curry on medical debt relief, AB 1570 by Wilson to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast diagnostic and supplemental imaging, AB 2201 by Berner to restore Medi-Cal eligibility and renewal flexibilities, AB 2448 by Berman to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care records, AB 2034 by Addis on food additive safety and transparency, and AB 2598 by Krell to require better notification of next of kin when a patient dies in a hospital. Each bill drew strong support from authors, advocates, and affected individuals, while some drew opposition from insurers, industry groups, or transparency critics who raised concerns about cost, duplication, implementation, or unintended harm. Several bills were moved forward on due-pass-as-amended motions, including AB 2123, AB 2201, AB 2448, AB 2034, and AB 2598. The committee also heard AB 2551 by Elhawary, which would require health plans to collect and publish data on how often enrollees must go out of network for behavioral health care and why. Supporters said the measure would expose access barriers and high out-of-pocket costs, especially for communities of color and people with language access needs; opponents said it would add another reporting mandate and might not solve provider shortage problems. Members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals and several described personal or district-level experiences with behavioral health access problems. The bill was then moved out of committee on a due-pass motion. The committee also took up consent items and other procedural motions, with multiple bills reported out and some placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• That brings the VA to the table.
• They still need help from the VA.
• A 1010 is a form for VA health care.
• clinic and just accomplish with the VA themselves.
• The veterans' homes, I believe there's eight VA homes.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the work of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s role in supporting them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, survivor benefits, education waivers, health care access, and broader wraparound support. Several speakers argued that California’s veteran population is underserved relative to demand, that CVSOs produce a strong return on investment, and that the state should increase funding to reduce backlogs, expand staffing, and meet the Legislature’s stated goal of funding 50% of county veterans’ services operations. Testimony from county officials highlighted local models of service. Los Angeles County described a “no wrong door” approach, the Veteran Peer Access Network, suicide review efforts, justice-involved veteran services, and coordinated homelessness response, all supported by county leadership and partnerships with the VA and community organizations. San Luis Obispo County described rural outreach, mental health grants, suicide prevention work, and a food pantry, while also noting reduced subvention funding despite increased workload and high client satisfaction. Witnesses repeatedly warned that unaccredited claims consultants charge veterans large fees, sometimes seek access to VA and banking logins, and can delay or harm claims; they urged stronger enforcement and more accessible free alternatives through accredited offices. CalVet Deputy Secretary Roberto Herrera explained the accreditation system, CalVet’s training academy, district office review process, and the role of CVSOs in improving claim quality and appeals outcomes. He said California’s claims filed under CalVet power of attorney are completed faster than many others and that appeals representation has favorable outcomes above the national average. A researcher from the Center for a New American Security said California’s CVSO structure is a strong model nationally and that higher investment in CVSOs correlates with better claims outcomes and improved service delivery. Committee members asked about collaboration, funding formulas, suicide prevention, and how to curb predatory claims businesses; witnesses said the state should strengthen county partnerships, expand resources, and continue pursuing legislation targeting for-profit claims companies and veteran tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• They still need help from the VA.
• A 10-10EZ is a form for VA health care.
• clinic and just accomplish with the VA themselves.
• The veterans' homes, I believe there's eight VA homes.
• The veterans' homes, I believe there's eight VA homes.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> VA Healthcare System.
• It has nothing to do with the federal VA. The federal VA is forward funded.
• </c> with the federal VA.
• The federal VA is with the federal VA.
• </c> appropriation made by the legislature. appropriation made by the legislature.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, a veteran rated at 100% disability by the VA with a spouse is awarded around $50,000 annually
• SB 888 simply excludes VA service-connected disability compensation from the calculation of household
• So, here in California, Financing and federal VA loans.
• And we need to put pressure on appropriations. So I would be honored to co-author.
• And we need to put pressure on appropriations. So I would be honored to co-author.

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• in know there there is no appropriation in know there there is no appropriation in this bill that's
• had never been and never used the VA had never been and never used the VA ever uh had been out of the
• to the VA now he's getting those person to the VA now he's getting those person to the VA now he's getting
• have done a good job you got vas our vas have done a good job you got vas our vas have done a good job
• in uh Birmingham one in tus lo I know there's a couple of va officers I know there's a couple of va

Bills: SB 2

Transcript Highlights:

• Through this governance appropriate.
• Um, I, we, as part of the VA, and I'm representing the VA healthcare as well as federal health care.
• My role at the VA is to approach and promote education for the VA as well as for the nation.
• the VA the VA and I'm representing the VA healthcare<02:26:33.760><c> as</c><02:26:34.000><c> well</
• for the VA and for the nation.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The other was one from Appropriations. ...information to the local districts.
• The other was one from Appropriations.
• I think it pretty much just clarified the subject-to-appropriation language and also expanded upon the
• Members, this is subject to appropriations, and it will be effective upon the signature of the governor
• We put some subject-to-appropriations language in here, even though there's no cost to the state.

Bills: SCR12 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR58 , SB78 , SB25 , SB80 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB250 , SB414 , SB433 , SB479 , SB513 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB65 , SB215 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR32 , HB17 , HB41 , HB73 , HB223 , HB244 , HB759 , HB906 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1086 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1215 , HB1242 , SB217 , SB283 , SB469 , HB36 , HB42 , HB74 , HB119 , HB159 , HB259 , HB302 , HB414 , HB459 , HB776 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1017 , HB1028 , HB1095 , SB208 , SB312 , SB382 , SB389 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB368 , HB468 , HB552 , HB732 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB1117 , HB1236

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a contract you go into, and then that is sent to the VA. The VA knows exactly who, right?
• That is a contract you go into, and then that is sent to the VA. The VA knows exactly who, right?
• That is all regulated by the VA.
• right there at the VA, I file the claim for prostate, I push a button, I send it to the VA, the VA starts
• And that space is full of VA-accredited attorneys and very likely full of... ...is full of VA-accredited

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• of the MD VA vaa and administering<00:05:00.759><c> grants</c><00:05:01.759><c> we</c><00:05:01.919>
• money to an organization appropriate money to an organization called<00:08:08.120><c> fishing</c><00
• I reached out to the VA, and they're like, try to get counseling and everything else.
• We would be supportive of this bill if the appropriation matched.
• </c><00:38:01.119><c> is</c> future bium so if the appropriation is future bium so if the appropriation

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division