Transcript Highlights:

• agencies, which are Tax and Revenue, Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Transportation
• How much money do we spend through the tax code? What are our tax expenditures?
• And are we going to spend it in the budget, or are we going to spend it in the tax code, not taking into
• They spent big through the tax code and spent big in the budget, and are having to make. make painful

Transcript Highlights:

• time as we engage in partnerships with local partners, whether it's IHSS agencies or housing transportation
• Supportive services include information and assistance, transportation, case management, legal services
• This can mean long wait times for in-home care, gaps in transportation, This can mean long wait times
• for in-home care, gaps in transportation, which is already limited, and limited access to culturally
• be transferred to the General Fund, consistent with the existing statute of the Health and Safety Code

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've spent much of my time working with LNG and LNG codes and standards.
• and working with LNG and LG codes and standards<00:06:11.759> I'm<00:06:11.919> also<00
• And I'll reiterate again, this is nothing about safety codes or siting or anything like that.
• connected to the grid uh transportation connected to the grid uh but<00:19:56.919> this<00:19
• non-disclosure agreements secret code non-disclosure agreements secret code names<00:42:46.280><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• affect others in the same zip code. affect others in the same zip code.
• Building codes are different. That increases the exposure, that increases the price.
• Building codes are different. That increases the exposure, that increases the price.
• Building codes are different. That increases the exposure, that increases the price.
• want to including uh building code want to including uh building code related<02:07:31.119> stuff

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a requirement by the Attorney General's office to review code, which was going to be quite
• There was a requirement by the Attorney General's office to review code, which was going to be quite
• <03:44:38.880> be Trans Transportation Energy will be Trans Transportation Energy will be
• Senate Transportation and Energy will be meeting 15 minutes upon adjournment of the committees.
• Senate uh Transportation announcement.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Finance Committee report is passed to the Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Committee
• "Is there any further discussion on the Transportation Committee report?
• I move 1196 and the transportation and housing and local government committee report, and the finance
• I move House Bill 1196 in the transportation and housing and local government committee report.
• I move House Bill 1196 in the transportation and housing and local government committee report.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Authority, and Jessica Zink, the deputy director of the San Jose Department of Transportation.
• I'm a huge proponent of clean transportation and I find that the Deerodon Station project is a really
• The motion is do pass as amended to Transportation. Senators Blakespear? Aye. Blakespear? Aye.
• The motion is do pass to Transportation. Please call the roll.
• The motion is do pass as amended to Transportation. Senators Dahle, aye. Gonzalez, aye.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to environmental quality, housing, transportation, and waste policy. SB 1375, by Senator Cortese, would create a narrow CEQA exemption category for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive environmental review. Supporters, including VTA, the City of San Jose, BART, Caltrain, MTC, and Climate Reality Silicon Valley, said it would reduce duplicative review and speed projects like the Diridon Station modernization. Committee members emphasized added amendments requiring displacement, construction-impact, and natural resources plans, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Transportation. The committee then took up SB 1031 on compostable plastics labeling. The author and supporters such as Californians Against Waste and the California Compost Coalition argued the bill would reduce consumer confusion, curb contamination in compost and recycling streams, and direct OEHHA to study health and environmental impacts. Opponents including manufacturers, BPI, retailers, and other industry groups said the bill would effectively ban compostable products in California, harm businesses, and fail to fix the underlying National Organics Program issue. After extensive discussion about labeling, composting capacity, and costs, the bill passed 2-2 on call to Appropriations. SB 958, relating to the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, was presented next; supporters said it would help move forward a large housing and mixed-use project on city-owned land after years of review and voter approval, and it passed 3-0 on call to Local Government. SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, drew the most extensive debate. The bill would strengthen implementation and enforcement of AB 617 community emissions reduction plans and local plans in overburdened communities. Environmental justice advocates and youth supporters backed the measure, while local governments, business groups, air district representatives, and industry groups warned it would create uncertainty, add land-use constraints, and act as a housing and cost driver. The author accepted several committee amendments and said the bill was still being worked on, but the motion to pass it to Local Government resulted in a 2-2 tie and the bill remained on call. SB 1064, by Senator Dahle, would reduce clean truck check testing frequency for low-use heavy-duty vehicles and equipment from twice a year to once a year. Agricultural and trucking witnesses supported it as a practical, cost-saving change, while air quality advocates opposed weakening a program they said prevents excess emissions and protects public health. The bill passed 4-0 on call to Transportation. Finally, SB 1258 was presented as a revised measure on remediation of hazardous waste sites on the Cortese list. The author said the committee amendments replaced the bill’s original approach, but he continued to argue that remediation should be aligned with housing development so contaminated infill sites can be cleaned up and built on more efficiently. Developers and environmental consultants supported the concept, saying current timing rules create risk and leave sites idle, while the committee continued to hear testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• As reported by WGBH, Up Academy Holland's new rigid discipline code led to hundreds of suspensions in
• As reported by WGBH, Up Academy Holland's new rigid discipline code led to hundreds of suspensions in
• Your predecessors were deeply committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of zip code, race,
• We’ll close the testimony on H. 4038, an act relative to school transportation reimbursement.
• We'll close the testimony on H. 4038 and act relative to school transportation reimbursement.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees. Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists. Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.

Transcript Highlights:

• the nights, it's like buying a new car and driving it only half of the time and taking public transportation
• the nights, it's like buying a new car and driving it only half of the time and taking public transportation
• And so even if they had transportation, it was still going to take weeks, if not months, for them to
• The insurance code that's discriminatory per the medical code is appropriate.
• that's discriminatory per the medical code it's appropriate I agree the two do not fit and it puts my

Bills: HB2176, HB2333, HB2435, HB2447, HB2617, HB2683, HB2686, HB2725, HB2726, HB2906, HB2953, HB2958

Keywords: health care, licensure, complaints, investigation, safety, patient care, regulatory compliance, prosthetics, orthotics, health insurance, Medicare, medical necessity, disability rights, coverage, reimbursement, internationally trained physicians, medical board, clinical training, provisional license, healthcare workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2601 of the Public Contracts Code defines skilled and trained workforce as one that meets the
• following, and it's in code.
• following, and it's in code.
• This section of the Education Code is one of the oldest ones.
• , of references to this definition all throughout the Ed Code.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 05.599> state follow the procurement process in state follow the procurement process in state code
• the<00:07:06.960> procurement<00:07:07.520> process<00:07:08.000> the code
• and the procurement process the code and the procurement process the type<00:07:08.479> of<00
• So, I guess I'm a transportation guy by trade. We do design, build, and do different things.
• <00:30:55.120> and those facilities up to code and those facilities up to code and improving

Keywords: 00:02 EEC – State-Owned Dams 21:07 EEC – Grid Resilience Grant Funds 37:24 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard presentations from the Department for Environmental Protection and the Office of Energy Policy on Kentucky’s state-owned dam repair program and the electric grid resilience program. Commissioner Tony Hatton explained how state dams are defined and classified under Kentucky law, the criteria used to prioritize repairs or decommissioning, and the status of several projects funded in the last biennium. He said the department is using a design-bid-build process, with major work planned or underway at Willisburg Lake, Big Bone Lick State Park Dam, Clemens Lake Dam, Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chinoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and Lake Malone, and that $0.5 million is reserved for routine repairs. He also described the timeline and cost pressures, noting that construction seasons and bid uncertainty can affect schedules and estimates. Members asked several questions about whether the estimates were current, how accurate the bids tend to be, why the process takes so long, and whether it would be better to fund design separately before construction. Hatton said the estimates are the best current engineering estimates, that costs often stay within about 10% but can vary, and that the overall process is usually closer to two years than four, though delays can occur. He also said all of the allocated dam funds must be available before bids can be let. The committee discussed whether design work can become stale if construction is delayed. Kenya Stump then updated the committee on Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program under federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding. She said Kentucky has received years one through three of the five-year program and has allocated funds to state park electric systems and municipal utilities, with years four and five not yet received. She identified Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village as the two state park projects in progress, and Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville as the municipal projects selected through a competitive process. She said the projects are under contract or in final negotiations, with municipal construction expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and finish by the end of 2026, and explained that the work includes line, pole, transformer, meter, and outage-management upgrades. Members asked about the relationship between this program and prior park appropriations, the timing of agreements with Parks, and whether the park systems could eventually be transferred to the local electric cooperative; Stump said the park agreements are imminent and that the upgrades are intended to bring the systems up to code so the cooperative can maintain them. No votes were taken, and the chair adjourned the committee until the following Wednesday, with a possible time change to avoid a scheduling conflict.

Transcript Highlights:

• We transport patients 24/7, 365, without knowledge of ability to pay, and we do so willingly.
• We transport patients 24-7, 365, without knowledge of ability to pay, and we do so willingly.
• Last year we completed nearly 7,000 emergency transports and over 40% of those were Medi-Cal patients
• I'm honored to support air medical transport reimbursement as well. My name is Lisa Epps.
• . ...care safety net and serves patients from 91% of California zip codes.

Summary: The committee heard a budget oversight hearing on the Department of Health Care Services, focusing first on the overall Medi-Cal budget and a March General Fund loan to cover a current-year shortfall. DHCS said the 2025-26 budget proposal totals $193.4 billion, with Medi-Cal projected at $188.1 billion total funds and $42.1 billion General Fund, driven by higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, managed care growth, and costs tied to eligibility expansions and the COVID-era redetermination unwinding. The department said the $3.44 billion loan was needed to manage cash flow and ensure timely payments to providers and plans, while the LAO noted Medi-Cal’s cash-basis budgeting creates volatility and that more detailed estimates would come with the May Revision. Members discussed federal Medicaid threats, the need for transparency on cost drivers, and the impact of pharmacy spending, long-term care, and immigration-related coverage expansions. The second major topic was family health programs, including California Children’s Services, the continuous coverage unwinding, and opioid settlement fund spending. DHCS described CCS funding methodology changes, ongoing county stakeholder work, and a delayed rollout of CCS monitoring and oversight until July 1, 2025, while county representatives and advocates argued the program is underfunded and asked for more technical assistance and a delay in implementation. On the unwinding, the department explained that federal redetermination flexibilities helped maintain coverage after the pandemic, but the Governor’s budget proposes ending them at the end of June 2025; advocates urged making the flexibilities permanent to avoid coverage losses. For opioid settlement funds, DHCS and Finance said the budget increases funding for naloxone distribution while reducing other harm-reduction spending based on updated settlement revenues, prompting criticism from members and public commenters who argued the change would weaken effective harm-reduction programs. The hearing also included an update on Proposition 35 implementation. DHCS said the voter-approved measure continuously appropriates MCO tax revenues beginning in 2025, with up to $4.6 billion annually available for specified Medi-Cal and provider investments in 2025 and 2026, but implementation depends on consultation with the required stakeholder advisory committee. The department and LAO noted uncertainty about future federal rules affecting the MCO tax after 2026. Public testimony largely supported maintaining Medi-Cal expansions, protecting immigrant coverage, preserving harm-reduction funding, and increasing support for community health workers, pediatric dental care, and CCS county administration. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because transportation by law for K through 8 is required, and when you have a new contract in a year
• Follow-up: Yes, so just to clarify, only if they're, and nobody puts transportation on a special warrant
• <05:13:06.558> on<05:13:06.680> a and nobody puts Transportation on a and nobody puts
• Transportation on a special<05:13:07.120> warrant<05:13:07.480> article<05:13:08.200><
• <05:13:12.600> so have any cost for transportation so have any cost for transportation so

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for extra-large wheelchair transport.
• for extra-large wheelchair transport.
• Your<02:43:51.040> zip<02:43:51.359> code<02:43:51.600> shouldn't<02:43:52.000><
• Your zip code shouldn't depend on your healthcare<02:43:53.200> outcome.
• Department of Transportation. Department of Transportation.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A transportation center with buses, ride-sharing, and employer shuttles will make access to area employers
• we look at developing communities, we want to do it near areas that have employment, that have transportation
• Which is not, no transportation, no services, not necessarily near jobs, but that's not solving the problem
• also, to the gentleman's point, with the housing that it's also near services, employment, and transportation
• You have a QR code.

Summary: The committee met to hear a panel on workforce and attainable housing, with presentations from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Wendover Housing Partners, the City of Tallahassee, and Escambia County. Speakers described how state and local tools such as SHIP, the Live Local Act, land trusts, accessory dwelling units, infill development, and public-private partnerships are being used to expand housing supply and preserve long-term affordability. Several panelists emphasized that housing demand is rising across income levels, that workforce households often need subsidy to buy or rent, and that housing location, transportation access, and proximity to jobs and services are critical. They also highlighted challenges including rising construction costs, limited land, insurance, NIMBY opposition, and the need for more flexible financing tools and employer participation. Members asked about area median income thresholds, whether current programs are reaching the households most in need, and what additional tools might help. Florida Housing said its traditional rental programs generally serve households at or below 60% AMI, while need is increasingly reaching up to 80% AMI statewide and higher in some regions; staff also provided examples of AMI levels by county. Other discussion focused on the impact of local government opt-outs, tax abatements, corporate ownership of single-family homes, insurance costs, Fortified construction standards, and whether bonuses or other income calculations can unintentionally disqualify applicants. Panelists urged more political will, more local flexibility, and additional incentives for employers and landowners to support housing near jobs. The committee also used an anonymous interactive polling exercise, and members identified partnerships, SHIP funding, local government action, cost, and insurance as key issues. In closing, the chair said the committee would continue a member-driven process and likely hold a workshop on housing-related topics. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session adjourned after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finding transportation to get there is an issue.
• This bill came from the Department of Transportation.
• This bill came from the Department of Transportation.
• This bill came from the Department of Transportation.
• This bill came from the Department of Transportation.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 53rd day by a 123-0 roll call. The chamber received Senate messages on Senate Substitutes for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, and committee reports recommending passage of several bills and resolutions, including HB 2180, HB 1870, HB 2596, HB 1866, HB 2852, HB 2855, HB 2536, and HJR 115. Members then took up a series of Senate amendments and conference motions. HB 2180, dealing with notice procedures for blind pension recipients and electronic notification options, was adopted and finally passed 147-1 and then 148-1. HB 1870, updating bankruptcy exemptions and garnishment procedures, was adopted and finally passed 141-9 and 142-8. HB 2596, concerning multiple employer self-insured health plans, was sent to conference after the House refused the Senate substitute. HB 1866, addressing peace officer licensing and school protection officers, had Senate amendments concurred in 149-1 and was finally passed 148-1. The House also passed HJR 115, a proposed constitutional amendment to extend property tax and homestead exemptions to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses, after extensive debate over fiscal impacts and fairness; it passed 152-0. Later, HB 1736, allowing park sales tax funds to be used for stormwater management and related park improvements, passed 100-52. HB 1887 and related bills on artificial intelligence and transparency passed 145-3, HB 2855 on workers’ compensation fund rate changes passed 152-1, HB 1906 on tax payment schedules for certain township collectors passed 152-1, HB 2297 on fence responsibilities passed 116-35, HB 2142 on the Missouri Film Program passed 93-54, HB 3004 on hardwood industry labeling/truth-in-advertising passed 143-6, and HB 2151 raising income thresholds for a workforce-development program passed 116-32. The chamber also debated and passed HB 2536, which defines male and female by biological sex for certain government-owned or managed multi-occupancy spaces and creates enforcement provisions; it passed 101-48 after strong opposition centered on privacy, discrimination, and enforcement concerns. Finally, the House began perfection work on a substitute for HB 3068 and HB 3049, adopting several amendments, including technical corrections and language changes tied to plumbing and inspection provisions, before the transcript ended mid-consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code relating to the Delaware sent in ...and representatives
• Mandated in their codes. So it doesn't change that? Correct.
• I'd like to thank the 2013 General Assembly for getting it right and putting it into the Delaware Code
• An act to amend Title 16 and 29 of the Delaware Code relating to behavioral health.
• An act to amend Titles 18 and 29 of the Delaware Code relating to health care.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest. The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• investments in transportation systems. investments in transportation systems.
• department of transportation alone. department of transportation alone.
• But today I'm proud to transportation.
• <05:18:11.200> and leadership in the transportation and leadership in the transportation and
• <05:18:32.878> under be used for student transport under be used for student transport under

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Senate Transportation.
• <00:44:28.720> of codified into New Hampshire's code of codified into New Hampshire's code
• And I Transportation Committee meeting.
• :47.280> Committee urge the Senate Transportation Committee urge the Senate Transportation Committee
• Um, if transportation, miles and miles.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to you, just a couple questions because years back when I was in the House and I was chair of transportation
• I was at a transportation policy summit down in Sierra Vista this past summer, and we had some discussions
• licensing, inspection, and disclosure requirements on top of existing contractor licensing, building codes
• installations have evolved significantly since the early days, with stronger adherence to building codes
• February 9th, 2026, at 4:33 p.m., in Senator Dunn's name, requires the Arizona Department of Transportation

Bills: SB1041, SB1363, SB1418, SB1419, SB1445, SB1447, SB1488, SB1519, SB1523, SB1560, SB1580

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use