Transcript Highlights:

• So we're trying to expand those programs as well and working with the school boards to try and be more
• I would be interested to know also for some of the programs and sort of new program expansions if the
• And so we created this program, and we receive anything from, "Can you help me get a food box?"
• And we'll talk about that when I come and visit. The Secretary about the care program.
• Great apologies by the Early Childhood New Mexico Early Childhood Association and Kim LeGant.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> Options so that program of 65 and older Options so that program of 65 and older that's<00:08:12.720
• </c> to that program and that can sometimes to that program and that can sometimes create<00:40:54.079
• and other Medicaid LTSS programs.
• c><00:48:11.440><c> was</c> written early on and then it was written early on and then it was starting
• </c><01:15:38.120><c> from</c> further and try to prevent somebody from further and try to prevent somebody

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program in Ramsey County and Dakota County and help first-time home buyers realize that American dream
• </c><00:10:41.839><c> and</c><00:10:41.959><c> the</c> with a state match program and the with a state
• match program and the inclusion<00:10:42.560><c> of</c><00:10:42.760><c> State</c><00:10:43.440><c>
• local housing trust funds are eligible for the state match program and also for use with the housing
• roads and utilities by the end of this summer or early fall.

Bills: HF1143, HF1548, HF1340, HF2549, HF2559, HF1673, HF2740, HF2507, HF2461, HF2381, HF2695

Keywords: education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI

Transcript Highlights:

• And AB 2195 prevents parents and children from falling deeper into poverty by ensuring that low-income
• “Law school early in the year because this is such an important bill and we want to get it right, and
• after-school programs, sports programs, and educational programs that we wanted to send our daughters
• Debray Sanders of Black Californians United for Early Care and Education, also a member of ART, and in
• clear and enforceable standards for intervention.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Family Resource Association, and Michael Williams, also with the Child Abuse Prevention Center.
• Don Kopicki, on behalf of the Child Abuse Prevention Center and its affiliate, the California Family
• Rosanna Carvacho Elliott here on behalf of the Early Care and Education Consortium in support.
• SB 837 requires the Aging and Disability Resource Connection programs to offer disaster and emergency
• Our below-market-rate housing programs, and all of these programs are designed to go out and attempt

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Youth Tobacco and Vapor Prevention Account.
• This program has changed communities and changed lives.
• This program has proven its value time and time again.
• Investing $10 million in cessation and prevention programs, reaching those who need it most, will amplify
• Simultaneously, we've dramatically disinvested our prevention and cessation program, allowing youth smoking

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><00:05:20.960><c> deferred</c> Program agreement list, and the deferred Program agreement list
• My name is Melody Cooper, and I am with the Office of Special Education and Early Learning, KDE.
• </c> reading and finding that at a very early reading and finding that at a very early age.<00:19:58.960
• and districts as they're making decisions with their funding and selecting programs.
• </c><01:02:22.000><c> of</c> and how it affects all the programs of and how it affects all the programs

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met after several reschedulings due to flooding, welcomed a new assistant, and confirmed a quorum. It first approved the March 11 minutes, then reported that the day’s agenda included 310 items totaling about $139.4 million, with all vendors registered with the Secretary of State. The committee then approved deferred items involving the Transportation Cabinet/Department of Highways, including one routine PSC green-list item and one PSC amendment item, after hearing from the Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Professional Services and noting prior questions had been answered. The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Education contracts tied to reading and literacy initiatives. Officials described a competitive grant program for high-quality instructional resources and related professional learning, explaining that resources are selected through evidence-based reviews and a quality curriculum task force, and that districts apply using an instructional resources alignment rubric. Members questioned the program’s reach, whether districts opt in, how many schools applied, and whether the effort is producing measurable reading gains. Department witnesses said about 155 schools applied and were awarded, the program is voluntary, and the University of Louisville’s Reading Research Center is collecting qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate effectiveness. Several members expressed concern that the state has repeatedly funded literacy efforts without improving reading scores, though the committee ultimately approved the education items, with Senator Meredith noting support but frustration about the lack of progress. The committee also approved an MOA amendment item supporting the Principal Partnership Project, which provides tools, resources, and professional learning for administrators and helps meet statutory evaluation-training requirements. Members asked about the use of nonrecurring federal funds and whether the arrangement affects retirement benefits; staff said the contract pays districts based on daily wage and additional workdays, which does increase retirement packages. Representative McCool voted yes but voiced caution about possible supplanting. Finally, the committee took up an Office of the Controller contract for a brokered insurance-related procurement. Representative Balman moved to disapprove the contract, arguing the winning broker was not the low bidder and that the committee lacked answers about how technical scoring outweighed a roughly $600,000 price difference. The motion to disapprove did not prevail, and the contract was approved after further discussion about procurement scoring and the committee’s limited information.

Transcript Highlights:

• and early years of teaching from seasoned teachers.
• and early years of teaching from seasoned teachers.
• care and education, transportation... ...disrupted by the fires, including hospitality, early care and
• This is about preparation, prevention, and care.
• This is about preparation, prevention, and care.

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with AB 1424, AB 1340, AB 288, and AB 746 all advancing on due-pass motions to Appropriations after testimony and roll calls. AB 1424 would require climate resiliency and extreme-heat protections in CDCR facilities; supporters described dangerous heat conditions for incarcerated workers and staff, while no opposition testified. AB 1340 would allow rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain; drivers, labor groups, and researchers testified that app-based work is low-paid and unstable, while TechNet, Uber, Lyft, and other business groups argued the bill conflicts with Proposition 22 and could raise costs. AB 288 would let PERB step in when federal labor remedies are unavailable; supporters said it is needed because of NLRB dysfunction, while the Chamber of Commerce raised preemption and enforcement concerns. AB 746 would create an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve; supporters framed it as a recidivism-reduction and reentry strategy, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard AB 858, which would extend hotel and hospitality worker recall rights after declared emergencies and extend existing COVID-era protections. Hospitality workers and unions supported the bill as a way to protect jobs after pandemics, wildfires, and other disasters, while hotel, chamber, retail, restaurant, trucking, travel, and attractions groups opposed it, saying the current recall rules were meant to sunset and that the bill would create broad liabilities and hiring complications. The bill was moved to Appropriations but remained on call after the roll. AB 291, creating a credentialed educator apprenticeship program to address teacher shortages and improve diversity, drew support from education groups and stakeholders who said apprenticeships could lower preparation costs and provide better support; it was also moved to Appropriations and placed on call. Later, the committee took up AB 1104, a solar-energy bill intended to clarify that private solar customers are not “awarding bodies” and to ease certain business-to-business solar transactions while preserving prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for contractors. Supporters said the current interpretation has chilled commercial solar adoption and harmed jobs, while opponents from electrical workers, PG&E, and others warned about expanded “over-the-fence” power sales and the need for clearer limits. Members questioned the lack of a definition of “small,” and the bill was held without a second. The committee also heard AB 338, which seeks $50 million for Los Angeles and Ventura wildfire workforce recovery; the author and county officials described major job loss and business destruction and said the funds would support displaced workers and rebuilding, with the testimony continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Preventative care, and individualized attention.
• That's not acceptable, and it's preventable.
• Cancer receives the care and attention of industry, government programs, and philanthropists alike, raising
• , track outcomes, and plan smarter interventions.
• By the time I was believed, the damage was permanent and devastating, and it was also completely preventable

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services explaining that the day’s agenda would focus on health insurance and other insurance matters, with a large number of witnesses and a request for brief testimony. Legislators were taken out of order to accommodate their schedules, and the committee heard testimony on several bills, including coverage for hair prostheses for alopecia (H. 1223/S. 832), medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivors (H. 1258), modernizing fertility and family-building coverage (H. 715/H. 1190 and related bills), coverage for prosthetic devices to support physical activity for people with limb loss (the “So Everybody Can Move” bill), remediation coverage for home heating oil releases (S. 813/H. 1302), and expanded access to physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (H. 1170). A separate bill on sickle cell care and registry development (S. 788) was also discussed by Senator Liz Miranda. Witnesses largely offered personal stories and expert testimony in support of the bills. Advocates for alopecia coverage described the medical and emotional impact of hair loss, the high cost of quality wigs, and the argument that scalp and facial hair prostheses should be treated like other medically necessary prosthetics. Cancer survivors and supporters of H. 1258 said oral and dental care after head and neck cancer treatment is a quality-of-life issue and often not covered despite major out-of-pocket costs. Fertility specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and legislators supporting the modern family-building bills said the current infertility definition is outdated and discriminatory, excluding same-sex couples, people needing donors or gestational carriers, and others with medical barriers to conception. For the limb-loss bill, parents and adults with prosthetic needs stressed that activity-specific prostheses are essential for children and adults to run, swim, play sports, and stay healthy, but are often excluded from coverage. The home heating oil testimony focused on the financial devastation caused by residential oil spills and the need to make spill coverage automatic in homeowners policies. Environmental professionals and homeowners described cleanup costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the strict liability homeowners face, and the fact that many policyholders do not know the rider exists. The insurance industry testified in opposition to the mandatory-coverage approach, arguing for clearer distinctions between first- and third-party coverage, risk-mitigation standards, a delayed effective date, and more emphasis on education and notification rather than mandates. Committee members pressed the industry witness on why agents do not routinely tell customers about the rider and suggested that the issue may require broader disclosure by insurers, agents, and fuel dealers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and discussed possible compromise language and future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><01:03:23.760><c> and</c><01:03:23.920><c> this</c> this program already exists, and this this program
• volunteer programs and making an appropriation.
• c> treat</c> the same and every program will treat the same and every program will treat people<02:40
• And we'd prevent public officials and employees from testifying. Again, not true.
• And we'd prevent public officials and employees from testifying. Again, not true.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are over 170 kids waiting for guardians ad litem, and so they are reinstituting that program, and
• But as to then what, I also believe in prevention and intervention.
• and prevention.
• program that has saved lives and broken cycles of trauma.
• Please talk to the advocacy programs and the direct service programs in your communities and find out

Transcript Highlights:

• And she basically founded the program with little or no resources and not a whole lot of respect, but
• a program manager for the program accounts and investments of the account, to transfer duties and powers
• And so I don’t know exactly where the athletic money goes and to what program, and I can’t say what it
• between what's an early learning center and what is a school-operated pre-K program, which you all have
• between what's an early learning center and what is a school-operated pre-K program, which you all have

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what is it that is preventing CAP programs from being able to ramp up?
• And so what is it that is preventing CAP programs from being able?
• This has created new opportunities to support workforce and population prevention programs.
• Identified population health programs support mental health and substance use prevention programs for
• , early intervention, and coordinating care improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs across the

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about human dignity, equity, and it is also about saving lives and preventing avoidable suffering
• For years, their doctors have been telling them early intervention is key, and they feel the clock ticking
• , including the diabetes prevention program, FDA-approved medications, and bariatric surgery.
• Treating obesity early can prevent debilitating and costly health complications, including the development
• Alex Conn, on behalf of Seahope, the Chronic Obesity Prevention and Education Alliance, a program of

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• was a pregnancy, and I couldn't because I was starting my master's program.
• was a pregnancy, and I couldn't because I was starting my master's program.
• to protect them from life-altering and irreversible procedures made too early.
• I know what it feels like to feel different in my body, and from very early on, I did.
• And to be protected from harmful medical interventions.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program quality; and three, increasing transparency so families and policymakers can better understand
• and nearly $5.5 billion when combined with the ASES and other programs.
• This investment has improved The ASES and other programs.
• staff and program sustainability difficult.
• communities to develop those plans and programs and pathways and providing purpose for our students

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what is it that is preventing CAP programs from being able?
• And so what is it that is preventing CAP programs from being able?
• mental health and substance use prevention programs for underserved populations.
• mental health and substance use prevention programs for underserved populations.
• , early intervention, and coordinating care improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs across the

Summary: The committee first heard May Revision child care and human services items. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the analyst supported. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a reduction in federal and Proposition 64 funding absorbed through a shift from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment program, a 2.01% child care COLA, disaster-related infrastructure grants, a new administrative support cost structure for Alternative Payment agencies, the removal of prospective pay funding after a federal rule change, a reappropriation for existing infrastructure grants, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended asking for more justification for shifting reductions to CAP, supported the COLA reduction but wanted consistency across programs, recommended removing prospective pay funding, opposed the administrative cost shift, and suggested further review of disaster grant alignment. Members pressed the administration on why more slots would be cut for the same savings, why the COLA was reduced, and whether the administrative percentage would grow over time. The administration said the changes were intended to avoid disrupting currently enrolled families, reflect point-in-time relinquishments and unspent funds, and stabilize contractor operations. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, and county representatives, urged full COLA funding, rejection of child care slot reductions, preservation of prospective pay, and continued investment in child care infrastructure and access. The subcommittee then recessed before moving to health items. In Part B, the Department of State Hospitals presented its May Revision proposals, including a central utility plant replacement project at Metropolitan State Hospital, funding for a continuum electronic health record system, reduced county bed billing authority to reflect phase-in of additional LPS beds, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscription services, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal to use Behavioral Health Services Act funds instead of General Fund for training programs. The department said the EHR would modernize records and improve continuity of care, and that the contract exemption would prevent delays in essential clinical information services. No votes were taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• CMS requires health care facilities to prevent abuse and neglect.
• And as you see, in 2024, when I came into the program and became the coordinator, it became my mission
• And with our program, Jessica did not give her full title.
• And with our program, Jessica did not give her full title.
• And so like that crisis intervention, we’ve seen make a huge difference in youth engaging in care and

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a $100,000 appropriation for a grant program for veteran and disabled veterans to visit Veterans
• This is a great bill and a great program to support, so I hope we can do so. Thank you.
• and assistance but uh and seek out help and assistance but uh programs<00:35:20.359><c> like</c><00:35
• Skills Training, which is a crisis intervention program that's two days of training and puts tools in
• </c><00:48:48.760><c> skills</c><00:48:49.079><c> and</c> in suicide intervention skills and in suicide

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's a lot of programs, right? And I'm not the program guy.
• And, of course, that is, like somebody had indicated before, it truly is for early interventions, right
• But when I look at our unit, and I'll speak to Williston specifically, we have an early childhood program
• And if I do, and I give credit to it, we ultimately will use a visa program.
• And I go back to early intervention and some of those supports that we can do both, but recognizing that

Keywords: 908, all