Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, our statutes, as some judges read them, just cover intentionally submitting false claims for
• And that is, and the purple does not have any inflationary adjustment on those values for the impact
• any</c><01:15:41.880><c> inflationary</c> have any inflationary have any inflationary um um um adjustment
• 45.520><c> those</c><01:15:45.760><c> values</c><01:15:46.760><c> for</c><01:15:46.880><c> the</c> adjustment
• on those values for the adjustment on those values for the impact<01:15:47.480><c> on</c><01:15:47.600

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This particular relative is female, a mother, and claimed responsibility for drugs that were not hers
• This particular relative is female, a mother, and claimed responsibility for drugs that were not hers
• I'll adjust the continuing ed credits first, if you don't mind.
• I'll adjust<01:55:11.400><c> the</c><01:55:11.520><c> continuing</c><01:55:12.040><c> ed</c><01:55:12.680
• ><c> credits</c><01:55:13.080><c> first</c> adjust the continuing ed credits first adjust the continuing

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CMS has indicated it will also undertake a review of recent claims for which we have already been reimbursed
• grants are we not at this point looking to receive because either we haven't complied or we need to adjust
• [clears throat] Um HR1 also limited the USDA's authority to adjust the Thrifty Food Plan, which is a
• [clears throat] Um HR1 also limited the USDA's authority to adjust the Thrifty Food Plan, which is a
• [clears throat] Um HR1 also limited the USDA's authority to adjust the Thrifty Food Plan, which is a

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing I didn't say about MOG or MOG—I'm sorry, I'll get adjusted to it—we are extraordinarily nonpartisan
• /c><00:15:56.120><c> to</c><00:15:56.279><c> it</c><00:15:57.199><c> we</c> I'm sorry I I'll get adjusted
• to it we I'm sorry I I'll get adjusted to it we are<00:15:57.839><c> extraordinarily</c><00:15:59.040
• whether it's our office or an agency, releases and the person it's about—a person or entity—and they claim
• And we face claims for that as well. Representative Inan, good. Okay.

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Why did the department not either pay their claim outright instead of litigating the claims for years
• /c><00:19:21.919><c> claims</c><00:19:22.240><c> for</c> instead of litigating the claims for instead
• of litigating the claims for years?
• claims, the Jardine<00:20:30.159><c> claim,</c><00:20:30.559><c> for</c><00:20:31.280><c> significantly
• </c><00:20:32.000><c> less</c> Jardine claim, for significantly less Jardine claim, for significantly

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first considered Governor’s Message 574, confirming Michael Tenoi to continue serving on the Commission to Promote Uniform Legislation through June 30, 2028. Several supporters testified, and Tenoi said he valued working with Hawaii and national commissioners and hoped to focus on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data security. The committee recommended advise and consent and adopted the measure, with a photo taken afterward. The committee then heard HB 1519 on campaign contributions, which would require disclosure of compensated officers and immediate family members of certain state contractors and grantees. The Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office supported the bill but asked for clarifying amendments; several advocacy groups supported the measure but urged stronger language, including removing branch-of-government limits and narrowing loopholes. The chair proposed amendments to remove monetary thresholds, limit the bill to paid officers, add appropriations for the Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office, define “officer” more broadly, and note that false-name contributions are already felonies. The committee voted to pass HB 1519 with amendments. HB 2250, the claims against the state bill, drew testimony from the Attorney General and multiple departments in support, but members raised extensive questions about why many claims would be paid from the general fund, how corrective action is being pursued, and the handling of several specific claims, including wrongful imprisonment, a cesspool citation, Department of Corrections deaths, a large special education settlement, a charter school lease dispute, and an outdated check. Because of those outstanding questions, the committee postponed decision-making on HB 2250 until Tuesday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 016. Later, the committee also considered Governor’s Message 725, confirming Daniel M. Gluck as an associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals; the committee recommended consent and adopted the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• In preparing for my presentation this morning, I took a look at the claims and I talked to the Claims
• civil claims, Tort Claims Act, or Civil Rights Act claims.
• 1983 federal claims, Civil Rights Act claims, or any other type of claim that's brought against somebody
• On such a claim.
• The Federal Tort Claims Act and/or Section 1983 claims that you could bring against that person.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• a potential claimant, filing claims, or having them file their own claims on their own behalf.
• a potential claim, by filing claims or having them file their own claims on their own behalf.
• , can really mess up the future of that claim.
• We can file a claim with a laptop right here.
• of dollars because the claim wasn't done properly.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its second public hearing of the 2025–26 session, with opening remarks from Chairs John Velis and Joe McGonagle outlining testimony on 20 House bills and 18 Senate bills. The hearing covered a wide range of veterans issues, including municipal veterans assistance funds, pension equity, expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate, veterans service officer staffing, disability benefits eligibility, service dogs, POW tax relief, courtesy parking spaces, women veterans and motherhood, and workforce-related licensing and employment measures. Chairs emphasized the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, and written testimony process. Several bills drew support focused on expanding services and access. Representative Arena-DeRosa spoke for bills to broaden municipal veterans assistance funds to cover housing and legal expenses and to study enhanced pension equity for veterans, citing burn pit exposure and shorter life expectancy among veterans. Senator Fattman, Representative Peas, and Veterans Advocate Bob Notch supported bills expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate to include active-duty service members and their families, arguing it would improve transition support, coordination with state agencies, and retention of military talent in Massachusetts. Representative Arriaga backed a bill to incentivize municipalities to provide full-time or regional veterans service officers and another to study the impact of combat on women veterans and motherhood. Representative Moulton/another sponsor also sought to exempt veterans’ disability payments from income calculations for other state benefits, and Representative Hong and Senator Scanlan supported a state service dog program, POW income tax relief, and courtesy retail parking spaces for veterans. Testimony also focused on workforce and claims-assistance issues. The Military Officers Association of America and James Keene urged passage of bills waiving duplicative education requirements so qualified veterans and military medics can become licensed practical nurses, arguing it would help address health care shortages and recognize military training. Brave Veterans Inc. called for a Veterans Research Trust Fund to protect data and program evaluation work during budget cuts. On claims assistance, one witness supported criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans for VA claims help, while a private consulting firm opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict lawful speech and veterans’ choice and that existing federal and HERO Act safeguards already address abuses. The VFW strongly opposed paid claims consulting, said its accredited service officers provide free help statewide, and urged more public awareness of existing free services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the extent necessary to reach the average recommended average claims caseload of 141 claims per claims
• This amendment is to allow L&I to hire additional claims managers.
• managers shouldn't have more than 141 claims each.
• This amendment would also ask that those claims managers, as we increase the number of claims managers
• You know, L&I tries really hard to take care of the medical claims.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee met to consider four bills, though House Bill 2563 was removed from consideration before action. HB 2188 would require L&I to publish more information about workers’ compensation premium rates and actuarial rate-setting. Members described it as a transparency measure, and it passed the committee 8-0 with one excused. The committee then took up HB 2218, dealing with access to medical care in the workers’ compensation system. The proposed substitute made several changes to provider-network rules, rural access standards, utilization review timelines, and continued treatment after claim closure. Representative Schmidt’s amendment to add more claims managers was adopted, while earlier amendments on inducement and treatment language were withdrawn. The substitute bill passed 6-2 with one excused, with supporters emphasizing rural access and faster care, and opponents raising concerns about the fiscal note and some inducement-related language. HB 2524 would create a State Security Guards Industry Standards Board to set minimum employment standards for security guards and allow enforcement by L&I and, in the original bill, a private right of action. Amendment 236, making technical changes and delaying the board’s first meeting, was adopted, while Amendment 237 to remove the private right of action failed. The amended substitute passed 5-3 with one excused. Supporters said it would improve training, stability, and worker protections, while opponents cited cost concerns and argued it could interfere with existing compensation and bargaining arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• there's another claim that may go back to that they have not been improperly cashed and then claimed
• to verify claims, legitimize the claims, make sure they are legitimate. but then process them more expeditiously
• , the claims themselves are fairly recent.
• DGS and reserved for the next claims bill.
• That limits the number of claims that need to wait for the next claims bill.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It depends on the claims.
• It depends on the claims.
• It depends on the claims.
• It depends on the claims.
• It depends on the claims.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• and public nuisance claims.
• You could claim it under that as well.
• He said there were many other unlawful activities and claims, including DTPA claims and defective products
• “I believe she can bring a private nuisance claim.
• Claims. Is that what that section states?

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, recognized a Karnes County Day delegation and the Texas Association of Museums, received a governor’s message on Texas Diabetes Council appointments, and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 388 honoring the Texas Association of Museums, and adopted SRs 380, 382, and 387 by voice vote. Senator King was excused due to a family death, and the journal reading was dispensed with. The Senate then moved through a series of bills, most of them on expedited suspension of the regular order and three-day rule. Measures passed included SB 868 on Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program funding for high-wildfire-risk areas; SB 264 exempting certain family motor-vehicle transfers from tax; SB 2112 on oyster mariculture penalties; SB 1484 on catfish labeling and marketing; SB 660 on bollards near hospital emergency rooms; SB 1809 creating offenses for gift card fraud; SB 32 and SJR 81 providing business personal property tax relief and a related constitutional amendment; SB 1267 modernizing boat titling and adding disclosure for hidden hull damage; SB 1470 allowing DPS data sharing for voter list maintenance; SB 2406 and SB 2407 implementing Sunset recommendations for the Sabine River Authority and Lower Neches Valley River Authority; SB 609 on school district compliance with legally required policies; SB 921 on ex parte Medicaid eligibility renewals; SB 2320 increasing DWI penalties; SB 1822 requiring disclosure and oversight of AI-based utilization review algorithms; SB 693 on notaries public and deed theft prevention; and SB 664 setting statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and related judicial officers. One of the most contested items was SB 779 on common law public nuisance claims, which drew extended debate over whether the bill would limit lawsuits against lawful, regulated activities and whether it would preserve private nuisance and other existing remedies. Despite objections, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment by a 17-12 vote, holding it there. Another debated measure was SB 1008 on state and local authority over the food service industry; after a perfecting amendment, it was passed to engrossment and then to final passage. Several bills were adopted or passed with near-unanimous support, while others, including SB 1267, SB 1470, SB 1822, and SB 2320, saw some opposition but still cleared the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• The claims process for the joint subcommittee on claims is a process for people to file claims against
• So what we see in the claims commission is typically people who it might be an exoneration claim, where
• There's one person, or we might see property claims or an injury claim, someone who's in a vocational
• for 6,500, or sorry, the exoneration claim was 65,000 and then the personal injury claim was 6,500.
• </c> the uh personal injury claim was 6500. the uh personal injury claim was 6500.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Autoglass claims are among the most common comprehensive auto insurance claims, with California accounting
• for more than 2 million claims between 2015 and 2019.
• Independent shops report claim numbers are not always provided promptly.
• First, the claim-number bottleneck.
• , questionable claims regarding auto glass.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• more money in the fund that's available to take care of hospitals' claims.
• They're probably going to stay the claim, I think, at that point in time.
• And Sierra is under the Tort Claims Act, so they can never join the PCF.
• And Sierra is under the Tort Claims Act. So they can never join the PC.
• judgment, but only to the limits of the Tort Claims Act.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 61, which would raise aggravated battery on a peace officer from a third-degree to a second-degree felony in cases involving great bodily harm or a deadly weapon. The sponsor and supporters said the bill fixes an inconsistency in current law, where aggravated assault on an officer can be punished more severely than aggravated battery causing serious injury. Law enforcement representatives, the Chiefs Association, CBRC, and chamber representatives testified in support, and the New Mexico Sentencing Commission was noted as having endorsed the bill by a 6-3-4 vote. After questions about proportionality and plea bargaining, the committee voted due pass on HB 61 without objection. The committee then returned to House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform bill, and several members made conflict-of-interest disclosures before debating amendments. The discussion focused heavily on the patient compensation fund, surcharge setting, and whether an advisory board or the superintendent should control rates. Amendments to segregate future fund money, require surcharges no lower than the advisory board’s recommendation, and create a commission with more actuarial and financial expertise were debated at length; the committee rejected the first two amendments. Members and witnesses argued over whether past undercharging of hospitals and doctors led to insolvency and taxpayer bailouts, and whether the bill should require more transparency and oversight. The committee also debated amendments on punitive damages. One proposal would have delayed punitive damage claims until after substantial discovery; opponents said it would conflict with civil procedure, prolong litigation, and likely be struck down. Another would have tied punitive damages to a multiple of compensatory damages or a percentage of net worth; supporters said that would better deter harmful conduct, while opponents said it would create uncertainty and more discovery. That amendment also failed. A final punitive-damages amendment would have removed caps in cases involving sexual assault or intoxication by a health care provider and protected the first $5 million of an independent provider’s personal assets; it too was rejected after members said it would shield egregious misconduct and go beyond the bill’s purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Auto glass claims are among the most common comprehensive auto insurance claims, with California accounting
• Independent shops report claim... A claim number or referral number.
• First, the claim-number bottleneck.
• , questionable claims regarding auto glass.
• Any claims would still need to be, would still need to satisfy existing legal standards, making ...claims

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on domestic violence protections, pay equity enforcement, Jewish demographic data collection, court transparency, auto glass insurance practices, pet policy disclosure for renters, and civil rights accountability for federal officers. SB 99 would require courts and law enforcement to better recognize military protective orders in domestic violence cases; supporters from the Department of Defense and military organizations said it would close jurisdictional gaps for military families, and the bill passed to Public Safety. SB 1237 would increase penalties for repeat noncompliance with California pay data reporting laws; supporters said stronger enforcement is needed to address persistent wage gaps, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1387 would allow Jewish identity to be reported as an ethnic category in state demographic data; supporters said better data would improve policy and anti-discrimination efforts, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary or divisive, and it passed to Privacy. SB 932 would require assignees filing civil actions to identify the original party in the case caption; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed to Judiciary/Appropriations on call. The committee also took up SB 98, which would regulate auto glass insurance claims by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring clearer estimates and invoices, and limiting inducements to consumers. The sponsor and NICB said the bill would curb fraud and unsafe repairs, while independent glass shops and industry groups argued it could reduce consumer choice and favor insurer-aligned networks; the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies before collecting application fees and provide refunds if nondisclosure materially affected an applicant’s decision; supporters said it would save renters time and money, while rental housing representatives objected to a provision limiting eviction based solely on failure to sign a pet addendum. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 747, the No Kings Act, would create a California cause of action allowing people to sue federal officers for constitutional violations using standards similar to Section 1983. Senator Wiener and a witness who said he was unlawfully detained by Border Patrol argued the bill is needed because federal officers currently lack comparable accountability after the Supreme Court narrowed Bivens remedies. Law enforcement groups opposed the bill, warning that the qualified immunity language is unclear, could create a separate California standard, and might expose officers and governments to retroactive litigation; members discussed possible amendments on qualified immunity and retroactivity, and the bill was moved forward with an urgency amendment while negotiations continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• claims.
• claims.
• claims.
• claims.
• those 2025 bonding claims. We have those 2025 bonding claims.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are updating the definition of what a claim is and what a clean claim is considered.
• and allow for processing of claims to be much swifter and more effective.
• then had 30 days to pay the claim or deny the claim.
• carrier had no obligation to pay the claim under any kind of deadline.
• ,' or 'We use AI in the following way to run dictations in submitting claims.'

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee heard several RS introductions and one Senate bill. RS 33412, the “Merit-based Health Care Act,” would apply merit-based standards to Medicaid-funded health care and was introduced after questions about whether it would affect existing contracts and how it would interact with Medicaid’s voluntary participation. RS 32997 C2 proposed changes to child abandonment investigations and social worker training, including autism and introversion training and new reporting limits; members raised concerns about penalties, the scope of the training, and whether the bill could create conflicts in reporting duties. After debate, the committee voted 9-6 to return RS 32997 C2 to the sponsor. RS 33561, a prompt-pay insurance bill, would redefine claims processing timelines, add good-faith standards, give the Department of Insurance more complaint-handling authority, and require transparency about AI use; it was introduced without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1314, which would eliminate regional director positions, regional behavioral health boards, and the Board of Health and Welfare to reduce state spending by about $410,000. Supporters said the changes reflect the state’s move to a Behavioral Health Council and managed care structure and would remove an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. Opponents warned that the regional behavioral health boards provide important local input and coordination, especially for mental health services, and said they had not been consulted before the bill advanced. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to send SB 1314 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• processing time and decrease claims accuracy.
• mistakes in erroneous claims denials.
• initial claims for benefits.
• process, including with initial claims.
• Of course, not all VA claims require an attorney, but we have found that two types of claims in particular

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs held an informational hearing focused on the effects of federal budget cuts and policy changes on veterans, military readiness, and California’s veteran support systems. The chair and members emphasized that federal reductions to the VA, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, and the federal workforce are disproportionately harming veterans by threatening health care, employment, housing, crisis lines, and suicide prevention services. The chair also highlighted California’s progress on veteran homelessness and the importance of preserving state programs that leverage federal dollars. Major General Matthew Beavers of the California Military Department described the department’s structure, its response to the Los Angeles fire emergency, and concerns that federal cuts could reduce readiness through less training, older equipment, and fewer resources. He also discussed state programs such as Work for Warriors, STARBASE, youth and community schools, and the counterdrug task force, saying they are valuable but vulnerable if funding is redirected away from readiness. Members asked about the impact of federal changes on the Guard and how the Legislature could help, and Beavers said the state should advocate for recapitalized equipment and continued support for key programs. A second panel focused on veterans’ benefits and claims support. CalVet, Los Angeles County, and Swords to Plowshares testified that county veteran service officers, legal aid, and community-based partnerships are essential to helping veterans access VA benefits, especially after the PACT Act expanded eligibility and increased claims volume. Witnesses said these services bring substantial federal dollars back to California, but county offices and legal providers are underfunded and overburdened. Members discussed data sharing, staffing shortages, and the need for more resources to reach veterans who are not connected to VA care. In the final panel on mental health and suicide prevention, CalVet and nonprofit providers described state-funded programs such as the Veterans Support Self-Reliance program and the California Veterans Health Initiative, which place services in permanent supportive housing and provide no-cost counseling statewide. Witnesses said these programs are showing measurable improvements in health, medication adherence, and emergency room use, but they depend on sustained funding and are vulnerable to step-down grants and federal instability. Committee members expressed support for the programs and raised questions about access, staffing, and the role of non-veteran family members in Vet Center services.

Transcript Highlights:

• claim.
• There are civil claims for taking things that doesn't amount to a crime.
• There are civil claims. There are civil claims that do not involve criminal intent.
• In a claim, in a civil claim. Correct.
• There are civil claims. There are civil claims that do not involve criminal intent.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on March 18 for its third meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly reporting them to the floor. Early measures included a bill by Senator Gernardis on releasing certain claims by employees, a bill by Senator Brooke barring people convicted of elder abuse from inheriting from the elder’s estate, and a bill by Senator Mayer requiring the Chief Administrator to report court data, including information on town and village courts. Members also advanced a bill on notice requirements for self-storage lien enforcement and a bill by Senator Sepulveda concerning mercantile establishments and collections after a finding of not guilty in a larceny case. The elder-abuse inheritance bill drew supportive comments, with one member noting a related gap in the law involving parental abandonment and inheritance rights. The most extended discussion centered on the mercantile-establishment bill, where some members raised concerns that a criminal acquittal or dismissal on technical grounds could unfairly limit a business’s ability to pursue civil recovery, while supporters argued that a not-guilty finding should prevent further collection efforts tied to the alleged crime. After debate, the bill was moved and reported to the floor, with at least one member voting no or without recommendation. The committee also advanced a bill on judicial staffing levels, with no substantive discussion noted. Later, the committee approved a bill prohibiting undisclosed reporting of mediation and court-annexed alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and a broad bill by Senator Sepúlveda replacing references to paternity and affiliation with parentage across multiple laws. Most measures were reported to the floor, and one bill on court data reporting was sent to finance. The meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are updating the definition of what a claim is and what a clean claim is considered.
• We are updating the definition of what an electronic claim is considered.
• and allow for processing of claims to be much swifter and more effective.
• then had 30 days to pay the claim or deny the claim.
• carrier had no obligation to pay the claim under any kind of deadline.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all