Transcript Highlights:

• There will be fewer and fewer primary care doctors.
• infection or whatever other primary care issues are involved.
• And then behavioral health care for those.
• So we provide primary care and behavioral health care. and then psychosocial or community needs, such
• for specialized care or something that you Obviously, this is outside of the realm of primary care.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and making sure that they are taken care and making sure that they are taken care of.<00:46:08.720
• </c><00:55:46.079><c> the</c> resolution to properly direct the resolution to properly direct the Senate's
• . be here at home taking care of business be here at home taking care of business and<01:46:33.679><c
• and disability care, fraud rampant on Governor Walls's watch.
• </c> Governor Walls's cuts to long-term care Governor Walls's cuts to long-term care and<01:49:51.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would certainly say that we have a history of taking care of...
• There are no other programs that we can direct revenue to the core function.
• Number one, access to health care. Number two, property insurance. Thank you.
• They don't really care. They care about what they're told to have to do and vote for.
• I don't really care about you. To do and vote for. I don't really care about you.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and</c> risk afterchool child care centers and risk afterchool child care centers and emergency<00:26
• These include direct other passroughs.
• </c><00:53:09.119><c> I</c> didn't really have a lot of direction.
• I didn't really have a lot of direction.
• Because our students come from across the state, they care about the state.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We've tried to be very careful in what we ask for, to be frank with you.
• </c><00:49:51.080><c> needs</c><00:49:51.760><c> to</c> help them meet their care needs to help them
• meet their care needs to prevent<00:49:52.280><c> that</c><00:49:52.440><c> institu-</c> prevent that
• </c> know, Aon supports our health care know, Aon supports our health care insurance<01:04:02.720><c>
• , which is in also adding Dare to Care, which is in Jefferson<01:22:08.600><c> County.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the August 12 minutes and then handled a large agenda of 355 contracts totaling about $278.7 million. It agreed to defer three Office of Energy Policy items to the October 2025 meeting and reviewed a deferred Kentucky Educational Television contract without objection. The main substantive discussion centered on two University of Louisville legal services PSC amendments and a Seven Counties Services MOA item. For the University of Louisville items, members questioned a large increase in hourly rates and the scope of the legal services, especially complex litigation work and a Colorado estate matter. University officials said the contracts followed an RFP, involved specialized litigation, included local counsel where required, and were expected to be offset by savings in other PSCs and by a potential financial recovery in the Colorado matter. The committee also discussed whether the $125 hourly rate was a statutory requirement or committee policy; the chair later said staff would verify whether it was an executive-branch regulation or statutory rate. Both University of Louisville items were ultimately approved, though Senator Meredith voted no on one and Senator Douglas explained his support while urging future adjustments and more information sharing. The Seven Counties Services contract drew questions about how the $18.7 million would be used and whether federal changes could affect future funding. Cabinet officials described 988 crisis response, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction services, and said they were monitoring federal developments daily. Representative Petrie and Senator Thomas pressed the cabinet on the long-running Seven Counties bankruptcy and the need to push for resolution; officials said the matter was pending on a motion for reconsideration and that they would try to help move it along. The contract was approved. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the remaining agenda items as reviewed without objection, but Senator Meredith voted no on the blanket approval motion because of numerous retroactive contract requests and what she said were insufficient explanations such as administrative error or staff being on conference. She said retroactive approvals should be rare and supported stronger internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it health care? It's a combination.
• You've got, well, health care staff across the board.
• Concern in the home and to provide that care. Yeah.
• So y'all take care of him by calling him and find that.
• So y'all take care of him by calling him and find that.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that in the health care category where it says inmate health care? Yes, ma'am.
• Is that in the health care where it says inmate health care, it's in there?
• In the health care category. Yes, ma'am.
• I think it's a step in the right direction.
• When I see inmate health care, is that money used to... ...inmate health care, is that money used to

Bills: S0054, S0156, S0296, S0298

Keywords: cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues. The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups. Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you already know the direction of my question.
• our child care programs, and what we do is...
• **Speaker**: ...managed our child care programs.
• The first question I might direct towards the agency.
• There are direct monetary impacts with respect to that as well.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:58:28.079><c> by</c> manufacturer when they're directed by manufacturer when they're directed
• not be a bad direction after all.
• </c><03:55:06.319><c> So</c> lights, horn, directionals, etc. So lights, horn, directionals, etc.
• I don't care. I don't think DMV cares.
• I don't<04:32:18.800><c> care.</c><04:32:19.359><c> Yeah.</c> don't care. Yeah. don't care. Yeah.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In response, AB 2281 would direct the Office... ...against threats to our elections.
• It connects people to jobs, to education, to health care.
• AB 2230 protects two critical spaces, voting centers and child care facilities.
• AB 2230 protects two critical spaces, voting centers and child care facilities.
• Do you have an example of a law enforcement raid by ICE into a child care center?

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then heard a series of election- and public-trust-related bills. Early items included AB 2592, which would move lobbyist training from legislative ethics committees to the FPPC starting in 2029 and make it available online on demand; it drew support from the FPPC and an oppose-unless-amended request to make the training public and ensure lobbyists pay fees. AB 2573 would refine California’s confidential voter registration protections for candidates and elected officials, with support from the Secretary of State and county election officials after amendments narrowed some family-member coverage. AB 2753 would bar registered sex offenders from running for or holding local or state office; it prompted extended debate about public trust, second chances, and where to draw the line, but was ultimately advanced on a 5-0 vote with one member not voting. AB 2691 similarly would expand disqualifying felony convictions to include sexual assault and human trafficking, and it also passed 5-0 after testimony from victim advocates and discussion about survivors, restorative justice, and the power dynamics involved in public office. The committee also advanced AB 2413, which would prohibit public funds from being used for large-format ads featuring elected officials, and AB 2281, which would direct the Office of Election Cybersecurity to assess replacement resources after federal cybersecurity support cuts and allow consultation with academic researchers. AB 1664 would require local election officials to notify the Secretary of State and Attorney General within one business day of warrants, subpoenas, or investigations involving election records or voting systems; supporters said it would help the state respond quickly to improper seizure of election materials, and it passed 5-0. AB 2484, concerning San Diego MTS, would let voters authorize a local sales tax initiative for transit funding and exempt it from an existing cap; it drew support from transit leaders and labor, opposition from the Realtors, and a lengthy exchange over Prop. 13, Prop. 218, and whether the measure created a special deal, before passing 6-1. The committee then heard AB 2230, which would create buffer zones around voting centers and child care facilities to keep immigration enforcement away from those locations. The author said the bill was meant to reduce fear and intimidation for voters and families, while the opposition argued it was unenforceable, lacked evidence of a problem, and would interfere with federal officers doing their jobs. Members supporting the bill cited reported ICE profiling and intimidation in California communities, while others raised jurisdictional and practical concerns. The transcript ends during this debate, with no final vote shown for AB 2230.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many times people don't care what you know until they know how much you care.
• And I hope that we actually care about children and we care about the people when they consistently tell
• It prevents gender-affirming care, and gender-affirming care includes counseling.
• For coverage of gender-affirming care, the AMA says improving access to gender-affirming care is an important
• health care for all Missourians.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many kids here can't access preventive care.
• I think what we've got here is a step in the right direction.
• I do not believe that the legislature wants to go in that direction.
• I think we're headed in the right direction, but today I'll be a no.
• He's a questioner, that you're asking the director, but this proposal is directed to the Junta Directive

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 4043, which would require each school district and charter school, beginning in 2027, to ensure at least one employee at each school is trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use. The sponsor said he intended to amend the bill on the floor to ensure someone is trained at all times and to clarify AED language. The American Heart Association testified neutral with concerns, supporting CPR training but warning the bill could leave gaps if only one person is trained and noting the need for AED access and emergency planning. Parents whose son died in an Arizona kindergarten classroom urged support, saying school staff should be prepared to respond to emergencies. The committee recommended the bill do pass by a vote of 7-1 with four present. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2015, as amended by a strike-everything amendment supporting at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for students and prominent display of federal dietary guidelines. A representative of End Chronic Disease testified in favor, arguing schools should help prevent chronic disease through health education and physical activity. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then gave the resolution a due pass recommendation on a 12-0 roll call. House Bill 2621, in its strike-everything form and with a Garcia amendment, addressed enrollment and special education procedures for students in unorganized territory, students using certificates of educational convenience, and children of active-duty military parents. The sponsor explained the bill was meant to clarify confusing law, speed enrollment and evaluations, and reduce delays in services. Champions for Kids supported the measure and the amendments, and the committee adopted both amendments before recommending the bill do pass 11-0. The committee also approved House Bill 2385, which limits superintendent contracts to one-year terms for the first three years unless the superintendent has already been employed three consecutive years; the sponsor framed it as a way to reduce costly early buyouts. That bill passed 7-4. Later, the committee approved House Bill 4106, creating the One Arizona Service Fellowship Program to provide service opportunities, stipends, and tuition awards for young adults, with an amendment changing the stipend contribution formula. The sponsor and supporters described it as a state-based service model inspired by Utah and aimed at education, military families, parks, hunger, and homelessness work; some members opposed it as an unnecessary state mandate or questioned the need for a new program. The committee also passed House Bill 2992, as amended, establishing a pilot program on child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention, expanded to K-12 and including grooming/exploitation content. A survivor advocate strongly supported the bill, while some members raised concerns about the funding source and possible unintended consequences. Finally, the committee passed House Bill 2370, which would require school leaders to notify governing boards before modifying weapons detection systems and to report changes within 24 hours; the sponsor cited a fatal school stabbing and other weapons incidents, while opponents argued the bill was too vague and could create operational problems. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 4056, allowing legislators making public records requests in their official capacity to avoid fees and requiring electronic production; the sponsor said it was needed after districts sought large fees, while opponents warned it could burden public agencies. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 2478, which would create an Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes to study K-12 accountability, finance, graduation requirements, and related issues, with proposed amendments to add early childhood study and change commission membership, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again,... ...health care.
• Trump and the most recent budget are snatching health care, home care, food assistance from millions
• IHSS and child care providers statewide.
• patient care in hospitals and other health care facilities across the state.
• patient care in hospitals and other health care facilities across the state.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• brokers collect and sell the personal information of millions of Californians without ever having a direct
• And so this is a small step, I think, in the direction of helping to corral that process.
• Someone hired a firm, signed a contract, and directed the effort.
• I say, 'Hey, take care of my day.' Okay, so it starts doing things.
• They don't care, oftentimes, whose image and whose voice they're going to use.

Summary: The committee held its first hearing and took up several privacy, AI, and consumer protection bills. SB 1106 (Cabaldon) would shorten the Delete Act data broker deletion response deadline from 45 days to 30 days; it received support from the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy, one senator said they would lay off pending implementation of the original law, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations with a 5-0 vote on call. SB 923 (Becker) would expand the CCPA deletion right to all personal information held by businesses and require online-only businesses to offer a web form or similar method for privacy requests; supporters included the California Privacy Protection Agency and privacy groups, while business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance, and the email/web-form requirement. The committee advanced it 6-0 to Appropriations, on call, with members noting continued work on amendments. SB 1142 (Becker) would regulate digital replicas and deepfakes, including takedown and notice provisions for large online platforms and protections against misuse of a person’s likeness, voice, or identity. Supporters emphasized harms from non-consensual synthetic media and fraud; opponents, including the Motion Picture Association and tech industry groups, raised First Amendment, due process, Section 230, and overbreadth concerns, especially around deceased persons and the 48-hour takedown process. Members said they would support the bill while working on constitutional issues, and it passed 6-0 to Judiciary, on call. The committee also adopted its rules without objection. The committee then heard several member bills. SB 867 (Padilla) would impose a four-year moratorium on AI chatbot-powered toys for children; supporters cited research showing sexual content, dangerous advice, and privacy risks, while opponents asked for narrower definitions and retailer liability protections. It passed 7-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1247 (Padilla) would give child influencers a right to request deletion or modification of images and likenesses used in monetized social media content; there was little testimony beyond a civil justice group’s opposition to a new private right of action, and it passed 7-0 to Judiciary, on call. SB 1114 (Cabaldon) would restrict sharing of state-collected LGBTQ-related data absent an enforceable order; Equality California and other advocates supported it as a safeguard against misuse of sensitive data, and it passed 6-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1159 (Cabaldon) would limit local governments’ obligation to treat AI bots and agents as persons in public participation and records processes; supporters said AI-generated comment floods and requests can drown out human participation, while opponents argued the bill should focus on fraud and warned about overreach. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1050 (Ashby) would require disclosures when advertisements use AI-generated synthetic performers; supporters framed it as a truth-in-advertising and worker-protection measure, while opponents urged narrower, materiality-based standards and exemptions for broadcasters. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about breadth and alignment with existing law, and the bill was moved forward on a due-pass motion to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what we're doing is, as a legislative body, providing that direction in Cannabis Law so there
• AND SO WHAT WE'RE DOING IS, AS LEGISLATIVE BODY, PROVIDING THAT DIRECTION.
• And he said, ‘I don’t care who you are.
• All of us care about policy. Otherwise, we shouldn’t be here.
• ALL OF US CARE ABOUT POLICY. OTHERWISE, WE SHOULDN'T BE HERE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, approving the prior journal and taking up several messages and motions. A Rules Committee report was accepted on Senate Print 915, a Cannabis Law bill, and the chamber then moved to debate that measure on the controversial calendar. The bill was described by supporters as clarifying how distances are measured for adult-use cannabis dispensaries near schools and houses of worship, with the sponsor saying it would create statewide consistency and provide clearer direction to the Office of Cannabis Management. Opponents argued it would weaken protections for children and churches, reward agency mistakes, and allow dispensaries to be sited closer to school property than intended. After extended debate, the Senate passed the bill 36-23. The cannabis debate centered on whether the bill merely clarifies legislative intent or substantively changes the law. Supporters said the current language left measurement methods undefined and that the bill would help legal dispensaries, reduce confusion, and push back illicit stores. Opponents said the original law already protected school grounds and houses of worship, and that the new language would allow dispensaries to abut school playgrounds, fields, or church-related property in some cases. Several senators also raised concerns about youth exposure, public consumption, local zoning, and the performance of the Office of Cannabis Management. After the vote, the Senate returned to the calendar and passed additional measures, including Calendar 121 (Public Authorities Law), Calendar 170 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 190 (Labor Law), each by comfortable margins. The chamber also adopted a resolution package honoring Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School’s boys cross country team and girls field hockey team for state championships, with Senator Tedisco introducing the guests. Later, the Senate passed Senate Print 6990A, the Civil Voice Law, which requires state agencies to conduct exit interviews for employees who resign or retire. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, morale, and retention by standardizing a way to hear from departing workers. The bill received affirmative explanations of vote from Senator Jackson and others, and the Senate continued through the calendar after its passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, may I direct you to..." "Let me, Mr. Chair, may I direct you to line 94?" "Yes, sir.
• As such, this bill is a direct attack on my livelihood.
• I care very much about protecting children and parental rights.
• All of us, me included, the senator, all of you really care to keep children safe.
• We need to be careful about what is going on.

Bills: S0198, S0422, S1236, S1356, S1456, S1722

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is imperative that a teacher pay raise be accomplished through a legislative directive that state
• They have to be careful.
• That provides a little bit more direction in that distinction.
• working families with the opportunity to have a full day, year-round education and care.
• But there are other eligibility categories, including active duty military or foster care.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to be very careful with the dollars that we spend.
• make sure it goes forward, and we can compete in the next generation when it has to do with health care
• And you're going to see... ...with health care, AI, and a lot of these technology jobs that we've been
• OSPI is directed to establish rules and processes for the application and awards and must report total
• They are community hubs, trusted environments where children access meals, shelter, and health care.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills. SB 5841 would require students’ high school and beyond plans to show completion of at least one FAFSA or WASFA application, or a parent/guardian opt-out. The sponsor and supporters said it would reduce barriers to postsecondary education, improve financial aid completion, and bring more students and federal dollars into the state. School groups opposed it, warning it would add an unfunded administrative burden and create verification challenges, especially for small districts and families with undocumented students. Senators discussed data-sharing from the Washington Student Achievement Council and noted the bill’s connection to existing FAFSA outreach efforts. The committee then took testimony on SB 5922, which would let districts petition OSPI to transfer money from transportation vehicle funds to other district uses if they reduce their fleet because of enrollment declines. The sponsor said the bill would free up unused bus funds for other pressing needs. Members asked about whether districts could shift to smaller vehicles and how the funds could be used. The committee also heard SB 5858, which would move the pupil transportation safety net for special passengers into statute. Supporters from OSPI, districts, school directors, and PTA said the program is essential for transporting students with disabilities, homelessness, or foster care needs, and that current funding is far below demonstrated need. No votes were taken on these bills. Finally, the committee heard SB 5943, which would allow limited use of school impact fees for modernization and, in districts under binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight, for up to 25% of operations and maintenance. The sponsor and one superintendent argued it would help districts with aging buildings and new state mandates like safety and energy-efficiency requirements. Builders, business groups, and school coalition representatives opposed the bill, saying impact fees should remain tied to growth-related capital costs and warning it could worsen housing affordability and weaken the nexus required for impact fees. The chair closed by noting the session’s budget constraints and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• education drives local economies, modernizes agriculture, strengthens schools, and expands health care
• Without those improvements for them, education, health care, economics don't change.
• It's Education, health care, economics don't change. It's very fundamental to that process.
• Governmental directives and guidelines as well, and sometimes getting them together is not the issue.
• I've learned that our health is influenced by far more than health care.

Summary: The select committee on Community Economic Mobility and Investment heard testimony on how California can support inclusive economic development through regional collaboration, workforce training, higher education, and community-led partnerships. Chair Joaquina Arambula framed the hearing around the need to break down silos, address social drivers of health through economic opportunity, and help underinvested rural and low-income communities access resources and implement existing regional plans such as California Jobs First. Witnesses from workforce, education, nonprofit, and economic development organizations described local models in the Central Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and rural Northern California. Adam Peck of the California Workforce Association said local workforce boards are designed to connect employers, labor, colleges, and community groups, and argued that state and federal workforce funding has eroded while unemployment remains high in the Valley. Barbara Foster of Fresno State and Dr. Carol Goldsmith of Madera Community College emphasized braided funding, K-16 partnerships, and programs tied to employer demand, including truck driving, nursing, welding, agriculture innovation, and digital literacy. Arnie Sowell of NextGen Policy highlighted apprenticeship expansion, youth and justice-involved employment programs, and the need to scale the CME model statewide. The second panel focused on place-based examples of collaboration. Sierra Health Foundation’s Center said CME has helped grantees pursue more than $400 million in public grants and contracts and build stronger regional capacity. Siskiyou Economic Development Council described rural business innovation and forest economy transition work. Fresno EDC detailed subsidized employment, Good Jobs Challenge training, and partnerships with employers and social services that have placed thousands into jobs. Edge Collaborative described community-led projects in Stockton, including Little Manila Rising, Beam Circular’s bioeconomy campus, and Restore the Delta’s restoration work, while Líderes Campesinas stressed the importance of sustained funding for farmworker-led initiatives, legal clinics, and regional coalitions. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• care management.
• patients experience care.
• For specialty care or sometimes other types of care, depending on where they live.
• with the health care system.
• health care.

Summary: The committee held an outcomes review hearing on AB 744 and AB 32, two telehealth bills authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. Members and witnesses discussed how AB 744 established payment parity for telehealth in the commercial market, while AB 32 expanded Medi-Cal access to audio-only telehealth and helped make telehealth a more permanent part of California’s health care system. The chair and author emphasized that the hearing was meant to assess implementation, identify remaining gaps, and consider future policy changes. First-panel testimony from policy experts described telehealth’s growth before and after COVID-19, noting strong patient satisfaction, continued higher utilization than pre-pandemic levels, and particular value for behavioral health, chronic care, rural communities, older adults, and patients facing transportation, work, child care, broadband, or language barriers. Witnesses said audio-only remains especially important for patients without reliable internet, but gaps remain in asynchronous care, FQHC/RHC billing, remote-only provider participation, and public data availability beyond 2022. Committee members asked about reimbursement, clinical safeguards, disparities, data collection, e-consults, commercialization concerns, and cross-state licensure. The second panel featured providers and advocates who said the laws have improved access in practice. A family physician described telehealth as useful for established patients, follow-up care, mental health, and rapid triage, while Planned Parenthood said AB 744 and AB 32 support confidential reproductive health care and that Medi-Cal should allow more asynchronous care and new-patient access. A rural behavioral health clinician said telehealth has been essential for low-income and geographically isolated patients, though broadband and device access remain barriers. Public comment largely supported telehealth expansion while urging the Legislature to close remaining Medi-Cal gaps, modernize licensure, and preserve timely in-person care. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with members and the author thanking witnesses and saying the review would inform future legislation.