Transcript Highlights:

• We do this work with help from entities.
• That is the basic structure for non-state entity reimbursements.
• That is the basic structure for non-state entity reimbursements. Uh uh represent Hansen.
• As far as reimbursement goes, funds are expended by the non-state entities.
• </c> directly to either of those entities. directly to either of those entities.

Bills: HF3426, HF3428

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, land acquisition, real property, trust fund, commissioner approval, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, conservation easement, land purchase, state land, public lands, property acquisition, value assessment, tax assessed value, Metropolitan Council, Board of Water and Soil Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• it something totally different, but I call it a data lake— ...which can be accessed by multiple entities
• We are experts in standing up new state entities or councils or commissions.
• We are experts in standing up new state entities or councils or commissions.
• First, there are two existing statewide entities, one in workforce and one in higher education, that
• public entities.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s new Career Education Master Plan and related budget items. Labor Secretary Knox described the plan as an effort to reduce fragmentation across K-12, community colleges, workforce boards, and other systems by improving statewide and regional coordination, data sharing, skills-based hiring, career pathways, and wraparound supports such as child care, housing, food, and transportation. Members asked how success would be measured, how the plan would serve disconnected youth and adults, and whether the proposed data integration would rely on Cradle to Career; the secretary said it would. The Department of Finance said it was available to answer questions on the education side. The committee then reviewed existing CTE funding and oversight. The LAO, CDE, and Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office described the major ongoing programs, including CTIG, Perkins, K-12 Strong Workforce, and Community College Strong Workforce, and noted that many programs overlap in purpose and administration. Members repeatedly raised concerns about duplication, annual applications and reporting burdens, lack of clear outcome metrics, and whether funding incentives should be better aligned to regional collaboration. CDE and the Chancellor’s Office said they support alignment and dual enrollment, and Finance and CDE said LCFF/local match dollars are part of the funding structure. The committee also discussed child care as a barrier to participation and the need for better tracking of enrollment, completion, and job outcomes. On the consolidated application proposal, Finance proposed a study directing CDE to examine whether three long-standing CTE grant programs—Specialized Secondary Programs, CTIG, and California Partnership Academies—could be streamlined into a single application and reporting process. The LAO supported reducing administrative burden but noted that the largest programs, CTIG and K-12 Strong Workforce, were excluded from the proposal even though districts most often cite them as burdensome. CDE said it did not oppose the study but warned that statutory differences may limit consolidation. Members said the proposal should better address regional coordination, multi-year funding stability, and outcome measures rather than only simplifying paperwork. Finally, the committee heard a proposal for a $5 million ongoing California Education Interagency Council. GovOps said the council would provide a neutral venue for statewide coordination across education and workforce systems. The LAO opposed the proposal, arguing that existing bodies already provide coordination, the proposal does not change agency incentives, and the council would lack authority to implement decisions. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a coordinating body and others questioning whether it would differ from past efforts. No votes were taken during the portions summarized here, and the committee indicated it would hold some items open for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or individuals or taxpaying entities. or individuals or taxpaying entities.
• So we wanted to survey what other entities, either at the federal...
• So we wanted to survey what other entities are doing so that we can improve our work on behalf of the
• or they at look at what all the entities or they at the<00:20:27.600><c> federal</c><00:20:28.000><c
• evaluating tax the entities are evaluating tax expenditures<00:20:36.640><c> so</c><00:20:36.880><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > anywhere</c><02:31:16.080><c> in</c> qualified entity defined anywhere in qualified entity defined
• call a qualified entity?
• </c> a qualified entity means? a qualified entity means?
• </c> nonprofit versus for-profit entities. nonprofit versus for-profit entities.
• . entity. entity.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, they're just one entity, where you have all these contractors that the insurance folks will tell
• which raised concerns for local government because it suggested that a city, county, or other public entity
• didn't actually..." "...insured on a contractor's insurance policy, even if that public entity didn't
• It's really very common for a public entity to be named as a..." "...very common for a public entity
• we just want to make sure that it's very clear that sovereign immunity is not waived if a public entity

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard Senate Bill 916, sponsored by Senator Berger, which would limit certain liability exposure for contractors working on MoDOT projects when they are following approved plans and standards. The sponsor argued the bill aligns responsibility with control, prevents contractors from being sued for conditions they did not create, and stops the state from requiring indemnification as a condition of bidding or starting work. He cited examples of long-running lawsuits arising from highway work zones and said the bill would not protect negligence or defective workmanship. Several supporters testified, including a general contractor, representatives of the Missouri Asphalt Payment Association, the AGC of Missouri, the Missouri Municipal League, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. They said contractors often face lawsuits and higher insurance costs for incidents outside their control, sometimes even before work begins or after a project is complete. The Municipal League also supported language clarifying that naming a public entity as an additional insured does not waive sovereign immunity. MoDOT’s deputy director and chief engineer testified for information, warning the bill could create unintended consequences by bringing the state into litigation during construction if contractor indemnification is removed. After testimony and questions, the committee moved into executive session once a quorum was established. Senate Bill 916 was voted do pass by unanimous roll call, 8 ayes and 0 noes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law with respect to a particular election, an entity participates in that election if it
• Substitute Senate Bill 5840 amends the circumstances in which an entity is considered to participate
• Substitute Senate Bill 5840 amends the circumstances in which an entity is considered to participate
• , and when the entity makes an independent expenditure in support of or in opposition to a candidate
• The following entities must also file a monthly expenditure report on the 25th day of each month from

Bills: SB5000, SB5325, SB6044, SB6313, SB6084, SB6137

Keywords: state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday

Transcript Highlights:

• section repeals language requiring drug manufacturers to make 340B drug pricing available to covered entities
• section repeals language requiring drug manufacturers to make 340B drug pricing available to covered entities
• section repeals language requiring drug manufacturers to make 340B drug pricing available to covered entities
• :15:13.120><c> available</c><00:15:14.480><c> to</c><00:15:14.800><c> cover</c><00:15:15.440><c> entities
• </c> drug pricing available to cover entities drug pricing available to cover entities and<00:15:16.800

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is, don't make the same mistakes some other government entities or government...
• This would be a very, very big help to this particular entity for this type of work.
• This would be a very, very big help to this particular entity for this type of work.
• Madam Chair, they are eligible entities include nonprofit primary care clinics that are, and county or
• Madam Chair, they are eligible entities include nonprofit primary care clinics that are, and county or

Bills: SB21, SB42, SB81, SB101, SB139

Keywords: SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation, senior health coverage, elderly, retiree, Medicare beneficiaries, preexisting conditions, underwriting restrictions, premium discrimination, New Mexico insurance law, superintendent of insurance, health care coverage, policy portability, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• that individuals in a specific program have the opportunity, if they want to participate with an entity
• As our bill analysis points out, there is one type of entity in the agriculture space that was given
• The purpose for this bill is to increase representation on the commission to additional entities over
• The purpose for this bill is to increase representation on the commission to additional entities over
• The purpose for this bill is to increase representation on the commission to additional entities over

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was also an objective around fuel savings by Washington state ferries or other public entities.
• In North Dakota, all public entities keep their deposited funds in the Bank of North Dakota.
• that bank obligations are not obligations of the state, but obligations of the bank as a separate entity
• I recognize a state bank would allow Washington state, cities, counties, and other public entities to
• I recognize a state bank would allow Washington state, cities, counties, and other public entities to

Summary: The committee first received a JLARC work session on the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine tax preferences and recommending legislative action on eight. JLARC reviewed natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, and several shorter reviews including senior center property tax relief, a disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, trade convention nexus treatment, wholesale sales of fertilizer/pesticides/seed, a hazardous substance tax exemption for pesticides stored for out-of-state shipment, and three energy-related preferences for a silicon smelter. JLARC generally recommended continuing preferences that met stated or inferred objectives, modifying some to improve reporting or performance metrics, and allowing the unused silicon smelter preferences to expire. The Citizen Commission endorsed JLARC’s recommendations, and committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about trends in travel agent/tour operator beneficiaries and the housing exemption’s performance metric and data issues. The committee then heard a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 5754, which would create a Washington State public bank. A presentation from California public banking advocates and the Bank of North Dakota described public banks as government-owned financial institutions intended to keep public funds working locally, support lending for housing, infrastructure, and community development, and partner with community banks and credit unions. Committee questions focused on leverage, liquidity, constitutional issues, and how the model would interact with existing state investment and debt structures. Staff summarized the bill’s structure, including activation conditions, governance, powers, and fiscal impacts, noting the fiscal note was largely indeterminate and startup costs could be significant. Public testimony on SB 5754 was divided. Supporters included statewide elected officials, county and city officials, labor, educators, community advocates, and residents, who argued the bank could lower borrowing costs, improve access to capital, keep public money in Washington, and help finance infrastructure, housing, and disaster resilience. Opponents included community bankers and county treasurers, who warned about risks to safety and liquidity of public funds, questioned the need for a new institution given existing programs, and argued the proposal lacked a proven track record in Washington. The hearing concluded with no vote taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or provide for self-insurance and the current look at the public entity insurance marketplace.
• Therefore, we did spend some time in our report describing public entity risk pools, reinsurance and
• Although in a previous life in school districts I sat on several public entity risks.
• Public entity risk pool boards, in fact the majority of my career, 30 years in school districts.
• Public entities chose to form pools joint powers authorities with the legislature's blessing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, this bill will strengthen oversight of behavioral health managing entities.
• This bill will strengthen oversight of behavioral health managing entities.
• And third, we are holding managing entities accountable, which will require them to report on specific
• as it relates to, you know, within the provider networks, and I would imagine that the managing entities
• That's why I believe it's important that these audits take place of the managing entity.

Summary: The committee met to consider a large agenda of health and human services bills, moving quickly because of a two-hour time limit. Early measures reported favorably included SB 976 on challenges to court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access and after-hours availability, and SB 584 on housing supports for college students and youth in extended foster care. SB 1412 on home health regulation modernization also passed, with one support appearance from the Home Care Association. Members then approved several bills focused on research and care delivery, including SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF with an adopted amendment adding academic medical centers, SB 524 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 1156 revising a Medicaid home health aide program for medically fragile children, and SB 1490 transferring and redesigning the managed care program for critically ill children. SB 1174 on foster home licensure transfers, SB 1620 implementing mental health and substance use commission recommendations, SB 1568 revising e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 788 on veterans nursing home beds were also reported favorably. The committee had more extensive debate on SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, which included provisions on vaccination status, medical marijuana background screening, licensing and compact issues, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dental workers; it passed after an amendment and several members voiced concerns about patient treatment and “voting power” language. SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from providers and health information professionals over privacy, HIPAA, and administrative burdens; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately passed after a motion to reconsider. Other bills reported favorably included SB 1736 on insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, SB 1808 on patient refunds from providers, SB 1842 on referral disclosure of network status, SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entity oversight, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies with informed consent requirements, and SPB 7032 on presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals, which was submitted and reported as a committee bill. The meeting ended after all agenda items were handled and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're also the flow-through entity for FEMA dollars as well.
• entity, we can work with those entities in eligibility as far as FEMA goes.
• And digital signatures when I introduced that specifically for agencies that are entities below 50,000
• It's a lot easier and it becomes you get more compliance, specifically for entities under 50, 000 in
• Here's ten entities. They're XYZ years behind.

Transcript Highlights:

• multifamily Super NOFA, which is an additional $50 million through that Super NOFA just for tribal entities
• Please. additional 50 million through that Supernopha just for tribe tribal entities we released our
• The Department of Cannabis Control, which in less than five years has consolidated from three entities
• Potential confusion that could be created by creating these various housing entities within the agency
• Is it clear who's in charge of what and which entity is responsible when problems emerge?

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That entity manages the revenue that we generate from the land.
• That entity manages the revenue that we generate from the land.
• Number one, it's a taxing entity, correct? Correct.
• Number one, it's a taxing entity, correct? Correct.
• It’s a taxing entity. It increases debt, and the city can do it.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding for the suicide prevention and the handoff to the tribal entities.
• In 2024, DHCS engaged Advocates for Human Potential, or AHP, as its administrative entity for the 988
• an additional 1,605 cable locks and 2,655 lockboxes to 22 tribal entities.
• to 22 tribal entities.
• Forty tribal entities have requested them, but yet more needs to be done. More needs to be done.

Summary: The joint Assembly Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an oversight hearing on AB 988, California’s 988 crisis line and mobile crisis response system, followed by a discussion of suicide prevention and intervention in California Indian communities. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that AB 988 was intended to create a true alternative to 911 for behavioral health crises, with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and that Native communities continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and barriers to culturally responsive care. The first panel of call center and stakeholder witnesses largely argued that implementation is falling short of the law’s intent. They said 988 call centers are underfunded, text/chat answer rates remain far below call answer rates, staffing is strained, and the system still lacks meaningful statewide interoperability between 988 and 911. Several witnesses said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 as envisioned, and that funding formulas and governance are too opaque. San Joaquin County was presented as a local success story, with integrated 988, access lines, and mobile crisis handoffs that have reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds. Witnesses also discussed the need for better tribal outreach, the role of CCBHCs, and the importance of culturally competent services. State officials from CalHHS and DHCS described the five-year 988 implementation plan, the current governance structure across multiple agencies, and efforts to support training, public awareness, and referral tools. They reported growth in 988 contacts, ongoing training with the Trevor Project, a statewide resource directory, and a tribal awareness campaign. DHCS also outlined proposed trailer bill language that would create a formal designation process for 988 centers, set statewide standards, and require existing centers to obtain designation by 2029. Officials said current funding includes SAMHSA grants, block grant dollars, and an expected $67.3 million from the 988 fund in the next budget year, with a large share earmarked for Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So many government entities, local government entities, are struggling with staff in certain departments
• So many government entities, local government entities, are struggling with staff in certain departments
• So many government entities, local government entities, are struggling with staff in certain departments
• It requires the Department of Health to contract with a nonprofit entity to establish and maintain a
• , but I've worked with many government entities that work with victims on this legislation.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized affordability, education, health care, public safety, and opposition to measures he said would roll back child labor protections, book access, and gun safety laws. The chamber also recognized military leaders from U.S. Army Special Operations Command and an intern from Senator Polsky’s office. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start. The Senate then took up and passed several bills, often after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. Among the measures approved were the dangerous dogs bill (the Pam Rock Act), local government land regulation, vessel-related voter freedom/boating provisions, blood clot screening and treatment, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, concealed carry licensing for certain officers and service members, timeshare management firms, disability history and awareness instruction, manufacturing and manufacturing fees, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veterans’ nursing home beds. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, Medicaid oversight earlier in the day, mammogram coverage, and others. Debate on the disability history bill was especially extensive, with senators discussing the use of the word “disability,” the role of bias, and whether the bill fit with broader DEI-related policy debates. The bill’s sponsor and supporters framed it as a first step toward helping students understand and respect people with disabilities, and the chamber opened co-sponsorship before substituting the House version. Other bills drew focused questions about local government costs, impact fees, staffing burdens, grant criteria for small manufacturers, and the scope of utility preemption. Most measures passed on strong votes, including several unanimous votes, with the concealed carry/firearms bill passing 33-3 and the local government land regulation bill passing 26-8.

Transcript Highlights:

• those optional services, you'll be coming before us saying, hey, look, we're not going to use this entity
• Obviously, those are minimums, so if any particular entity wanted to go above that, they absolutely can
• So you'll see that we have bucketed this based upon the occupancy or the type of entity that's being
• This is not going to go all the way down to the entity level.
• We are trying to get as contained and tight to where we have that standard across all entities in that

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, if a governmental entity chooses to make its facilities available for the course, then that
• The prohibition does not prohibit a county free library district, municipal library, or other entity
• The prohibition does not prohibit a county free library district, municipal library, or other entity
• Charter schools, which I'm sure you're alluding to, are a different kind of entity.
• Charter schools, which I'm sure you're alluding to, are a different kind of entity.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several education-related bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing, allow schools to note the designation on report cards, and direct ADE to issue guidelines and best practices. Supporters argued it would encourage student activity and improve health and achievement without penalties; it passed with a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with two members not voting. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create an Arizona Artificial Intelligence Program in ADE to offer voluntary summer AI courses around the state, including digital hygiene/civic integrity and small-business/entrepreneurship components, with optional facility use and possible academic credit. The sponsor said the bill was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption while keeping the program voluntary and low-cost. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2203 would require ADE to review school and agency reporting requirements, identify duplicative or obsolete reports, and recommend consolidation or repeal; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed unanimously by those voting. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public funds to pay professional associations for libraries and librarians; opponents called it unnecessary and constitutionally problematic, while supporters framed it as limiting public spending. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO contracts to ADE, post them online, and maintain a searchable database and annual compensation report. Supporters said it would improve transparency and prevent excessive or hidden compensation, while opponents argued it unfairly targeted district schools and should, if anything, apply to all publicly funded schools. After extended debate over transparency and comparisons to charter schools and ESAs, the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote with one not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is an Idaho entity with the Secretary of State's office registered to fill this function.
• To have that title, they have to be an Idaho entity. Further discussion on the motion or questions?
• I'm wondering, I noticed in this new version the definition of covered entity has changed a bit.
• Okay, so then I come down here and the entities include an educational institution.
• ...the need for one of these entities to contact parents.

Keywords: 989, all