Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, so, you know, I think there’s a lack of consistency in a lot of things we do here in application
• </c><00:25:21.440><c> the</c><00:25:21.679><c> state</c> here in application the state here in application
• ,</c> friend behind me, is from Prospect, friend behind me, is from Prospect, Kentucky,<00:53:14.480>
• Education is critically important for the long-term well-being and economic prospects of a child.
• </c><01:25:26.800><c> The</c> economic prospects of a child. The economic prospects of a child.

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• CAN WE ACCESS WHERE MY HOUSE DISTRICT OR COMMUNITY IS RECEIVING THESE FUNDS SO WE'VE CREATED THIS APPLICATION
• OUT AND DO A COMPETITIVE BID FOR THE REMAINING ELIGIBLE LOCATIONS AS YOU CAN SEE HERE WE RAN OUR APPLICATION
• WE HAD 28 TOTAL APPLICANTS, OVER 1000 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED AND REVIEWED TOTALING OVER $1 BILLION
• DO WITH OUR PROVISIONAL AWARDEES AND UPDATING OUR SYSTEM WHICH IS THE SUB RECIPIENT ENTERPRISE APPLICATION
• WE ARE FINALIZING OUR ONLINE SUBMISSION PORTAL CURRENTLY ALREADY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM EMAIL IN

Transcript Highlights:

• because they don't have any income from parents or guardians to report on their financial aid applications
• This bill is crucial. ...to reducing barriers and increasing post-secondary enrollment for these prospective

Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee held public hearings on two bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5931 would make administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, including extending co-chair terms from one to two years, allowing more than four meetings per year, requiring consultation with the Student Achievement Council when evaluating outcomes, and removing the statutory public dashboard requirement. Staff and the bill sponsor, Senator Warnick, described it as a technical, no-fiscal-impact measure requested by the Student Achievement Council. Joel Anderson of WOSAC testified in support, explaining that the board’s role is advisory, that the bill would improve operations, and that WOSAC has spent significant staff time tracking Workforce Education Investment Account spending, especially carry-forward appropriations. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5963, which would modify Passport to Careers and Washington College Grant eligibility. The bill would automatically make Passport to Careers students income-eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, align the Passport financial-need formula with the federal student aid index, and direct Passport funds into the state financial aid account. Staff noted the bill was identical to the House companion. Testimony from WOSAC, the Washington Student Association, and a Western Washington University student representative all supported the bill, emphasizing the high barriers faced by former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth and the value of guaranteed, earlier access to aid. Senator Nobles said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to help these students access higher education and would not increase costs. At the close of the hearing, the chair announced amendment deadlines for possible Tuesday executive action: requests due Monday at 10 a.m. and approval by 6 p.m. The committee planned to caucus and did not meet on Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Nick Chiles by Senator Truenow and Nick Prospect of Pembroke
• hearing, variance, conditional use permit, special exemption, so long as the site; plan conforms with applicable

Transcript Highlights:

• in relation to requiring the Commissioner of Housing and Community Renewal to develop a common application
• Bill number 3569 by Senator Clear: An act to amend the Public Housing Law in relation to allowing prospective

Committee: Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development met to open the 2006 session and discussed the governor’s executive budget, housing affordability, housing supply, and barriers to construction. Chair Brian Kavanaugh emphasized efforts to lower barriers to building housing and expand rental assistance and SCRIE/DRIE-related eligibility, while Ranking Member Jack Martins called for rolling back regulations that impede housing production. Senator Helming stressed that, especially in upstate New York, lack of electrical capacity is a major obstacle to new housing and urged attention to utility infrastructure; the chair responded that the budget includes a $3.75 billion proposal for water and sewer capacity and noted that electrical transmission and generation issues fall outside the committee’s direct jurisdiction. The committee also noted a joint Senate-Assembly budget hearing on housing scheduled for February 25. The committee then took up a 10-bill agenda, largely consisting of measures previously reported by the committee and many of which had passed the Senate in prior sessions. Bills addressed tenant registration statements for LLCs (S.119), leasing to business and other entities (S.240), notice requirements for SCRIE/DRIE rent increase exemptions (S.561), housing production reporting to the Department of State (S.919A), creation of a New York Main Street Development Center (S.1851), retroactive benefit calculations for SCRIE/DRIE (S.2534), a common application and web portal for housing funding and incentives (S.2707), tenant access to complete rent histories (S.3569), continuation of SCRIE benefits after temporary income increases (S.4252), and eligibility requirements for disability rent increase exemptions (S.6510). Several members raised questions or comments on specific bills, including the absence of an Assembly sponsor on S.2707 and the need for technical alignment with Assembly versions. All ten bills were reported out of committee, with some advanced to the floor and others to the Finance Committee. Senator Walchick voted in the negative on several measures, while Senators Helming and Martins occasionally voted “without recommendation” on selected bills. No bill was defeated, and the meeting adjourned with notice that another housing committee meeting was expected the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• for a license identification application for a license identification card<00:25:01.360><c> or</c><00
• The second amendment makes the applicability of the act retroactive under the specified circumstances
• The bill specifies the salary increases applicable to renewal and maintenance of a 10-year NBC.
• tenant's rental application from refusing to rent to a prospective tenant who pays rent with the assistance
• ,</c> is either confirmed by the applicant, is either confirmed by the applicant, voucher<01:24:43.280

Transcript Highlights:

• Make them stop putting people through alternative landscape permit plan applications and paying fees.
• Make them stop putting people through alternative landscape permit plan applications and paying fees.
• An applicant can submit a letter of recommendation from a current employer or prospective employer who
• The applicant must have worked...
• The applicant must have worked under a mapper or surveyor for at least four years, and it changes the

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to consider three bills before moving to its budget presentation. HB 843, relating to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, was explained as a set of clarifying changes to improve budget flexibility, including use of certain trust funds for law enforcement and other conservation-related purposes. After questions about whether the bill would shift resources away from conservation, an amendment removed the sections dealing with the Administrative Trust Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The amended bill received support in public testimony and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 295, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026 based on prior recycling recommendations. Supporters, including students involved in an “Ought to Be a Law” program and representatives from the waste and recycling industry, said the bill would create a roadmap for improving recycling and waste diversion. An opponent argued the state should instead enact more direct statutory changes on issues such as food waste, yard waste, and manure handling rather than study them further. Members praised the student participation and the bill passed. HB 339, creating a temporary alternative credentialing pathway for surveyors and mappers, was presented as a response to workforce shortages and an aging profession. The sponsor said the bill would help meet demand while preserving oversight, and an amendment added a four-year work requirement and adjusted renewal provisions. After brief supportive debate, the amended bill passed. The subcommittee then received its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal, which emphasized spending reductions, vacant-position cuts, and a smaller overall budget than the current year while still funding water resources, Everglades restoration, resiliency, land management, cleanup programs, agriculture facilities, and other projects. Members closed by thanking the chair for an inclusive budget process, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> application of the deed transfer tax. application of the deed transfer tax.
• That value is then multiplied by the applicable classification rates to get the net tax capacity.
• That value is then multiplied by the applicable classification rates to get the net tax capacity.
• That value is then multiplied by the applicable classification rates to get the net tax capacity.
• frequency to every other year or greater and aligning the annual application due... value to determine

Transcript Highlights:

• In many instances, we struggle to even attract applicants, even though our teaching salaries are above
• Since 2022, I've approved applications from 97 residents with registered emotional support animals. to
• applications from 97 residents with registered emotional support animals.
• Prior to 2022, I could count on one hand the number of ESA requests that I received from applicants.
• It makes showing the apartment to prospective renters more challenging, and it slows down response time

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing bills, with much of the discussion focused on seasonal communities and funding for year-round housing in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires. Speakers supported bills including H. 4410/S. 966 and related seasonal communities legislation, which would allow local option real estate transfer fees and expand tools for towns to preserve and create affordable housing. Testimony emphasized severe housing shortages, high home prices, workforce displacement, and impacts on public safety, schools, health care, and local businesses. Many witnesses said the transfer fee would provide a sustainable local revenue stream, citing prior land bank models on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as proof the approach can work. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3989 regarding seasonal community designation, with supporters arguing that towns should be included automatically or through a simpler opt-in process, and on H. 4568 to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which would broaden access to a federal voucher-based savings and self-sufficiency model. Senator Edwards testified in support of a bill to create training for municipal board members, describing it as a toolkit to improve informed local decision-making. Senator O’Connor testified for a bed bug bill, saying it would create clearer landlord and tenant notification and treatment requirements and provide needed legal guidance after his family’s experience with an infestation. Senator Lovely also testified for the Homeworks program, which provides transportation so homeless children in motels and shelters can attend after-school activities. The committee further heard testimony on a bill to fund housing in seasonal communities through a transfer fee and on a companion measure to expand the seasonal communities toolkit, with repeated calls for favorable reports. Witnesses from public safety, health care, housing nonprofits, schools, and local government described staffing shortages and housing insecurity as urgent problems. Later, the committee took testimony on H. 1559/S. 102 to maintain stable housing for families with pets, with animal welfare groups supporting protections against eviction, breed discrimination, and excessive pet rent. They said housing-related pet surrenders are a major driver of shelter intake. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1498 to limit criminalization of homelessness, which would restrict citations, fines, and related consequences for outdoor camping tied solely to homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are actively investing, deploying technologies, and helping build the real-world applications and
• Hydrogen trucks and vehicles are being deployed in goods movement and freight applications.
• Hydrogen trucks and vehicles are being deployed in goods movement and freight applications.
• The strongest air quality case for hydrogen is in fuel cell electric applications. Thank you.
• And that's just one application. My project, I have partners at Calamco.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are actively investing, deploying technologies, and helping build the real-world applications and
• Hydrogen trucks and vehicles are being deployed in goods movement and freight applications.
• Hydrogen trucks and vehicles are being deployed in goods movement and freight applications.
• The strongest air quality case for hydrogen is in fuel cell electric applications. Thank you.
• That's just one application. My project, I have my partners, Calamco.

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy held an informational hearing on California’s hydrogen leadership, with the chair framing hydrogen as a complementary clean-energy pathway for hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy-duty trucking, transit, rail, ports, industrial uses, and backup power. The first panel of private-sector witnesses from the California Hydrogen Business Council, Bosch, Hyundai, and Sierra Northern Railway described existing deployments in California, including hydrogen buses, trucks, fueling infrastructure, and the nation’s first hydrogen fuel cell switcher locomotive. They emphasized that the technology is commercially ready but scaling is constrained by permitting delays, high fuel and equipment costs, infrastructure gaps, and uncertainty around federal support and incentives. Witnesses urged stable state policy, targeted investment, and concentrated deployment in high-impact corridors such as ports and freight hubs. Committee members also asked about labor standards, community engagement, and the current size of the hydrogen vehicle fleet in California and abroad. The second panel focused on air quality, climate, safety, and public health. Testimony from CAPCOA, the Coalition for Clean Air, the California State Building and Construction Trades Council, and a UC Berkeley researcher argued that hydrogen fuel cells can reduce diesel-related pollution and health harms when used in the right applications, especially in ports, rail yards, warehouse corridors, transit depots, and backup power for facilities like data centers. Witnesses cautioned that hydrogen should be used selectively, produced as cleanly as possible, and paired with early community engagement, safety planning, and environmental justice protections. The researcher cited projected reductions in NOx, particulate exposure, premature deaths, and health costs under broader hydrogen adoption. Committee members discussed workforce training, apprenticeship programs, and how to balance near-term costs with long-term infrastructure value. The final panel provided public-sector updates from SamTrans, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Port of Long Beach, and First Public Hydrogen Authority. SamTrans described its transition to a large hydrogen bus fleet and said the loss of expected ARCHES funding created a major infrastructure gap; it asked the state to protect transit funding, restore a sales tax exemption for zero-emission buses, and address axle-weight rules. GoBiz said the state should focus on creating demand, reducing costs, and streamlining permitting, while acknowledging the disruption caused by the federal cancellation of ARCHES funding. The Port of Long Beach reported hydrogen truck deployments, port incentives, and a planned public fueling station, but said high costs, fuel shortages, and uncertainty have slowed momentum. First Public Hydrogen Authority described efforts to aggregate municipal demand and support new green hydrogen production projects, stressing the need for long-term market signals and financing. Committee members repeatedly emphasized the need for state support, infrastructure investment, and a diversified fuel strategy to keep hydrogen deployment moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the one of the major prospects<00:02:21.760><c> I</c><00:02:21.880><c> see</c><00:02:22.880><c> to
• 23.040><c> success</c><00:02:23.640><c> is</c><00:02:23.800><c> going</c><00:02:23.959><c> to</c> prospects
• I see to success is going to prospects I see to success is going to be<00:02:24.280><c> prevention</
• So here you see just a mathematical application of a 7% reduction against '26's funding level if we have
• So here you see just a mathematical application of a 7% percent reduction against '26's funding level

Transcript Highlights:

• But taking a step back, I think the broader context is the two-year moratorium on new PACE applications
• We have proposed a sort of, not for applications that had been submitted, we committed to processing
• But for new applications, we had proposed a two-year moratorium of... there are no less than two years
• And also on behalf of San Ysidro Health to support the proposal to delay cuts to the prospective payment
• And also on behalf of San Ysidro Health to support the proposal to delay cuts to the prospective payment

Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy Department of Health Care Services presentation on the governor’s Medi-Cal budget, including a $229.1 billion total-funds proposal, projected Medi-Cal enrollment declines as redeterminations continue, and several major cost drivers such as managed care growth, Medicare-related costs, pharmacy spending, and changes tied to federal policy. Members focused heavily on the elimination of Prop. 56 dental supplemental payments beginning July 1, 2026, questioning the likely impact on provider participation and utilization. DHCS said it is completing the required rate reduction/access analysis for CMS, has been holding stakeholder meetings and issuing provider bulletins, but could not yet quantify the real-world effect. The committee also discussed a $50 million savings proposal tied to new hospice utilization management authority and asked about possible effects on emergency dental care and provider participation. The hearing then moved through the November 2025 family health estimate and several county and program administration issues, including CCS, GHPP, and Every Woman Counts. DHCS said family health costs are rising despite slight caseload declines because of higher utilization and medical costs, and members raised concerns about CCS website accessibility, county administrative funding, and the transition of youth aging out of CCS. The department said most CCS beneficiaries are also on Medi-Cal, that counties have long raised funding concerns, and that it had clarified use of maintenance-and-operations dollars to address some county workload issues. Members also asked about Every Woman Counts potentially seeing higher demand as Medi-Cal changes take effect; DHCS said that is possible and that the program has multiple funding sources including General Fund. A major portion of the hearing focused on provider taxes and federal changes under H.R. 1, especially the Medi-Cal managed care organization tax and the hospital quality assurance fee. DHCS explained that H.R. 1 restricts new or increased health care-related taxes, phases down allowable tax levels over time, and tightens “generally redistributive” rules, which could sharply reduce the state’s ability to use the MCO tax for Medi-Cal financing. Members asked whether the Legislature could amend Prop. 35 or whether voters would need to act; DHCS said a three-fourths legislative amendment may be possible if it aligns with the measure’s purpose, but the department is still evaluating options. The committee also discussed hospital financing, with DHCS describing recent increases in state-directed payments and the effect of H.R. 1 in capping those payments at Medicare levels, and the LAO noting the tradeoff between preserving provider taxes and maintaining Medi-Cal funding. The subcommittee also reviewed a series of DHCS budget change proposals and trailer bill items, including managed care final-rule implementation, managed care operations, a hospital value strategy, a one-year extension of skilled nursing facility financing, long-term care payment transparency, and interoperability/prior authorization requirements. Members repeatedly questioned the use of limited-term versus permanent positions, the overlap among proposals, and the timing of new financing reforms. DHCS said the SNF extension would preserve current workforce standards, sanctions, growth limits, and the SNF quality assurance fee while the department develops a broader 2027-28 redesign. No votes were taken; items were repeatedly held open for later action. Covered California then presented on the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credit and the resulting affordability crisis. The agency said Californians will lose about $2.5 billion in premium assistance for 2026, average premiums could nearly double for many enrollees, and as many as 400,000 people could eventually leave marketplace coverage. Open enrollment ended with 1.9 million sign-ups, down 3% from the prior year, with especially steep declines among middle-income consumers and increased movement into bronze plans. Covered California said the state’s $190 million affordability subsidy is helping lower-income enrollees retain coverage, but cannot fully replace the lost federal assistance. Members also asked about the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund, repayment of loans from that fund, the status of federal review of California’s essential health benefits benchmark, and implementation of the new gender-affirming care benefit under AB 144.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the importance of transparency and communication, both with prospective residents and with current
• And we spend a significant amount of time with prospects.
• The time of engagement before moving in is a culmination of a prospects.
• And it is important to note that prospect education is a key part of being transparent.
• It's common for all of our communities to have prospective residents meet with current residents living

Summary: The Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities held a public hearing focused on studying CCRCs in Massachusetts, including their financial viability, consumer protections, oversight, entrance fee and refund policies, advertising, and procedures for closure or ownership changes. Chair Rep. Tom Stanley and co-chair Sen. Pat Jehlen opened by explaining the commission’s mandate under Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 and asked speakers to keep testimony brief. Several commissioners and staff also emphasized the importance of hearing directly from residents, providers, and advocates. Resident testimony largely centered on two themes: the need for stronger resident representation and the need for clearer, faster refund protections. Multiple residents urged the legislature to require resident seats on governing boards, including full voting rights on national or nonprofit boards, and to make board minutes and meetings more transparent. Several speakers described long delays in receiving entrance-fee refunds after leaving a community, with one family reporting an 18-month wait and financial hardship; they called for a one-year refund limit, vacancy-order systems, escrow or reserve protections, and state oversight or guarantee funds. One resident also argued that CCRCs should be more clearly defined in state law and possibly licensed or certified so only approved communities can market themselves as CCRCs. Providers and operators generally described CCRCs as valuable models for aging in place and emphasized transparency, resident engagement, and the benefits of nonprofit ownership. Speakers from nonprofit communities said residents often serve on boards or committees, participate in budgeting and planning, and benefit from integrated care, amenities, and financial stability. A for-profit operator also said residents receive disclosure and input, while noting that CCRCs vary widely and that consumer education is important. Commissioners echoed several recurring issues at the end of the hearing, especially the need to define what a CCRC is and to address refund timelines and information sharing. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with notice that the next virtual meeting would be on June 23 at 10:00 a.m., and written testimony was invited by email.

Transcript Highlights:

• my students and we work on lesson plans, whether it's filling out a resume or filling out a job application
• the leveraging of both the ability to identify and correct your personal life, but also your job prospects

Summary: State Treasurer and Senator Adrian Cortes announced a push to pre-file legislation requiring financial education as a high school graduation requirement in Washington. Supporters said the measure is intended to give students basic personal finance skills such as budgeting, loans, credit, taxes, leases, and interest rates, and to reduce long-term debt and economic hardship. Speakers included educators, a representative of the Washington Council for Economic and Financial Education, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and Washington credit unions, all of whom argued that financial literacy is a basic life skill and should not depend on a student’s family background. Senator Cortes said he was surprised Washington remains one of the few states without a financial education requirement and framed the bill as support for working families and future small business owners. Vanessa Reilly Medina described the real-world financial decisions students face after graduation, while Christy Johnson and Tracy Godat emphasized the complexity of today’s financial system and the availability of curriculum and teacher training resources. Joe Atomack said credit unions see the need daily and noted that school-based credit union programs also teach job skills. In response to questions, the Treasurer said the new bill differs from a prior House bill mainly by reducing reporting requirements and therefore lowering fiscal impact. He said the proposed requirement would take effect in 2033 or earlier, depending on integration with the State Board of Education’s Future Ready process, and that the content should be broad while allowing districts flexibility. No vote was taken at the event; it was a public announcement and Q&A supporting the upcoming legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• my students and we work on lesson plans, whether it's filling out a resume or filling out a job application
• So the leveraging of both the ability to improve your personal life and your job prospects is huge.

Summary: Treasurer and legislative supporters held a press event to announce pre-filing of legislation that would require financial education for Washington students as a graduation requirement. Treasurer said the goal is to give young people a foundational understanding of personal finance so they are not dependent on their parents’ money knowledge and can better navigate loans, credit, interest, taxes, housing, and other financial decisions. Senator Adrian Cortes said he is leading the effort in the Senate and described the bill as important for preparing students for adult life and supporting working families and future small business owners. Testimony from an educator, a financial education nonprofit leader, and a credit union representative all backed the proposal. Vanessa Medina, a Vancouver public school teacher, said students need practical skills for student loans, car loans, leases, and job benefits. Christy Johnson said the financial system is increasingly complex and that financial literacy is a life skill and social justice issue, especially given the wealth gap and the pressures facing young people. Tracy Godat said her organization already has free materials and professional development ready for educators, and Joe Atomack said credit unions see the need every day and can help expand access through school branches and student work experience. In response to questions, Cortes said the new bill differs from a previous House-passed version mainly by reducing reporting requirements and therefore lowering fiscal impact for districts and OSPI. He said the bill would align with the State Board of Education’s Future Ready process and could take effect by 2033 or earlier, depending on integration. The treasurer said the issue has broad bipartisan support and argued that Washington is behind other states in not already requiring financial education.

Transcript Highlights:

• We receive many more applications than we can admit students, and especially at our most impacted universities
• We also have some undergraduate application fee revenue that goes to campuses through there, and a little
• So that will be very disappointing for the staff and students and prospective students of those campuses
• As I noted earlier, the number of applications received by UC have increased, yet at the same time the
• Last year, 77% of community college applicants were admitted to the university.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid. On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary. The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed. The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• These financing mechanisms to ratepayers in the form of prospectively adjusting revenue requirements
• Lastly, the existing reporting on grants isn't necessarily tied to utility applications for ratepayer
• Utilities currently file an advice letter about loans and applications are wholly separate.
• We have already proactively filed a cost of capital application that includes our preferred method of
• It's the one that is applicable to facilities assigned up under PERPA qualifying facilities.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard several energy and utility bills. AB 1016, by Assembly Member Gonzales, would let certain counties with geothermal elements locally permit geothermal plants up to 150 megawatts through a five-year pilot program. Imperial County and other supporters said the bill would speed clean energy development, create jobs, and bring major tax revenue, while labor groups opposed it unless amended to preserve skilled-and-trained workforce standards. The author committed to continue working with labor, and the bill passed 10-0 to Natural Resources with the commitment to take amendments there. AB 1020, by Assembly Member Schiavo, would require investor-owned utilities to disclose taxpayer-funded loans and grants to the Public Utilities Commission and ensure the benefits are passed through to ratepayers. TURN supported the bill as a way to prevent utilities from “double dipping,” while PG&E said it already provides transparency and the bill was unnecessary. Wildfire survivors opposed it unless amended to direct any non-ratepayer funds first to victims. The bill passed 8-1 to Appropriations, with some members raising questions about the treatment of grants, loans, and ratepayer benefits. AB 881, by Assembly Member Wicks, would establish state safety standards for carbon dioxide pipelines to allow carbon capture and sequestration projects to move forward despite delays in federal rulemaking. Supporters, including SMUD and the Carbon Solutions Coalition, said the bill is needed to meet climate goals and access federal funding; environmental justice groups and local residents urged stronger protections and amendments. The bill passed 11-0 to Natural Resources with the commitment to take amendments there. AB 1156, by Assembly Member Wicks, would update the solar use easement program to allow solar development on water-constrained agricultural land; rural counties and farm groups remained opposed but said amendments moved the bill in the right direction. It passed 17-0 to Agriculture. AB 1222, by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, would bar utilities from recovering the costs of challenging CPUC decisions from ratepayers and give greater weight to ALJ proposed decisions; utilities opposed it, citing delay and fairness concerns, while supporters said it would protect ratepayers. It passed 10-3 to Judiciary. The committee also began hearing AB 1260, by Assembly Member Ward, on community renewable energy, with supporters arguing it would improve access for renters and low-income households and correct the CPUC’s implementation of prior law.

Transcript Highlights:

• An example of this has been the adjustments that have been made by DTA to the applications for what is
• These bills represent the prospect of dignity, hope, and security for some foster children.
• Yet just 721 applicants, about 30% of those who applied, were able to receive support.
• Yet just 721 applicants, about 30% of those who applied, were able to receive support.
• There was a lot of people who were helping with FEMA applications.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is different this year in that it is prospective only.
• Because of their mandatory nature and the ineligibility for application of earned release time, most
• Be some type of consistency in the application of it. Yes, and that's it. Okay.
• We appreciate very much that this bill is prospective.
• The new version, the sub bill, means no one gets—there is no retroactive application.

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings and sponsor testimony on four bills. House Bill 2310 would elevate fourth-degree assault with a finding of sexual motivation to a Class C felony after two prior qualifying convictions within 10 years, with discussion focused on when sex-offender registration would apply and whether the bill would capture repeat conduct that is often pled down. The sponsor said the bill responds to a constituent’s experience and is intended to increase accountability for repeat offenders. Testimony was split: prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical way to address repetitive sexual-motivation assaults, while defense advocates warned it would trigger major sex-offense consequences, including registration, prison time, immigration consequences, and possible sentencing disproportionality. No vote was taken and the hearing was held open. House Bill 1239, the reentry readiness bill, would increase earned release time to up to 33.33% for eligible offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, make certain enhancements eligible for earned release time, create a two-year peer-support pilot for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, and require victim-notification materials about sentencing changes. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and better prepare people for release, while the Sentencing Guidelines Commission said it aligns with prior recommendations for consistency in earned release. Prosecutors opposed the bill, arguing it mainly shortens sentences rather than improving reentry and could reduce accountability. The hearing remained open. House Bill 1228 would allow blood and breath toxicology testing to be considered valid if performed by a lab certified under ISO/IEC 17025, in addition to current state toxicologist methods. The sponsor and several local officials said Washington’s toxicology backlog is causing long delays, sometimes over 300 days, which slows charging decisions and can allow repeat DUI behavior before cases are filed. Supporters said private accredited labs could provide a local option and speed results, while defense advocates asked for discovery protections if outside labs are used. County and law enforcement representatives supported the concept but cautioned against shifting costs to counties and creating unequal access based on local resources. The sponsor indicated an amendment would remove out-of-state labs and add a five-year report-back. House Bill 2464 would require private detention facilities to report serious incidents such as abuse, neglect, deaths, suicides, injuries requiring hospitalization, and service disruptions to the Department of Health and local law enforcement within one business day, and would require annual reporting by law enforcement on calls and follow-up actions. The sponsor said the bill is aimed at transparency and ensuring that incidents in private detention facilities are not hidden. Testimony from advocates, journalists, and researchers described alleged abuse, suicides, hunger strikes, fires, and barriers to reporting at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, and said the bill would improve public access to information. Law enforcement representatives said the bill affects only two agencies and urged the committee to consider the cumulative burden of reporting mandates and the public-trust implications of involving local agencies in federal detention issues. The hearing on this bill was also held open.