Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor Alfred Johnson: We require you.
• credit toward the licensure requirements for successful completion of those classes.
• There is no real legal framework requiring disclosure and that's the problem.
• learning requirements for a ten-year professional certificate created in this bill.
• Senator Truenow: SB 282, Home and Service Warranty Association Financial Requirements.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires DOH to create a blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, requires specified training and
• It requires ACCA rules for assisted living facilities to include requirements for the identification
• Your bill requires some new requirements for nursing assistants.
• Federal law doesn't require that.
• Senators, if a minor seeks an abortion, they require, stats 390.310.1114, Florida statutes, requires

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health Policy considered several health-related measures. SB 890 on improving screening and treatment for blood clots was presented as a work-in-progress based on a prior working group. The bill would define certain clot-related conditions as chronic diseases, create a DOH registry, require screening and training in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, and several senators raised concerns about definitions, training requirements, facility responsibilities, and public records impacts. Survivors and family members testified in strong support, describing blood clots as a preventable public health crisis. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. SB 668 on storage and disposal of prescription drugs and sharps would direct a study of medical sharps collection and address conflicts between state and federal law on disposal of certain prescription drugs. Senators discussed whether the study should include both individual and commercial disposal and whether newer injectable medications increase sharps waste. The bill received supportive testimony from waste and recycling stakeholders and was reported favorably. SB 762 on preventing the spread of avian influenza would create a DOH task force to develop a statewide response strategy, monitor outbreaks, study wastewater monitoring, and recommend cost-effective testing and prevention measures. An amendment extended the task force deadline, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also approved SB 182, which creates the Home Away From Home tax credit for businesses donating to charities that house families of critically ill children, with supporters saying it would help expand lodging for families in need. SB 942, the chair’s bill on restrictive covenants in health care, would limit non-compete clauses for physicians under a salary threshold, with debate focused on patient access, workforce retention, and concerns about small practices and contract enforcement. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee adopted SPB 7018 to preserve a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial bypass of parental consent requirements for abortion, and then reported it favorably. Several members later recorded votes on earlier bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the insurance requirement for the UTV owner, does that apply?
• So, so more insurance than we're required to carry in our...
• Yeah, this is what we're going to require. Okay, thank you for the questions. Go ahead.
• And the insurance requirement for the UTV owner, does that apply?
• So, so more insurance than we're required to carry in our, So more insurance than than we're required

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Transportation Committee met and first considered SB 88, which would allow local governments to authorize utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain low-speed county roads and municipal streets, with limits on who may operate them and where they may travel. An amendment from Sen. Wright was adopted to require minimum motor vehicle insurance, keep a registration certificate in the vehicle, and delay the effective date to January 1, 2026 for implementation. The bill drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would create a safe, locally controlled path for UTV use and reflect how the vehicles are already being used, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Florida Justice Association argued UTVs are designed for off-road use and lack the safety features needed for public roads. After debate, the committee reported CS/SB 88 favorably, with Sen. Davis voting no and several members expressing support while noting safety concerns for future work. The committee then heard SB 274, which designates a portion of International Drive in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way in honor of the late hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen. Sen. Arrington described Rosen’s business success and extensive charitable work in Central Florida, and the bill received supportive comments from committee members and a representative from UCF. The committee voted the bill favorably without opposition. The final item was a discussion on transportation workforce issues led by FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue, with remarks from Florida Transportation Builders Association president Dan Hurtado. Perdue said Florida’s growing transportation needs, an aging workforce, and projected retirements require a broader workforce strategy, including a proposed Transportation Academy, craft and trade programs, learning labs, and a transportation research institute. He said FDOT has already reduced vacancies through recruit-and-retain efforts and hiring events, but still needs more skilled workers. Hurtado said FTBA supports expanding workforce development efforts and noted the industry’s own Florida Connect Academy. No vote was taken on the workforce discussion, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a requirement at this point? Yeah, that's already required.
• Is that a requirement at this point? Yeah, that's already required.
• Is that a requirement at this point? Yeah, that's already required.
• Is that a requirement at this point? Yeah, that's already required.
• seems to require the Senate to require seems to require an an an AIS<00:54:46.839><c> uh</c><00:54:46.960

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:56.160><c> that</c> in terms of those two requirements that in terms of those two requirements
• </c><00:35:18.720><c> by</c> lookup table, which is required by lookup table, which is required by statute
• Therefore, the required use of the $21.
• </c> The seventh component of review requires The seventh component of review requires an<00:46:32.880
• </c><01:02:53.359><c> to</c> analysis at the level required to analysis at the level required to estimate

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm curious, because this seems like it has far higher verification requirements that will require a
• As you all know, the Big Beautiful Bill has allowed us to put work requirements in there.
• It provides a method of how we're going to put the work requirements in there.
• So, but you have to have a 90-day work period; that's part of the requirement in the federal work requirement
• So, but you have to have a 90-day work period; that's part of the requirement in the federal work requirement

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met and introduced several RS drafts on a range of topics. Representative Raymond presented RS 33739 on coordinating the Department of Lands and Parks and Recreation for recreational opportunities on state lands and allowing a fee to support the endowment; it was introduced unanimously. Representative Veiley’s RS 33737 on large-load electricity rates and preventing socialization of costs to other ratepayers was also introduced unanimously. Representative Van der Woude brought RS 33718 and RS 33740, both related to Medicaid oversight and Medicaid expansion work requirements. Members raised concerns about added administrative burden, costs, and potential loss of coverage; both RSs were introduced, with Representatives Rubel, Birch, and Church recorded as nays. Representative Redman’s RS 33558 would impose a five-year moratorium on new administrative rules and fee increases and shift small rule chapters into statute; it was introduced after debate over separation of powers, public participation, and agency expertise. Redman also presented RS 33724 on school recess discipline and RS 33745 on rural health funding oversight, both of which were introduced and sent to the second reading calendar. The committee also introduced RS 33679, which would authorize AI-assisted analysis in the state rule-review process. Members discussed the need for human review and safeguards, and the sponsor noted the bill requires qualified personnel to verify AI output. Finally, Representative Pickett’s RS 33742 on Idaho Digital Learning Alliance restructured IDLA, capped administrative costs, set course fees, and addressed funding duplication; a motion to return it to the sponsor failed, and the RS was introduced, with several members recorded in opposition. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill before you is engrossed third substitute House Bill 1710 relating to adding pre-clearance requirements
• The bill requires certain political subdivisions classified as covered jurisdictions to obtain pre-approval
• The amendment requires that a person challenging another voter's registration must reside in the same
• The amendment requires all state and local government statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other
• certification requirement for contributions to candidates and political committees.

Summary: The State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee met on February 24, 2026, for what was described as its last regular meeting of the session. The committee reviewed a large slate of bills and gubernatorial appointments, with staff briefing measures on voting rights, voter registration challenges, military justice victims’ rights, terminology changes from “alien” to “non-citizen,” shared leave for hate-crime and immigration-enforcement-related absences, civil service coverage for Washington Technology Solutions security staff, language-access services, small works roster limits, deceased candidates on ballots, postgraduate degree requirements, foreign national participation in elections, public records exemptions, and personal information protections. Several amendments were discussed, including changes to voting-rights language, county-residency requirements for voter-registration challengers, and a proposal on foreign national certifications; a satirical amendment to the terminology bill referencing “extraterrestrial” was also presented and later withdrawn. After caucus, the committee moved into executive session and took action on four gubernatorial appointments, recommending confirmation for Megan Matthews, Reedy Mukapade, Kiana Daniels, and Gauri Shratria, all subject to signatures. The committee then voted out the bills, generally on unanimous voice votes, sending most to the Rules Committee and several fiscal measures to Ways and Means. Amendments were adopted on HB 1710, HB 1750, HB 1916, and HB 2123, while the amendment to HB 2632 was withdrawn. HB 2574 and HB 2637 were noted as not being moved that day. The chair and members closed by thanking staff for their work and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires that any organization engaged in activity designed to influence local or state politics or
• It requires that any organization engaged in activity designed to influence local or state politics or
• </c><00:05:32.479><c> that</c><00:05:32.720><c> any</c><00:05:32.960><c> organization</c> it requires
• It requires them to register and disclose such funding and other details.
• It requires them to register and disclose such funding and other details.

Bills: HB358 , HB358

Committee: House Ethics and Campaign Finance

Keywords: juvenile justice, detention, age of majority, jurisdiction, child welfare, foreign influence, political activity, transparency, registration, civil penalties, hostile foreign principals, state ethics, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1697, school meals, school personnel requirement.
• SB 1697, school meals, school personnel requirements.
• SB 1704, ESA children with disabilities requirements.
• SB 1769, adult immunizations reporting requirements.
• ACR 1038, public buildings accommodations requirements.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it requires the EDs to conduct training on policies and procedures for staff to understand how to
• And finally, it requires ACA to adopt rules for minimum standards for pediatric care...
• And finally, it requires ACA to adopt rules for minimum standards for pediatric care in our emergency
• This change maintains the safety requirement for background screening of visitors in these homes, but
• This change maintains the safety requirement for background screening of visitors in these homes, but

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public testimony on concerns about changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the iBudget waiver, including warnings that HIV patients could lose access to medications and that direct support providers need a rate increase. Senators discussed possible alternatives such as medically needy coverage and FQHC/340B access, and a witness urged the legislature to delay implementation of the HIV-related changes and restore funding. Another witness asked for support for a modest increase for iBudget direct care providers. The committee then considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 428, by Sen. Yarborough, expands the state swimming voucher program from ages 0-4 to ages 1-7 to align with drowning-prevention guidance; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 68, by Sen. Harrell, requires hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligning reporting dates with the House version was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1718, by Sen. Grall, makes the Step Into Success foster youth pilot permanent, adjusts visitor/background screening rules for out-of-home placements, and modifies stipend provisions; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 606, by Sen. Smith, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials and requires hospitals and birthing centers to keep compliance records. CS/CS/SB 96, by Sen. Sharief, expands eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program up to 400% of the federal poverty level; an amendment removed the $500,000 appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process, and the bill passed. CS/SB 340, by Sen. Harrell, requires nursing education to include a human trafficking course before licensure, and CS/SB 1480, by Sen. Burton, creates a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in areas of critical need if federal designations change; both were reported favorably. The committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1163 by Hughes, relating to the circumstances under which an appraisal review board is required
• Senate Bill 1188 by Kolkhorst, relating to electronic health record requirements, to Health and Human
• Senate Bill 1193 by Nichols, relating to the applicability of sex offender registration requirements,
• Senate Bill 1196 by Birdwell, relating to the procedures and notice required before an individual's name
• Senate Bill 1200 by Kolkhorst, relating to the required disclosure of certain financial relationships

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sets standards for use in therapeutic practice by requiring informed-consent disclosure and requiring
• That is why the requirements in SB 903 matter.
• They're required to give notices. They're required to give the opportunity to opt out.
• They're required to give notices. They're required to give the opportunity to opt out.
• It requires two things.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:18.240><c> and</c> identity proofing steps are required and identity proofing steps are required
• </c> you'll see um an outline of the required you'll see um an outline of the required contents<00:42
• grants</c><00:42:52.960><c> and</c> requires information on grants and requires information on grants
• </c> colleges should be a should be required colleges should be a should be required to<00:59:48.920>
• </c> They're just not required to provide it. They're just not required to provide it.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill modernizes fingerprinting and background check requirements for horse racing.
• This bill requires insurers to provide coverage for fertility preservation services.
• The majority required by the Constitution has been voted in the affirmative.
• Existing law already requires non-compete agreements to be Reasonable.
• The majority required by the Constitution have been voted in the affirmative.

Summary: The House began with ceremonial recognitions, including guests of Representatives Benham and Warren and a farewell acknowledgment for longtime floor staffer Michelle Martin, who is leaving House service for a role in the Senate. The chamber then took up caucus and committee announcements, recessed several times, and later returned to consider a series of committee reports and bills. House and Senate bills were reported from Rules, Appropriations, and Judiciary, including referrals of several measures to committees. The House adopted House Resolution 515 unanimously, urging Congress to review Major Richard D. Winner’s actions for possible Medal of Honor recognition. It also adopted House Resolution 208, directing a performance audit of services, wait times, and processes in the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services; supporters said it would help improve services for Pennsylvanians with vision impairment, while the vote was 201-1. The chamber then passed several bills with amendments, including measures on foster care youth benefits, AI companion safeguards, prison industry enhancement program administration, memorial bridge designations, firefighter and EMS donation options through PennDOT renewals, horse-racing background checks, and fertility preservation coverage. Several bills reached final passage. House Bill 1239, limiting homeowners associations from restricting rooftop solar installations, passed 109-93. House Bill 2146, amending the Sunshine Act to tighten the 24-hour agenda notice rule while preserving limited exceptions, passed 193-9 after debate over transparency and local-government flexibility. House Bill 2558, banning non-compete agreements for broadcast workers, passed narrowly 103-99 amid objections from Republicans and concerns about impacts on local broadcasters and contract rights. Senate Bills 971 and 972 also passed finally, dealing with township audit deadlines and municipal memorials for first responders. The House also approved House Bill 2412, funding state-related universities for fiscal year 2026-27, by 155-47 after debate over Penn State’s campus closures, accountability, and per-student funding differences; House Bill 2413, appropriating funds to the University of Pennsylvania, passed 195-7. The chamber then moved several bills back to Appropriations, signed Senate Bills 971 and 972, and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1050 does this by requiring disclosures when a synthetic person is depicted in an ad.
• Would such an ad be outside the scope of the disclosure requirement?
• SB 957 requires social media... pursuant to the Tariff Act.
• Social media has become a critical... requirements to the Attorney General.
• These administrative subpoenas do not require judicial approval or probable cause.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Camera-based enforcement is consistent, scalable, and doesn't require pulling limited law enforcement
• When the office was created, the Legislature did not include provisions requiring the office to make
• , which is not required in current law.
• Moreover, this bill does not... ...its reports public, which is not required in current law.
• However, there is no requirement that operators know these existing or other safety standards.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you willing to put in a specific requirement? Because I think sometimes we just...
• Are you willing to put in a specific requirement?
• Are you open to putting in specific requirements for open meetings within this? Absolutely.
• And so what we've really done is we've had the boots on the ground required.
• I mean, I love the evidence requirement.

Bills: SB1415 , SB1714 , SB1962 , SB26 , SB172

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Keywords: nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts

Summary: The Committee on Retirement and Government Resources heard several bills dealing with state employment, purchasing, and retirement policy. Senate Bill 1415, by Senator Brooks, would prohibit nondisclosure agreements when a state employee resigns or is terminated, with exceptions for statutorily protected confidentiality such as physician or attorney privilege. Members questioned how the bill would interact with whistleblower protections and sensitive information, but the bill passed 6-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1714, by Senator Jett, which would expand an existing state employee suggestion/incentive program to encourage agencies to identify cost savings and efficiencies, require agencies to review recommendations in good faith, and report back on accepted or rejected ideas. Members raised concerns about open meetings, employee notification, written documentation of suggestions, and possible disputes over the value of savings. The author agreed to work on amendments, the title was struck, and the bill passed as amended 5-2. Senate Bill 1962, by Senator Bullard, would move certain purchasing exemptions out of statute and into the administrative rules process so exemptions must be periodically renewed and justified. Supporters said this would reduce personality-driven exemptions and improve oversight, while concerns were raised about ongoing needs and emergency situations. The bill passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 26, which would allow retired teachers to return to work after a 90-day break with a salary set by local districts and a 3% contribution back to the retirement system, and Senate Bill 172, which would tie cost-of-living adjustments for pension systems to funding benchmarks and a rolling average, rather than legislative discretion; both bills passed, with SB 26 passing 7-0 and SB 172 passing 6-1. The chair noted the committee expected at least one more meeting and hoped to finish the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, this bill would require pharmacists to dispense up to a 12-month supply of prescriptive hormone
• of extending licensure requirements to appraisal that are not federally related transactions.
• They will also require the...
• Each state has as unique and complex requirements that must be researched and tracked.
• Requirements frequently change.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IT MAKES CLEAR TIMESHARE BOARDS ARE REQUIRED TO MEET ONCE A YEAR AS OPPOSED TO FOUR TIMES REQUIRED BY
• THIS AMENDMENT ADDS NEW REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FLORIDA GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION.
• IT DELETES A PROVISION LAW THAT REQUIRES A HORSE PERMIT TO BE REISSUED.
• THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES THAT SEARCH REPORTS REQUIRED STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS AND THOSE WHICH THE BOARD RETAINS
• INSPECTION PROCESS AS WELL AS THE NEW RESERVE REQUIREMENTS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1323 requires when it isn't in the interest of justice to restore the person to SB 1323 requires that
• It does require letters of support.
• But for other applicants, it is required to submit.
• And so the requirement—there isn't a letter of support required from the County Behavioral Health Directors
• Association because one of the main reasons we require that letter is because we require Medi-Cal to

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives. The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure. DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities. Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.