Transcript Highlights:

• House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Bill 306.
• House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Health and Human Services Committee...
• Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Health and Human Services Committee substitute
• House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Bill 38.
• House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for House Bill 66.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and agreed by unanimous consent to allow cameras on the floor and gallery, excuse several senators, and move to announcements and miscellaneous business. The chamber then adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales for his years of service as Senate president and lieutenant governor, followed by extensive remarks from senators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praising his leadership, fairness, education advocacy, and personal kindness. Morales briefly responded, thanking members, the governor, and his family, and noting he would offer fuller remarks on his final day. After messages from the House were read, the Senate adopted several committee reports. These included favorable action on Senate Memorial 31; House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70; House Bill 124, referred to Finance; Senate Joint Resolution 6, referred to Judiciary; Senate Joint Resolution 7; House Bills 103, 154, 165, and 285 as amended; and the Finance Committee’s amended report on House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bills 2 and 3. The Judiciary Committee also reported Senate Bill 104 as duly enrolled and engrossed, and the body noted that SB 104 had been signed in open session. During personal privilege, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth discussed a State Ethics Commission advisory opinion on whether legislators who are attorneys may vote on medical malpractice cap legislation, arguing the issue is governed by Senate rules rather than the Governmental Conduct Act. He said he would continue to disclose his interests and vote under Rule 7-5, and also rejected a newspaper suggestion that he had a conflict in sponsoring a judgeship bill for the First Judicial District Court. The Senate then moved into third reading, beginning with Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 264, which Senator Duhigg explained as an election-security measure responding to concerns about federal interference, intimidation, and emergency election disruptions; Senator Nava then spoke in support as a co-sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 will now come to order.
• The human oversight is what guides the development of these AI, and human oversight is what is required
• to human interactions.
• It is that human interaction. It's the part that Dr. Israel talked about.
• Israel said, it is definitely not here to replace humanity. It is something that needs humanity.

Summary: The Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 held a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Dr. Maya Israel of the University of Florida gave an overview of AI literacy, emphasizing that AI can support personalized learning, school operations, and teacher efficiency, but also raises concerns about data privacy, overreliance, mental health, and the need for human oversight. She described the Florida K-12 AI Task Force, which has produced guidance on policy, ethics, privacy, cybersecurity, classroom integration, and professional development, and is now working on district surveys, webinars, case studies, and teacher/family resources. Superintendents Van Ayers of Hillsborough County and Kevin Hendrick of Pinellas County described district-level implementation. Hillsborough outlined a governance council, a district AI policy, and an implementation guide; it prohibits generative AI for students below eighth grade, allows limited use for older students with teacher permission and district-vetted tools, and uses models for classroom AI expectations. The district also reported growing student enrollment in AI courses, teacher training through summer academies and quick learns, and pilots with tools such as Magic School and Microsoft Copilot. Pinellas emphasized academic integrity, student data privacy, digital responsibility, and the importance of human interaction in learning; it said state assessments already limit technology use and that districts need clear governance and parent transparency. Committee members asked about whether AI improves academic performance, the risk of student dependence, the possibility of returning to more paper-based testing, and who should set guardrails. Witnesses said reliable achievement data is still limited because the technology is new, though districts reported anecdotal gains in tutoring and early literacy. They also said there is no established statewide baseline for teacher AI training yet, so districts are using professional development, stipends, and partnerships with universities to build capacity. The committee also heard from Drew Andrew of FSU’s Inspire program, who argued that industry is moving faster than schools and that education should focus on teaching how AI works, building teacher confidence, and aligning training with workforce needs. No bills were considered and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Health and Human Services for Thursday, February 19th, 2026.
• House Bill 2229 is withdrawn from the Committee on Health and Human Services.
• House Bill 2403 is withdrawn from the Committee on Human Services and additionally referred to the Committee
• Chairman, your Committee on Health and Human Services has had consideration of HB 2049 and respectfully
• Chairman, the Committee on Health and Human Services has had consideration of HB 2179 and respectfully

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including the Doctor of the Day, students visiting the chamber, and other special guests. Members also announced committee substitutions and bill withdrawals/re-referrals, and the chamber observed a moment of respectful silence for the late Hon. George Cunningham, after unanimously adopting HCR 2060, a death resolution honoring his public service. The House then spent much of the day in Committee of the Whole on several calendars. The most contested item was HB 2758, a groundwater transportation bill, which drew extensive debate over fairness to the McMullen Valley and the need to protect water supplies for the CAP system and metro Phoenix. Multiple amendments were adopted, including changes affecting transfer limits and basin-specific water allocations. The bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation in COW by a 31-23 vote, and later passed third reading in the House 32-24 after several members explained their votes. A motion to amend the COW report to show the bill failed was defeated 23-32. The House also advanced a series of other measures with little or no opposition. In COW, HB 2049, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2179 as amended, HB 2228 as amended, HB 2111, HB 2114, HB 2256 as amended, HCM 2007 as amended, HR 2003, HB 2098, HB 2265 as amended, HB 2663, HB 2666 as amended, HB 2756 as amended, HB 2192 as amended, HB 2476, HB 2693 as amended, and HB 2877 as amended all received do pass recommendations, while HB 2875 was retained on the calendar. The House later passed several bills on third reading, including HB 2089, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, and HB 2825, and referred the approved measures to engrossing or to the Senate as appropriate. The session concluded with numerous personal privilege remarks, including recognition of a retiring Air Force veteran, Black History Month remarks, birthday wishes, and an announcement that Representative Chaplik plans to resign next week to focus on a congressional campaign. The House also announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and members of the committee. This is House Bill 321. the committee. This is House Bill 321.
• services.
• providing services.
• First bill in our committee.
• A no vote means to leave it in committee.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, Water, or electrical services, when the interruption of service begins.
• Chair, members of the committee.
• Chair and committee members.
• Thank you, committee members.
• Item number two, AB 1708, do pass to the Assembly Committee on Human Services. Haney, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 1892 on HOA/Davis-Stirling Act cleanup provisions. The author and sponsor said the bill would clarify HOA responsibilities for utility service repairs in common areas, align election notice timelines, and require electronic voting ballots to be sent at least 30 days before an election. No opposition was presented, and the bill was set aside to be taken up later when a quorum was available. The committee then heard AB 1708, which would revise the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program to give smaller cities a clearer role in regional homelessness planning and access to funding. Mayors and city representatives from Bellflower, Paramount, and other cities testified that smaller jurisdictions are spending significant local funds on shelters and services but lack direct access to HHAP dollars. Some larger-city and housing advocates opposed or were opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could add administrative burden, but committee members broadly supported the goal of including smaller cities in regional responses. Members also heard AB 2058 on factory-built housing, AB 2576 on historic-resource protections under SB 79, AB 1751 on missing-middle townhomes, AB 1924 on homelessness prevention, AB 2626 on waiving certain monitoring fees for at-risk affordable housing developments, and AB 2089 on welfare-exemption and recertification procedures for affordable housing. Testimony generally emphasized reducing duplicative local permitting for factory-built housing, protecting state and national historic resources while still allowing housing near transit, expanding ministerial approval for townhomes, creating a statewide homelessness-prevention strategy with accountability measures, giving HCD flexibility to waive fees to preserve financially stressed affordable housing, and streamlining property-tax exemption recertification. Several bills were voted out of committee, including AB 1751 and AB 2626, both passing on 8-0 and 7-0 votes respectively, while other measures were discussed with motions pending or held open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the House Chair of this committee.
• Just thank you, members of the committee.
• Good morning, Chairmen and committee members.
• I believe I would speak for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, now called Humane Medical
• The industry is not beneficial to humans or non-humans.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a range of gaming, racing, horse protection, problem gambling, and lottery bills. A major focus was H. 356 and related horse-racing legislation, which drew strong support from residents and animal-welfare advocates who argued that proposed racetrack and simulcast developments should require upfront traffic, environmental, public health, and economic studies, plus stronger local approval and transparency. They said past proposals in several communities had lacked adequate information and had imposed costs on towns. Opponents, including the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, argued that the bills would harm racing, breeding, farms, and related jobs, and said horse racing is already heavily regulated and that claims about slaughter and safety were overstated. Several speakers also supported S. 280, which would protect horses and phase out or restrict horse racing, citing animal cruelty, injuries, and deaths. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 235 and HB 332 to authorize regulated online casino gaming (iGaming). DraftKings, FanDuel, IDEA, and the Sports Betting Alliance supported the bills, saying iGaming is already occurring illegally in Massachusetts and should be brought into a regulated, taxed market with age verification, responsible gaming tools, and consumer protections. They projected substantial annual tax revenue and argued legal iGaming would not cannibalize brick-and-mortar casinos, instead creating a “rising tide” effect. Opponents, including Local 26, the National Association Against iGaming, and problem-gambling advocates, warned of job losses, casino cannibalization, increased addiction, and greater harm to vulnerable players, citing experiences in other states and rising helpline calls. The committee asked for follow-up information on revenue and market-size estimates. Later, Rep. Scanlon testified in support of S. 240 and S. 241, which would standardize gambling disclaimers and require annual reporting on problem-gambling treatment funded through the Public Health Trust Fund. He said the bills would make it easier for people to find help and improve oversight of treatment programs. Rep. Garcia testified in support of H. 434, which would change the formula for distributing lottery revenues, arguing that gateway and lower-income communities such as Chelsea contribute heavily to lottery sales but receive too little back in local aid. After hearing additional testimony and reading into the record bills that received no testimony, the committee recessed briefly, then closed the hearing by motion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee is called to order.
• Good afternoon, Madam Chair, committee members.
• Before this committee, I emailed every committee member the Scumbag Report, and that is a list of about
• Good afternoon, Madam Chair, committee members.
• And so, yes, we have lots of services.

Bills: HB2043, HB2046, HB2126, HB2131, HB2132, HB2133, HB2223, HB2265, HB2411, HB2666

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform, venue, employee conflict, superior court, legal proceedings, workplace disputes, weapons, explosives, trafficking, firearm regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Seelick, thank you so much for your service.
• Welcome to committee, sir. Good to have you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee.
• Committee, any further questions? Seeing none? Committee, any further questions? Seeing none.
• I thank the committee for their time today. Thank you, sir. Committee, any questions?
• Committee is adjourned.

Summary: Senate Commerce approved the February 24, 2026 minutes and heard a gubernatorial reappointment of Jeff Seilich to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho board. The committee took no action on the appointment during the meeting, with the chair indicating a vote would likely occur later in the week. PERSI’s director and the nominee described the system as stable and well funded. The committee then advanced House Bill 543, a technical PERSI bill updating language to comply with federal Secure Act 2.0 requirements by changing post-tax catch-up contribution language to Roth contributions in the PERSI Choice Plan. Representative Ben Furman and PERSI Director Mike Hampton said the change was purely technical. The bill received a due pass recommendation to the Senate floor. House Bill 563, which revises CPA licensure pathways to address workforce shortages, also received a due pass recommendation. Representative Jeff Ehlers and Idaho Society of CPAs representatives said the bill would create three pathways to licensure, lower education barriers, preserve the exam requirement, and ease reciprocity for out-of-state CPAs. Supporters said the profession is facing retirements and declining exam candidates, while committee members generally supported the effort to reduce barriers. The committee spent most of the meeting on Senate Bill 1310, the Human Fetal Tissue Transparency Act, which would require product labeling when human fetal tissue or related cell lines were used in testing or production. Supporters argued the bill would provide consumer transparency and informed consent for moral and conscience reasons, while opponents raised concerns about federal preemption, enforcement, costs, and practical implementation, especially for medical products and retailers. After extensive debate, the committee adopted a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee by a 5-4 roll call vote, with Senators Guthrie, Nichols, Burns, Ruchti, and Lenney in favor and Senators Zito, Ward-Engelking, and Foreman opposed, resulting in SB 1310 being held.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and committee.
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• It's humane.
• And like was said, this is humane.
• We rely heavily on our federal partners at the Forest Service and the BLM, as well as our fire service

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray that human ingenuity will benefit the whole human family.
• I had the honor of working with Habitat for Humanity.
• Habitat for Humanity is about more than building homes.
• Habitat for humanity is about more than building homes.
• Habitat for Humanity is about...

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor items focused largely on housing, public health, and tax-credit awareness. The chamber adopted SR 71, a resolution by Senator Arreguín recognizing the importance of affordable homeownership in California. Supporters from both parties emphasized homeownership as a path to wealth-building, stability, and community strength, highlighted racial disparities in ownership, and praised nonprofit builders such as Habitat for Humanity. After passage, Senator Arreguín introduced Habitat for Humanity advocates in the gallery and noted the role of the CalHome program in funding affordable homeownership projects. The Senate also confirmed Trista Gonzalez as Director of the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Aaron McGuire as executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, and Lee Herrick for another term as California Poet Laureate, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The Senate then adopted SCR 115 by Senator Daly, recognizing February as Heart Health Month and focusing on women’s heart health. Senator Daly shared her own experience with a stroke during a heart procedure and urged women to listen to their bodies and seek care early. Several senators spoke in support, describing silent heart attacks, the need to recognize symptoms in women, and the importance of challenging medical assumptions. The resolution passed unanimously. The Senate also adopted SR 75 by Senator Rubio, designating California Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Week. Senators described CalEITC as a key anti-poverty tool and urged greater outreach so eligible families do not miss the credit; that resolution also passed unanimously. Later, the Senate heard a series of adjournment-in-memory tributes, including one for architect Frank Gehry, whose work in Los Angeles and Bilbao was praised for its global influence and civic impact, and one for June Roberti, remembered for her long partnership with former Pro Tem David Roberti and her advocacy and family life. Senator Arreguín also moved to place file item 67 on the inactive file. The session ended with announcements, including a committee meeting notice, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Health and Human Services is called to order. The secretary will note the roll.
• Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the committee.
• and Human Services is adjourned.
• and Human Services is adjourned.
• So without objection, the House Committee on Health and Human Services is adjourned.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced four Senate bills. Senate Bill 1242 would allow courts to conduct mental health evaluation and treatment hearings, or testimony within those hearings, virtually by phone, video, or other audiovisual technology when the court finds no unfair prejudice; supporters said it reflects current practice and helps avoid dismissals due to technical issues. It passed on an 11-0 vote with one member absent. Senate Bill 1145 would transfer licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to the existing Behavior Analyst Committee, effective January 1, 2027, and make the committee’s decisions final rather than requiring board ratification. Supporters described it as an efficiency measure that reduces delay in licensing and complaint resolution. The committee recommended the bill 11-0, with one absent. Senate Bill 1247 would allow individuals who do not receive assisted-living services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if the facility authorizes it, and it was described as a clarification of a recent statutory interpretation affecting independent residents. Members discussed possible safety concerns and facility discretion, and one member voted present while the rest voted aye; the bill received a due pass recommendation 10-0 with one present and one absent. Senate Bill 1023 would set optometry eye-exam standards based on community standards of care, recommend a one-year exam interval, and allow optometrists to extend eyeglass prescription validity up to two years, with adjustments based on patient risk factors; supporters said it codifies best practices and does not affect contact lens prescriptions. It passed 11-0 with one absent, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 will now come to order.
• The human oversight is what guides the development of these AI, and human oversight is what is required
• to human interactions.
• It is that human interaction. It's the part that Dr. Israel talked about.
• Israel said, it is definitely not here to replace humanity. It is something that needs humanity.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence in K-12 education. Dr. Maya Israel of the University of Florida gave an overview of AI literacy, the benefits of AI for personalized learning and teacher support, and the risks involving data privacy, overreliance, hallucinations, and misuse. She described the Florida K-12 AI Task Force, which published statewide guidance in March and is now providing professional development, case studies, surveys, and resources for teachers and families. She also noted that teacher preparation programs and microcredentials are being developed, but there is not yet a statewide baseline standard for teacher AI training. Superintendents Van Ayers of Hillsborough County and Kevin Hendrick of Pinellas County described district policies and implementation efforts. Hillsborough adopted an AI governance policy, created an implementation guide, and set rules barring generative AI use for students in pre-K through 7th grade while allowing limited, teacher-approved use for older students with district-vetted tools. Pinellas emphasized digital responsibility, parent transparency, data-use agreements, and a governance process for approving tools. Both districts said AI is being used for lesson planning, tutoring, reading-level adjustments, scheduling, and other administrative tasks, but they do not yet have reliable evidence that AI is improving academic performance. They also discussed teacher training, stipends, and certification efforts, including partnerships with universities and vendors such as Microsoft, Google, Magic School, and Gemini. Drew Allen of FSU Inspire offered an industry-focused perspective, arguing that AI is not new but that education must adapt more quickly to industry needs. He described Inspire’s workforce and research mission, its AI and robotics training for teachers, and the need to build teacher comfort and confidence through incentives and applied training. Committee members raised concerns about student dependence on AI, academic integrity, mental health, moral decision-making, data privacy, and whether schools should return to more paper-based testing. The panel generally agreed that AI should be used with strong guardrails, human oversight, and a balance between technology use and traditional learning. No legislation was considered, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of expense in health and human services is dedicated to specifically that: getting folks to their
• So, you know, it's human capital.
• I need more human capital there.
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• , and I serve on the committee that interacts Where I chair the membership committee, and I serve on

Summary: The hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs and testimony from Governor Healey and Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. The chairs emphasized fiscal caution amid choppy revenue growth, rising health care and education costs, and federal uncertainty, while the governor framed House 2 as a $62.8 billion budget that grows spending by about 1% without new taxes or fees and aims to protect core services while advancing affordability. The administration said the budget uses efficiencies, program integrity, and Fair Share surtax revenue to support education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety, and it also filed a supplemental Fair Share bill using surplus FY25 funds. Much of the questioning focused on the federal “OB3” tax law and the administration’s separate proposal to delay or phase in certain corporate tax changes, especially research and experimental deductions, to avoid in-year budget shocks. Members also pressed the administration on Fair Share allocations, with the governor and secretary explaining that operating-budget surtax spending is weighted more toward education while supplemental spending is more transportation-focused, and that combined spending is roughly balanced overall. The administration highlighted Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, rural school aid, local aid, child care, the MBTA deficit, regional transit authorities, and a new HHS transportation line item as part of the broader transportation strategy. Several members raised concerns about Chapter 70 equity, rural districts, municipal overrides, out-migration, housing affordability, public housing repairs, and the MBTA Communities Act. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion on school funding formulas, PILOT, and municipal aid, and stressed housing production, energy affordability, and workforce development as key responses to out-migration. On energy, the governor defended an all-of-the-above approach, including renewables, gas, and exploration of nuclear, while saying she would continue pushing utilities and regulators to reduce ratepayer costs. The governor also said fire safety grants would not be withheld for noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act, and members discussed public safety, housing, and local grant impacts in that context. Other topics included the Bright Act and higher education capital investments, with the administration saying it is preparing to support campus infrastructure across the public higher education system and that the bill is intended to strengthen Massachusetts’ competitiveness and retain graduates. Members also questioned cuts to the PCA program and EAEDC, and the governor responded that the state’s PCA program remains strong but is under pressure from large federal health care reductions. No votes were taken; the session was a hearing on the governor’s budget proposal and related policy bills, with the administration taking questions and offering explanations of its recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:19.199><c> had</c> of the capital investment committee had of the capital investment committee
• already undertaken in that committee.
• already undertaken in that committee.
• </c><00:09:42.959><c> services</c><00:09:43.519><c> work</c> integrity around the human services work
• integrity around the human services work that<00:09:44.320><c> continues</c><00:09:44.720><c> that</

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need the human connection.
• I talked with Trent Roar, who heads up the Human Services Agency, and they need an additional 67 eligibility
• Monica Madrid with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, a proud steering committee member
• Monica Madrid, with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Chirla, a proud steering committee member
• Monica Madrid, with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, a proud steering committee member

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 and related federal actions on Covered California, Medi-Cal, and immigrant access to care. The chair framed the discussion around three main issues: expected losses in marketplace coverage as enhanced federal premium subsidies expire, new federal work and renewal requirements that would add administrative burden to Medi-Cal, and the loss of eligibility for certain lawfully present immigrants. Covered California testified that H.R. 1 and new federal rules, combined with the end of enhanced premium tax credits, are driving higher premiums, lower new enrollment, and more cancellations, especially among middle-income, Latino, and Black enrollees. The agency said California’s $190 million state subsidy program is helping lower-income enrollees but cannot replace the lost federal assistance, and it noted that roughly 120,000 lawfully present immigrants in Covered California will lose federal tax credits in 2027. On Medi-Cal, the Department of Health Care Services said H.R. 1 will require work and community engagement verification, six-month renewals for certain adults, and other changes that the department expects will reduce enrollment substantially. DHCS estimated 233,000 members could lose coverage by June 2027 from the work requirement and 289,000 from six-month renewals, with losses rising much higher by 2028; it also said it is using automation, outreach, clinic navigators, coverage ambassadors, community health workers, and street medicine providers to reduce procedural disenrollments. The department described a two-phase outreach plan and said it is working with counties on implementation, while the Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget maintains $190 million for the state subsidy program and does not propose additional changes at this time. The LAO said its independent forecast is somewhat higher than the administration’s, estimating about 2.1 million fewer Medi-Cal enrollees by June 2028, and urged the Legislature to review county administrative workload and readiness. Public testimony and member comments focused on the human and fiscal consequences of coverage losses. A representative from the Sacramento Native American Health Center warned that reduced reimbursement and coverage losses would destabilize community health centers, increase uncompensated care, and worsen outcomes by pushing patients into emergency care. Members raised concerns about paperwork burdens, county capacity, outreach effectiveness, and whether the state should do more to preserve coverage, including possible modeling of additional H-CARF spending and support for middle-income consumers and immigrant enrollees. The hearing did not take any votes or formal actions, but it ended with public comment and continued discussion of implementation and budget options.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chairman and members of the committee.
• We urge this committee to make a different choice.
• services, to... ...related to education, to human services, to our health care system.
• Chair, and the committee.
• , social safety net services, medical and mental health care, prevention, social safety net services,

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly
• I've really enjoyed human services.
• </c><01:35:46.960><c> Services</c> Department of Health and Human Services Department of Health and Human
• with</c> Health and Human Services and CDC with Health and Human Services and CDC with their<02:54:24.880
• </c><02:54:39.760><c> Services</c> New Hampshire Health and Human Services New Hampshire Health and Human

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Earlier this year, my committee joined with the Joint Committee on the Arts to hold a similar hearing
• Thank you, committee members that may be tuning in.
• We both serve the K-12 education services and we partner with school districts. education services and
• The show explores how humans transform the planet.
• I'm the co-chair of the local Emergency Alert Services Committee, and KVPR is one of two stations in

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Health and Human Services Committee, after thorough deliberation, developed some better and more
• The Health and Human Services Committee<01:58:33.520><c> after</c><01:58:33.760><c> thorough</c><01:58
• The Department of Health and Human Services has said they told us in committee they would have to hire
• Services has said they told us in Human Services has said they told us in committee<02:06:17.440><c>
• Services</c><07:22:57.600><c> Committee</c><07:22:58.000><c> asks</c> Health and Human Services Committee

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Call to order the Friday, December 19th, 2025 meeting of the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee
• So I think in the palliative space, the testimony the committee heard was about how the services aren
• </c> Hampshire Department of Health and Human Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
• So, as you're aware, the Department of Health and Human Services provides a variety of services, but
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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on December 19, 2025, approved the draft minutes from the November 21 regular meeting, and received a DHS commissioners update. Patricia Tilly reported on the state’s rural health transformation application, saying CMS had provided only one question and positive feedback, that the final federal award amount was still pending, and that DHS was preparing an accept-and-expend item for fiscal review using an up-to amount. She also said the new Hampstead YDC facility remains on track, with substantive construction expected by late summer 2026 and move-in likely in early January 2027. In response to questions, she confirmed the playground/outdoor activity area had been in the original design and was added when funding became available. Henry Litman, Medicaid director, discussed the Senate Bill 248 study committee report on palliative and hospice care. He explained the distinction between palliative care, which can be provided while a patient still seeks curative treatment, and hospice care, which involves electing not to pursue curative services. He said the committee’s work pointed to a need for better education for providers and the public, and described ongoing conversations with the Foundation for Healthy Communities and Home Health and Hospice about developing materials and possibly addressing how palliative services are bundled. He also said the study committee itself did not generate future legislation, though members could pursue it separately. Litman then answered questions about Medicaid eligibility and long-term services and supports, including delays in processing, the backlog from pandemic-era redeterminations, and efforts to speed reviews. He said the department is using temporary staffing funded in part by last session’s legislation, working with the New Hampshire Healthcare Association, counties, and UNH Law to streamline policy and training, and relying more on electronic asset verification while still guarding against improper asset transfers. He emphasized the goal of balancing faster access to benefits with compliance and fraud prevention. Robert Rodler followed with the annual tuition waiver update for children in foster care or guardianship. He reported 82 applicants and 65 waivers granted, including 35 for USNH schools and 30 for the community college system, and noted a correction would be issued for inaccurate continuing/new student figures in the report. Senator Gray said he intends to pursue a separate budget appropriation for these tuition waiver costs in the future so the funding would be clearly identified and easier to track. No additional votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.