Transcript Highlights:

• They can make a program.
• And number three, future programs and grants should build upon existing programs and priorities rather
• You described a really successful, impactful program.
• We had a prior program pre-pandemic that didn't last the pandemic. That was a leadership program.
• And I support and coordinate a program, a juvenile justice program called Concrete Rose, which is implemented

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As that program grows, the savings increase as well.
• so far, the in-state program.
• investment program maps directly to the policy specific to the in-state investment program... ...maps
• What this in-state investment program is.
• has now: an in-state investment program.

Committee: Joint Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment adds terms for several of the programs and includes... ...for several of the programs
• and adds funds for the state program and three of the federal programs.
• So how's... ...added for the BEAD program. So how's the BEAD program?
• We're beginning the housing program in Dallas and Atoka... ...housing program in Dallas and Atoka County
• programs.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:39.760><c> provide</c> motans Early Childhood programs provide motans Early Childhood programs
• Integrity in early approach to program Integrity in early childhood<00:03:49.959><c> programs</c><00
• </c> fraud in early Lo learning programs fraud in early Lo learning programs namely<00:04:07.959><c>
• </c> namely the child care assistance program namely the child care assistance program or<00:04:10.200
• </c> compensation support payment program compensation support payment program which<00:04:22.720><c>

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The third and final program is regional parks and trails bonding program.
• The third and final program is regional parks and trails bonding program.
• The third and final program is regional parks and trails bonding program.
• </c><00:49:26.200><c> this</c><00:49:26.359><c> program</c> mitigation grant program this program mitigation
• program.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> federal program? federal program?
• </c><00:08:08.160><c> uh</c> household incomes and the program uh household incomes and the program uh
• </c> tenants of this program is increasing tenants of this program is increasing the<00:09:33.680><c>
• </c><00:09:41.680><c> u</c> other types of assistance programs u other types of assistance programs u
• Again the largest benefit we program.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy met for a public hearing and presentation on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After approving the minutes, members heard from Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky, who explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant used in Kentucky to help low-income households pay home energy bills, prevent utility disconnects, and support weatherization and crisis assistance. Hall outlined the program’s income eligibility limits, the fact that payments go directly to vendors or utilities rather than households, and the program’s funding levels, including $43.4 million spent in federal fiscal year 2025 and an anticipated $58 million for federal fiscal year 2026. The presenters described LIHEAP’s main components: fall and spring subsidy programs, winter crisis assistance, and weatherization. They gave participation figures for recent program cycles, including tens of thousands of households served in each component, and explained that weatherization prioritizes elderly, disabled, households with children, and high-energy-burden homes. They also noted that weatherization is carried out in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and includes repairs and efficiency measures such as insulation, air sealing, and safety checks. Rick Baker described Community Action Kentucky’s role as the statewide administrator through 23 local community action agencies, emphasizing their presence in all 120 counties and their local board structure. Members praised Baker’s long service and the program’s importance for families facing high energy costs, especially in coalfield areas. One member asked for clarification on a slide reference to “Assurance 16,” but the transcript cuts off before the answer is completed. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• and other financial aid programs.
• program and include at least three options for restructuring the program moving forward.
• programs?
• can be enrolled in the program.
• When it comes to the current programs being run out of USF, do those programs come to an end?

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Manufactured Home Park Community Redevelopment Program, the infrastructure grants part of that program
• For the purposes of the down payment assistance program.
• Habitat has been proud to participate in this program.
• Challenge Program.
• Other programs, like the Challenge Program, have supported homeownership opportunities as well.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor Scholar Program is more than a five-week summer program.
• is a pilot program.
• </c> any other pre-existing programs. any other pre-existing programs.
• </c> have a wait list for this program. have a wait list for this program.
• </c><00:37:24.720><c> is</c> program the beginning of the program is program the beginning of the program

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this type of program would really help with that, would it not?
• This bill has no fiscal note, as the program is already fully funded.
• in collegiate mental health degree programs.
• There was a lot of interest in this program, and we saw that.
• They wouldn't have to stay in the program longer to get more amounts.

Bills: SB1998 , SB646 , SB2786 , SB2076 , SB2615 , SB1961 , SB1418 , SB2647 , SB1322 , SB2788

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: pediatrics, medical education, subsidiary, preceptorship, medical training, student programs, mental health, loan repayment, education funding, mental health professionals, healthcare access, Texas Success Initiative, exemption, public officers, employees, higher education, Capitol view, Austin, urban planning, construction

Transcript Highlights:

• We only look at the nursing program.
• Within the nursing program of any academic institution, we look to make sure that that program will meet
• programs.
• When I was a nursing program...
• Nursing programs in this state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota state launched their program Minnesota state launched their program in<00:21:25.080><c
• </c> least one minor child uh this program least one minor child uh this program has<00:23:58.039><c>
• </c> efficient operation of our grant program efficient operation of our grant program uh<00:24:17.679
• </c> 2516 uh it's about a Residency program 2516 uh it's about a Residency program at<00:36:47.040><c
• These kinds of programs develop reputations, and students commit to a program for a period of time.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And our program impacts.
• With regard to SYTF programming, core programming may include dual enrollment and higher education access
• So that would include diversion programs supporting transitional-age TGI youth, programs providing resettlement
• Okay, so the IT program... Okay, so the IT programs don't get funded.
• At the local level, these are the IT programs that At the local level, these are the IT programs that

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget and oversight presentations from CalHHS-related departments and agencies. CalHHS opened with a broad overview of its 2026-27 budget and priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth services, and aging/disability supports. OICR then presented its budget and its SB 823 realignment report on youth formerly committed to DJJ, saying county implementation varies widely but that the state has not seen evidence of net widening in the available data. OICR recommended climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral health and education programming in secure youth treatment facilities, better transitional planning, and improved longitudinal data systems. The agency also described a Title II federal grant transition problem, saying it cannot yet pay some subrecipients for prior work and is awaiting federal action on retroactive spending authority and an administrative funding adjustment. The Ombudsperson division requested two additional positions to address a growing complaint workload and access issues with counties over youth meetings, records, and grievance files; LAO raised no policy objection but noted the ongoing General Fund cost. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover the gap between federal limits on administrative overhead and the actual cost of an interagency agreement with the Department of Social Services. EMSA presented its department overview and several proposals, including a delayed AB 716 ambulance rate report, a $2.6 million request to replace aging disaster-response vehicles, a $250,000 security architecture assessment, and four positions plus ongoing General Fund for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. Members questioned the delay in the AB 716 report, the optics and timing of the vehicle replacement request, and whether EMSA was doing enough to prevent future staffing and enforcement problems. LAO repeatedly noted the ongoing General Fund implications of EMSA’s requests. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of unspent Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund money for the Low-Income Weatherization Program and described a Proposition 4-funded continuation of the farmworker housing component, which would require a new statewide administrator and program design process. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority to draw an additional $60 million in federal funds annually and add 54 positions to meet sharply increased Vocational Rehabilitation caseloads; LAO had no concerns. Child Support Services proposed restoring a prior reduction to local child support agency funding and reported higher federal performance incentives, while also presenting a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections to CalWORKs families, estimating about $150 million annually for full pass-through or about $80 million for a state/county-only approach, plus automation costs. Members questioned why funding should rise when caseloads are declining, and whether the policy could be made cost-neutral. CDPH closed the hearing with an overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its state of public health report, highlighting record-low mortality and higher life expectancy, but also rising overdose deaths among ages 25-44, persistent maternal and infant mortality disparities, and the need for stable public health and emergency-response capacity; no votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY ALSO OVERSEES MY SAFE FLORIDA CONDO PILOT PROGRAM THIS PROGRAM HAS THE SAME GOAL AS MY SAFE FLORIDA
• HOME PROGRAM.
• THIS PROGRAM IS WHOLLY OUTSOURCED.
• THE PROGRAM PAYS FOR THAT.
• SO AGAIN THIS PROGRAM WAS MODELED AFTER THE HOMES PROGRAM.

Transcript Highlights:

• And initially when... existing edible food recovery programs.
• beverage container recycling program.
• for nonprofits specific in the beverage container program.
• The California Accidental Release Program, CalARP, is a critical program to work with and across businesses
• Switching gears to our safer consumer products program.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard department budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle presented its 2026-27 budget and discussed priorities including edible food recovery, composting, beverage container recycling, and landfill response. Members asked about funding for food recovery grants, processing fees for wine and spirits containers under SB 1013, plastic packaging generation under SB 54, restaurant food waste requirements under SB 1383, and litter cleanup efforts. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has helped recover more than 300 million meals, but there is no sustained funding source; it also explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and that new producer responsibility and infrastructure investments are intended to improve recycling rates over time. The committee then heard CalEPA’s overview, including the agency’s response to climate, air quality, water, toxics, and enforcement challenges. Secretary Garcia emphasized federal rollbacks, methane monitoring, AB 617 implementation, safe drinking water progress, Exide cleanup, and pesticide reduction efforts. Members questioned the agency about regional gasoline blends, authority and technical thresholds for landfill intervention, and the growth in the Secretary’s office staffing and budget. CalEPA said the budget increase reflects expanded coordination, technology modernization, hazardous materials response, and legal capacity. The committee also discussed a proposed landfill support, response, and enforcement package for subsurface elevated temperature events, with CalEPA describing a coordinated multi-agency approach and the need for stronger early response tools. DTSC presented its department overview and several BCPs. Director Butler highlighted progress on permit backlog reduction, safer consumer products rulemaking, Exide cleanup, PFAS work, and planning for emerging waste streams such as solar panels and lithium batteries. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals, and fee-setting authority, and identified community concerns about cumulative impacts, hazardous waste planning, accessible data, and engagement. The committee also heard a proposal to expand DTSC’s Office of Policy into a statewide planning division to implement hazardous waste management plan recommendations and improve reporting systems. Members raised concerns about whether the new division duplicated existing work, but DTSC said it would fill identified gaps and improve coordination. Public testimony largely supported the proposals, especially ongoing funding for edible food recovery, composting, safer consumer products enforcement, and the coordinated landfill response package. Witnesses from StopWaste, California Against Waste, Waste Management, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and water advocacy groups urged continued or increased funding for these programs. No votes were taken; the chair held all items open and adjourned the hearing after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program works. It's a program that prevents violence.
• This program works. It's a program that prevents violence.
• This program works. It's a program that prevents violence.
• This program works. It's a program that prevents violence.
• This program works. It's a program that prevents violence.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:54:15.799><c> um</c> robust related instruction program um robust related instruction program
• impact the program has had.
• </c><01:06:53.880><c> that</c> Federal pel grant program for which that Federal pel grant program for
• </c><01:13:15.520><c> is</c> does if the state gr grant program is does if the state gr grant program
• </c><01:34:09.760><c> State</c> changes are made to the program State changes are made to the program

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This program is federally required.
• , including the Medicaid program.
• That program ended January 1st.
• program, which is cash assistance.
• Maybe just a clarification on the act program. You stated that you that you unbundled it. program.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing on the Division of Medicaid within the Department of Health and Welfare. Legislative Services analyst Alex Williamson reviewed Medicaid’s five budgeted programs, enrollment groups, staffing, historic spending growth, and the distinction between ongoing base adjustments and one-time enhancements. She explained that most Medicaid spending is in trust and benefit payments, discussed the large FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget changes, and walked through the governor’s recommendations, including hospital assessment fund alignment, claims forecast updates, MMIS procurement funding, estate recovery, program integrity support, and population forecast adjustments. Members asked extensive questions about the 4% provider rate reduction, the expansion population, federal match rates, and the effect of House Bill 345 and federal changes on Medicaid costs and eligibility. Williamson and Deputy Director Sasha O’Connell said the expansion population has declined, but costs are driven by utilization, provider rates, pharmacy, hospital, developmental disability, behavioral health, and long-term care services. They said the department is pursuing cost containment through prior authorization, redeterminations, higher cost sharing, and program integrity efforts, while noting that expansion is codified in law and any repeal or major eligibility change would require legislative action and could affect hospital assessment revenue and other offsets. The committee also discussed the MMIS replacement project, with lawmakers emphasizing milestone-based funding and risk control. O’Connell explained the estate recovery request as a replacement case management system plus contractor support to help recover Medicaid costs from estates, and said the program is federally required and revenue-generating. Several members raised concerns about backlogs, contractor costs, and whether AI or other technology could improve efficiency in program integrity and estate recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the discussion remained informational and focused on the governor’s budget recommendations and possible future reductions or policy changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
• </c> other utility affordability programs other utility affordability programs which<00:02:39.080><c>
• year, which is a formula for a more efficient program.
• year, which is a formula for a more efficient program.
• year, which is a formula for a more efficient program.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.

Transcript Highlights:

• program, which includes the at-risk afterschool care program, afterschool snack program, the seamless
• School Lunch Program. In 2425, nearly 75 School Lunch Program.
• ><c> the</c> program, afterchool snack program, the program, afterchool snack program, the seamless<00
• </c> because of the programs? because of the programs?
• Would that benefit the program? Um that? Would that benefit the program?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the August 20 meeting, and then heard testimony from Representative Steven Doan on House Bill 439, a school nutrition bill aimed at restricting certain ultra-processed foods in schools. Doan said the bill was inspired by his own health journey and his work in agriculture, and he described the measure as targeting specific chemical additives in foods served during the school day, not concession sales or after-hours activities. He said the bill would phase in later to give schools time to adjust and noted that the list of restricted additives was drawn from efforts in other states and advocacy groups. Members asked about the chemical abstract numbers, fiscal impact, summer meal programs, fundraisers, and whether the bill would affect parent-provided items; Doan said he had not done a fiscal note and explained that the bill was intended to apply only during instructional time on school property. Committee members generally reacted favorably, with some raising practical concerns about cost and implementation. One member asked about high fructose corn syrup, which Doan said was not included because it is too pervasive in the food system. Another member noted that schools already limit some homemade items and asked about the line between school-provided and parent-provided food. Doan also said the list was based in part on Turning Point USA materials and similar laws in other states, and he referenced federal efforts to define ultra-processed foods. The committee then heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials Matt Ross, Lauren Moore, and Katie Embry on school meals and nutrition programs. They outlined Kentucky’s school lunch, breakfast, summer meals, and other USDA child nutrition programs, including participation and reimbursement figures, and explained how community eligibility provision schools, meal patterns, offer-versus-serve, smart snacks, and local wellness policies work. They said USDA and FDA are currently seeking public input on a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods, that there are no current USDA requirements specifically on ultra-processed foods, and that schools already operate under federal and state rules governing competitive foods, including a state time restriction on smart snacks. They also discussed local purchasing, noting its benefits but also the procurement and staffing challenges schools face. No votes or final actions on the bill were taken in the portion provided.