Transcript Highlights:

• with the New Hampshire laws concerning real estate, but real estate practitioners are a heavily regulated
• </c><01:00:46.480><c> with</c><01:00:46.720><c> the</c><01:00:46.880><c> attorney</c> and regulations
• with the attorney and regulations with the attorney general's<01:00:48.040><c> office</c><01:00:49.040
• I'm not sure why this wouldn't be considered a net listing and regulated under 404.” straps to straps
• but we what we said is okay regulated but we what we said is okay given<01:27:30.560><c> that</c><01

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.” The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts. Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• All the existing regulations and the guidance in 261-B are going to be applicable, and this would just
• Welcome, Senator Waters. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• Senator David Waters, District 4, to introduce Senate Bill 272.
• Senator Waters explained that the revolving fund could be used for installing and maintaining electric
• They're really good for snowmobiling during the low snow season because a smooth trail that dumps water

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't build, own, or operate generators or transmission, and we're heavily FERC regulated.
• FERC is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, so we're regulated by the federal government.
• so we're regulated Regulatory Commission so we're regulated by<00:30:58.000><c> by</c><00:30:58.120>
• We don't build, own, or operate generators or transmission, and we're heavily FERC regulated.
• are probably not his wheelhouse as a nonpartisan regulator, but he could take a crack at it.

Bills: HF75

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF75, earned incentive release credit, earned incentive credits, revocation, revocable credits, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, prison discipline, incarcerated persons, inmate misconduct, facility rules, sentence reduction, supervised release, Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, public safety, rehabilitation, prison credits, executed sentence, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we have the gaming is regulated.
• </c> place right now for lottery regulation place right now for lottery regulation of<01:56:00.400><c
• </c><01:56:14.480><c> gaming</c> to regulate gaming to regulate gaming and<01:56:16.880><c> if</c><01
• </c> commission regulates gaming. commission regulates gaming.
• </c> separate from the regulation of gaming. separate from the regulation of gaming.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and also it speaks to the day-in and day-out events such as water disruptions.
• Um, we uh we work the water disruptions.
• We also try to gather information on our hospital status if they're out of water.
• They provided clean water. They collected and distributed donations of cleaning supplies.
• Uh they provided clean water. classes. Uh they provided clean water.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met to adopt the minutes of the second meeting by voice vote, then heard an update focused on disaster preparedness, resiliency, response, and coordination among state agencies and partners. The chair emphasized avoiding duplication of resources and highlighted the importance of agriculture-related response issues, including animal evacuation, feed distribution, and the role of extension services during disasters. The Department for Public Health was invited to explain its role in emergency planning and response. Public Health described its Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch as the lead coordinating agency for Emergency Support Function 8, covering health and medical services under Kentucky’s emergency operations framework. Testimony outlined its broad responsibilities, including support for hospitals, morgues, local health departments, behavioral health, crisis counseling, suspicious package testing, disease outbreaks, and coordination with emergency management, EMS, transportation, and nonprofit and private partners. Officials also described the agency’s risk-assessment process, training and exercise programs, and deployed assets such as PPE caches, deployable communications, a federal medical station, a mobile treatment center, and alternate care support used in events like the eastern Kentucky floods and COVID-19. The agency also discussed funding through federal cooperative agreements for public health emergency preparedness and hospital preparedness, noting that these programs have evolved since 9/11 and have been shaped by major disasters and emerging threats. Officials said Kentucky’s funding has declined over time and that current awards are partially funded for the first time in the program’s history. They expressed support for efficiency if federal programs are consolidated, but cautioned that combining programs could risk further funding losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you see times of trouble waters, you get your ship in order.
• The budget recommendations include $822 million for water resource issues.
• water supply at $60 million, water quality enhancements and accountability at $10 million, and coral
• we need to make real investments in the way we manage our water.
• Not to mention, as we gain more people in the state, our water usage has increased.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy. Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions. The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:13:15.600><c> itself</c><00:13:15.920><c> to</c><00:13:16.160><c> the</c><00:13:16.320><c> regulated
• why they provide this automatic inflationary increase in their policies, which is approved by the regulator
• so that coverage values do regulator so that coverage values do increase<00:41:43.440><c> each</c><00
• create duplicative or conflicting requirements for telecommunications carriers that are already regulated
• from the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and several other testifiers to amend the definition of pilotage waters

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up a short-form administrative licensing measure requested by the administration to correct and clarify renewal provisions in a prior bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to adopt the proposed Senate draft and recommit the bill back to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for a further public hearing. The committee then heard SB 2876 on natural hair braiding, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing under certain conditions. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it views hair braiding as within the broader scope of cosmetology, but agreed that people who only braid hair should not need a license because the training and exam requirements are minimal. The board warned, however, that exempting braiders could create consumer protection gaps involving sanitation, training, and enforcement, and noted that related services such as waxing, cutting, coloring, shampooing, and relaxing would still require licensure. Supporters included the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Institute for Justice. The committee also heard SB 2950 on captive insurance and SB 2951 on insurance proceeds. On SB 2950, the Insurance Division opposed the bill, saying captive insurance is designed for formal self-insurance for companies and that allowing captives to insure the public would not fit the existing regulatory framework; a fire survivor advocate supported the measure as a way to expand disaster-related insurance options. On SB 2951, which would require mortgage servicers to follow certain rules for disbursing insurance proceeds after residential damage or destruction, United Policy Holders strongly supported the bill, citing delays in releasing funds and the need to help survivors rebuild, while banking and financial industry groups submitted opposition or comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 2952, SB 2960, and SB 2964, all related to property insurance and disaster recovery. SB 2952 and SB 2960 would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to submit documentation and recover replacement cost value, with supporters arguing that rebuilding after major disasters takes far longer than standard policy deadlines allow and that the bills would improve consumer protection and transparency; the Insurance Division, the Insurance Council, and national insurance groups opposed the measures. SB 2964 would require annual disclosures of replacement cost value and coverage sufficiency; the Insurance Council opposed it as costly and unnecessary because policies already include inflation-related adjustments, while United Policy Holders and fire survivors supported it, saying many homeowners are underinsured and do not understand their coverage.

Transcript Highlights:

• source and and load power and the water source and and I<01:14:33.600><c> guess</c><01:14:33.840><c>
• is used to cool the data centers water is used to cool the data centers and<01:14:53.280><c> you</c>
• all right we have one who's coming water all right we have one who's coming up<01:15:12.080><c> to</
• Senator Champion, as you mentioned, the water and energy are two big issues, and this is precisely why
• so I I think we're an the water so I I think we're an excellent<01:20:24.920><c> uh</c><01:20:25.280

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I say habitat changes, I mean land, air, and water.
• But what I'm thinking of more is our water and the contaminants that are going in our water from our
• that are going in our water contaminants that are going in our water from<00:22:02.559><c> our</c><00
• water would be the Department of Environmental Services.
• We ship all of our regulations and digest out to our licensing agents.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee heard an overview and budget presentation from New Hampshire Fish and Game, led by new Executive Director Stephanie Simi and Business Division Chief Kathy Leonti. The agency described its mission to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and emphasized growing pressures from disease, climate impacts, habitat change, and increased public demand. Simi said the department is largely funded by hunting and fishing license revenue and federal grants, is reviewing staffing and internal processes, and faces critical needs including permanent funding for environmental review staff, infrastructure and IT modernization, and possible service reductions if additional support is not found. Members asked about specific program and policy issues, including chronic wasting disease in deer, hemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, moose population decline, and a proposed bait-disease bill. The department said it is actively monitoring diseases and did not see a need for the bait bill at this time. Legislators also discussed the Hike Safe program, which the department said has grown from an expected $100,000 annually to more than $300,000, and a possible boating version of that program, which the department said remains under consideration but would involve complex logistics and multiple agencies. Questions were also raised about rescue costs, out-of-state hikers, and whether boat registrations could be used as a revenue source; Fish and Game said boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, though the department receives $5 per registered boat for the public boat access program. The budget discussion focused on revenue projections, use of unrestricted Fish and Game funds, and dependence on federal reimbursements. Leonti said the department met the governor’s general fund target but not the Fish and Game fund target without using surplus unrestricted funds, leaving only about $100,000 in the fund by the end of the biennium. She said the budget uses more than $18 million in Fish and Game funds annually against about $14 million in unrestricted revenue, and that five of 193 full-time positions remain unfunded. The department warned that if federal grants were halted, it could cost about $5 million over five months and force the Fish and Game fund to cover the gap. Committee members also requested that future presentations be sent electronically in advance, and the department agreed to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• Long-term care insurance is a difficult and highly regulated market.
• It affects and highly regulated market.
• </c><00:52:27.040><c> the</c> everyday practice of regulating the everyday practice of regulating the
• </c><01:59:12.239><c> we</c> compliance with federal regulations we compliance with federal regulations
• . regulations. regulations.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• loved ones prompting them to pull their loved ones from<01:24:43.120><c> the</c><01:24:43.360><c> water
• Jersey's beach season, this effort reminds us of the importance of being vigilant in and near the water
• </c><01:27:51.840><c> while</c><01:27:52.080><c> at</c> vigilant in and near the water while at vigilant
• in and near the water while at the<01:27:52.480><c> beach.
• </c><02:41:51.760><c> navy,</c> that even without a deep water navy, that even without a deep water navy

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for a clear distinction of what this bill does, this bill does not regulate speech.
• It regulates conduct. To be designated a domestic terrorist organization, it is not in the speech.
• This bill regulates organizational conduct, and you must meet all elements in order to meet the definition
• So the reporting obligation is tied to existing federal immigration regulations.
• As an example, under federal immigration regulations, schools that are authorized to enroll non-immigrant

Summary: The subcommittee took up a long agenda of civil justice measures and claims bills. HB 1407, on commencement of civil actions under the Florida Civil Rights Act, was presented as a fix to conflicting appellate decisions about whether an EEOC no-probable-cause notice can start the clock for filing suit; the bill would allow an EEOC determination to suffice and permit filing within 18 months of the complaint. It passed 16-0. HB 1337, an estates bill reducing court involvement in decedent asset distribution by expanding personal representative authority over safe deposit boxes and increasing small-estate thresholds, also passed unanimously, 17-0. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1553, which would change what medical expense evidence juries may see in personal injury and wrongful death cases, with supporters saying it would clarify the law and let both sides present evidence, and opponents arguing it would roll back 2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical bills. After extensive testimony from business, insurance, trucking, and plaintiff-side interests, the PCS passed 13-4. HB 1423, dealing with negligent security in multifamily residential properties, would remove a presumption against liability when two or more specified crimes were reported in the prior 24 months; an amendment clarified that the crimes must have been reported to the owner or principal operator. Supporters said it would help crime victims and restore balance, while opponents warned it would undermine incentives for property owners to maintain security. The amended bill passed 14-4. Several claims bills also advanced unanimously: HB 6527 for Patricia Armini and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, HB 6531 for the estate of McKenzie Navarra and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, HB 6507 for L.E. and the Department of Children and Families, and HB 6521 for Jose Carrera and Miami-Dade County. Each was described as providing compensation for serious injuries or death after prior government negligence, and each was reported favorably without opposition votes. Finally, the committee heard HB 1471, a controversial bill on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The sponsor said it would bar enforcement of foreign or religious law over the U.S. and Florida Constitutions, create a state process for designating domestic terrorist organizations, and prevent state funds from supporting terrorism. Members raised extensive concerns about vague definitions, First Amendment and due process issues, and the lack of a predesignation hearing; public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with supporters arguing the bill was needed for public safety. The transcript ends during public testimony on HB 1471, before any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This covers a water line break, electrical, just a number of different things, just normal deferred maintenance
• They are made up of representatives from every regulated sector.
• To just keep an open communication with both the legislature and the people as part of our regulated
• Well, we obviously have several programs that are regulated by federal organizations and agencies.
• Now, question costs are any expenditures that do not comply with federal statutes, regulations, or terms

Committee: House A&B General Government Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's say you're delivering water; you build this entire system, and the last mile is connecting it from
• Let's say you're delivering water; you build this entire system, and the last mile is connecting it from
• Federal laws and regulations, state statutes, case law, local codes, and ordinances, and lease provisions
• with the passage of this regulations with the passage of this bill<00:31:50.600><c> and</c><00:31:50.720
• and statute it requires a regulation and statute it requires a group<00:58:55.079><c> of</c><00:58:56.480

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> things that should probably be regulated things that should probably be regulated as<00:48:25.280
• Well, I know you guys are... the water and I'm under pressure and I choke myself in the water.
• I appreciate that and appreciate the water.
• </c> hours and I should have got some water. hours and I should have got some water.
• </c><02:47:18.000><c> Thank</c> that and appreciate the water. Thank that and appreciate the water.

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been supported now by the professional regulations, and so I really appreciate her help.
• By many legislators to resist regulating big tech.
• However, in the initial legislation, no procedure for regulating new animal shelters was included.
• Regulations in terms of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• , and any other state or federal food, drug, consumer safety, or other regulations.

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered prayers and moments of silence for community members who had recently died, and recognized several guests and family members in the chamber. After routine communications and passage of consent calendar 29, the chamber took up a series of measures on the main and colored agendas, with several bills and resolutions passing by voice vote or roll call. Among the measures approved were House Concurrent Resolution 157, which as amended requested a State Lottery report on options to support traditional lottery retailers; Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program; Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecommunications carriers; Senate Bill 339 clarifying health directive forms in mental health facilities; Senate Bill 235 on manufactured home community rent increases; Senate Bill 325, as amended, updating fire prevention and volunteer fire/EMS background check rules; Senate Bill 309 on inmate work and discharge of incarceration-related balances; Senate Bill 324 on deadly weapons and constable agency representatives; Senate Bill 293 on youth camp child care licensing; Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery; and Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry regardless of race or gender while preserving religious freedom. House Bill 188, changing Delaware primary elections to allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after debate. Two measures drew extended discussion and amendments. Senate Bill 233, requiring snow and ice to be removed from vehicles, was tabled once, then later amended and passed after debate over whether the law was workable for truck drivers and other vehicle operators; a proposed truck-related exemption amendment failed. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and educator oversight, alongside concerns from members about data, bias, and long-term effects. Several items were tabled or reconsidered during the session, and the House adjourned after completing the day’s business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that argument is blown out of the water.
• > that is that argument is blown out of that is that argument is blown out of the<00:59:01.200><c> water
• ><c> next</c><00:59:02.000><c> question</c><00:59:02.400><c> that</c><00:59:02.720><c> had</c> the water
• The next question that had the water.
• And we do allow for the Transportation Cabinet to promulgate regulations in order to allow the clerks

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have you very much, Senator Waters.
• </c> Senator Waters. This is uh SB 99. Senator Waters. This is uh SB 99.
• :50:37.040><c> introduce</c> David Waters just report introduce David Waters just report introduce Senate
• </c> any questions for Senator Waters? any questions for Senator Waters?
• </c> regulations, you don't see all that. regulations, you don't see all that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns. Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken. The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended. Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• while the bill is not creating vaccine mandates, that it is also not intended to create any extra regulations
• while the bill is not creating vaccine mandates, that it is also not intended to create any extra regulations

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664 , HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2317 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2199 , HB2206 , HB2296 , HB2360 , HB2436 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2510 , HB2525 , HB2532 , HB2543 , HB2605 , HB2624 , HJM4012 , HB1759

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• authority to use county letters for guidance related to electronic food benefit theft until formal regulations
• Water? You need water? You got it? Thank you. I got you. I got you.
• system, keeping the needs of local child welfare practitioners at the forefront and meeting the regulations
• The proposal also implements the department's regulations from the Home Care Services Branch report,
• The proposal also implements the department's regulations from the Home Care Services Branch report,

Summary: The committee heard opening budget remarks from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office on the May Revision for Health and Human Services. Finance said the proposal significantly reduces projected out-year operating deficits through a mix of revenue increases and program cost reductions, while the LAO warned that even with booming revenues the state still faces a structural deficit and should prioritize reserves and avoid new ongoing commitments. The chair and members echoed concern about cuts to vulnerable populations, but also noted the need to maintain the overall level of budget solutions and add to reserves. The hearing then moved through a series of CalHHS and HCAI proposals, mostly held open after presentation. CalHHS requested additional legal support to respond to federal H.R. 1-related issues and a net-zero transfer of positions for a shared eligibility/data-sharing platform. Other items included ongoing funding for the 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Service Fund and a request for EMSA to fund maintenance of its enterprise data management system. HCAI presented proposals for hospital fair pricing implementation, the data exchange framework, the all-payer claims database, CalRx insulin development, the diaper access initiative, distressed hospital grants, opioid settlement fund reversion, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Members questioned funding sources, special fund use, contracting exemptions, timelines, and whether some proposals should be more targeted or supported by alternative funding. A major discussion centered on HCAI’s diaper access initiative and the use of a Public Contract Code exemption to continue contracting for free diapers distributed through hospitals. The chair and some members criticized the optics of the selected vendor and questioned the lack of an income threshold, while HCAI said the program was designed to be universal and administratively simple, with future phase-two direct-to-consumer purchasing to be handled by a different vendor. Another extended exchange focused on distressed hospital funding, where HCAI said the May Revision would provide up to $50 million for hospitals at immediate risk of closure, but members argued the repeated annual need shows a structural problem and asked for broader reforms to hospital payment and care transitions. The final major topic was the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission’s budget. The Commission opposed the May Revision’s reduction of the Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and a $6.7 million cut to community advocacy contracts, arguing both are core Proposition 1 tools for statewide innovation and community engagement. Finance responded that the proposal is within Proposition 1’s allowable maximums and that prior unspent appropriations could be redirected if the Legislature wanted to restore the full amount. No votes were taken; items were generally held open for later action.