Transcript Highlights:

• And so earning a bachelor's degree in our CSU and our UC program or outside of that program here in this
• The transfer and mission guarantee tag program The transfer admission guarantee tag program, certainly
• The program is still young, but it is growing.
• Todd mentioned the ADT programs.
• Degree programs. Individual degree programs.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee held an oversight hearing on a state audit of California’s community college transfer process, with members and witnesses broadly agreeing that transfer pathways remain too complex and inconsistent. Opening remarks emphasized that community colleges serve a large, diverse, often first-generation and low-income student population, but only about one in five transfer-intending students move to a UC, CSU, or other university within four years. Members highlighted disparities by race, region, campus, and major, and pointed to the Associate Degree for Transfer, TAG, and Cal-GETC as helpful but incomplete tools because requirements still vary across campuses and systems. State Auditor’s Office staff said the audit found that while UC and CSU overall enroll substantial numbers of transfer students, individual campuses and high-demand programs often do not, especially in STEM fields. They described barriers including missing prerequisite courses, unclear information, limited counseling, and inconsistent articulation between campuses. The audit used a computer science example to show how different UC and CSU campuses require different courses for the same major. The audit issued 22 recommendations, with 10 fully implemented and four partially implemented; remaining work centers on articulation, counseling, data sharing, and better use of ASSIST. UC, CSU, and the Community Colleges each said they support transfer and are taking steps to improve it. UC cited a new public dashboard, data-sharing agreements, new transfer pathways, and an ADT pilot at UCLA, while saying campus capacity and program differences limit systemwide mandates. CSU pointed to its strategic plan goals, the Transfer Success Pathway program, direct admissions outreach, and efforts to expand ADT alignment and credit applicability, while acknowledging that many students never reach the application stage. Community Colleges emphasized that transfer reform is central to equity and baccalaureate access, and called for stronger common course numbering, broader ADT acceptance, and more student-centered articulation. Members pressed the systems on why more uniform requirements and better coordination have not been achieved, and on how to reduce barriers for placebound and working students.

Transcript Highlights:

• education programs.
• In addition to long-standing programs, such as the Black Infant Health Program, which was established
• In addition to long-standing programs, such as the Black Infant Health Program, which was established
• In addition to long-standing programs, such as the Black Infant Health Program, which was established
• The University of California, Riverside also has programs to support UC Riverside also has programs to

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities opened with remarks framing the discussion around reproductive and maternal health disparities affecting Latina, Black, and Indigenous women in California. Members emphasized the need to connect state data with lived experience, and the committee heard historical context on coercive sterilization, language access, and the ways immigration status, poverty, and racism continue to shape reproductive health care. The first panel featured Clarissa Ramirez of California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Sophia Pedrosa of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and Kim Robinson of Black Women for Wellness, who described reproductive justice principles, the legacy of eugenics and forced sterilization, community education efforts, promotoras, and the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive care. They also raised concerns about federal funding cuts, fear related to ICE and public charge, and the loss of education and outreach programs that support patients and families. The second part of the hearing focused on maternal health. Matt Green of the California Department of Public Health described persistent racial disparities, including Black birthing people being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and outlined state efforts such as the Black Infant Health Program, the Perinatal Equity Initiative, the Centering Black Mothers in California report, and a new Black birth equity action plan. Chris Esgera of the Department of Health Care Services explained the state’s birthing care pathway, postpartum care pathway, and Transforming Maternal Health model, including policy changes to support doulas, community health workers, transitional care, and postpartum coverage. He said the department is working through policy updates and payment reforms, with Medi-Cal coverage for pregnant people and 12 months postpartum remaining protected. The final panel included Dr. Nicole Economo and Dr. Kelly McHugh of ACOG, who discussed provider education, anti-racism and implicit bias training, and the need for quality improvement projects focused on closing equity gaps at individual hospitals. They highlighted tools such as the CLEAR Initiative, the Elevate Toolkit, and use of CMQCC data to track outcomes by race and ethnicity. Across the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that community-led solutions, sustained funding, better data, and accountability are needed to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve reproductive health outcomes. No formal votes or bill actions were taken during the hearing, though several policy priorities and ongoing legislative efforts were referenced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• CDPH OA administers the Ryan White Part B program throughout the state via two programs: the HIV Care
• Program, or HCP, and the aforementioned ADAP program.
• program.
• I've learned the program inside and out. HOPWA is my specialty. I know that program. I love ADAP.
• I love administering the programs for the elderly, the MPP program, OAHIP program, and EBHIP program,

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support landscape for older LGBTQ Californians, including people aging with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Opening remarks emphasized the long history of discrimination faced by older LGBTQ adults, the growth of the aging LGBTQ population, and the need to translate existing state commitments into concrete services. Senators highlighted concerns about nursing home vulnerability, the aging of people living with HIV, and the impact of federal actions and Medicaid cuts on California’s safety net. The first panel featured Justice in Aging, CalHHS, the Department of Aging, and the Aging and HIV Institute. Testimony described widespread inequities, including discrimination, social isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in culturally competent care. State officials outlined the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, gender-affirming care protections in Medi-Cal, and efforts to improve coordination across departments. Advocates argued the state has been too slow to respond to federal threats and that services are often hard to find or fragmented. Committee members pressed the departments on how survey findings are being turned into action, how rural and underserved communities are being reached, and whether more formal stakeholder coordination or “no wrong door” access systems are needed. The second panel focused on seniors living with HIV. A long-term survivor gave emotional testimony about the “survivorship penalty,” loss of benefits, housing insecurity, and the need for legal and navigation support, housing assistance, and protection from outdated disability standards. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, which added HIV status to the definition of greatest social need for area agencies on aging; it said 20 of 33 area plans now identify HIV as a target population and many include specific strategies, such as LGBTQIA mental health connections programs. The Office of AIDS described Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, the Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and rely on whole-person case management. Case management testimony underscored persistent needs for medication subsidies, transportation, food, and housing. Committee members questioned how ADAP rebate funds might be used, how SB 258 is enforced across local agencies, and how to reduce administrative barriers and auto-connect eligible people to benefits. The final panel began with the Department of Social Services outlining protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219’s nondiscrimination requirements and related provider notices and resident rights materials. The hearing remained focused on identifying service gaps, improving coordination across aging, health, and social service systems, and ensuring state programs better reflect the lived experience of older LGBTQ Californians.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is just a program in the department's budget relating to a pre-apprenticeship program, and it
• marketing program.
• This is one of those, but it's its own program. It's the workforce diploma program.
• "It's its own program. It's the workforce diploma program. It's in the budget right now.
• They have in-classroom programming. They have programming for early education.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When those New Deal programs went away, the funding for those programs sorted out, and a lot of those
• Additionally, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program is another beneficial program that I'll discuss
• The 1113 program funds acequias.
• And so the way the program works is a loan-for-service program.
• The status of the program is that this program under the law allows for two students per year to enroll

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• When we launch Film and TV Tax Credit Program 4.0 this July, it will include a new diversity program.
• would be useful to enable better calibration of the size of the program. of the program and also fiscal
• is a jobs program.
• And just a quick point on the difference between the California program and the LADC. program and the
• versus the California program... they reflect the fact that the program here in California is focused

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that program.
• program.
• <03:23:19.040><c> thank</c> programs thank programs thank [Applause] Thank you.
• ><03:44:00.439><c> is</c><03:44:00.680><c> already</c> program our program as it is already program our
• waiver program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.

Transcript Highlights:

• The family health programs include the California Children’s Services Program, or CCS, the Genetically
• All these programs do show slight reductions in caseload, but—” “All these programs do show slight reductions
• So the May revise assumed a lower Program 9...
• and the Accountability Sanctions Program.
• It's very early in this first-year program.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the Department of Health Care Services’ proposed budget, including a $229.1 billion total-funds budget and projected Medi-Cal enrollment decline as redeterminations continue. Members focused heavily on the fiscal and programmatic effects of prior budget solutions and federal changes, especially the elimination of General Fund-supported Prop. 56 dental supplemental payments beginning July 1, 2026, the hospice utilization-management change, and the impact of reduced caseloads alongside rising health care costs. DHCS said it is still completing required access and rate-reduction analyses for the dental cuts and has been engaging stakeholders, but could not yet quantify the real-world effect on utilization or provider participation. The committee also reviewed the November 2025 Medi-Cal local assistance estimate, which shows higher General Fund spending despite lower enrollment, driven by managed care rate growth, Medicare cost growth, state-only claiming, and federal policy changes. The hearing then turned to provider taxes and federal H.R. 1 constraints, with extensive discussion of the MCO tax, the hospital quality assurance fee, and other health care-related taxes. DHCS explained that H.R. 1 phases down allowable tax levels and tightens “generally redistributive” rules, making the current MCO tax structure and the proposed higher hospital fee levels difficult or impossible to renew as originally designed. Staff and the LAO described the tradeoff between preserving Medi-Cal funding and avoiding higher costs on private providers and consumers. Members asked about options for preserving revenue, including possible amendments to Prop. 35 or returning to voters, and were told the department is still evaluating approaches while federal guidance remains in flux. The committee also reviewed hospital payment increases already implemented through state-directed payments, with DHCS noting that H.R. 1 will force those payments down to Medicare levels over time. Several budget change proposals were discussed and left open, including requests tied to the managed care final rule, managed care operations, hospital value strategy, long-term care payment transparency, and interoperability requirements. The committee also heard about a one-year trailer bill extension for skilled nursing facility financing, including continuation of the SNF workforce standards program, the SNF quality assurance fee, and annual rate growth, while the department develops a longer-term financing redesign for 2027-28. Members expressed skepticism about repeated rate reform efforts and questioned whether a one-year extension of the eliminated workforce quality incentive program should be restored during the transition. Finally, Covered California presented its budget and enrollment update, reporting that the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credit is expected to reduce affordability significantly, with average premiums roughly doubling for many enrollees and as many as 400,000 Californians potentially losing marketplace coverage over time. The exchange said California’s $190 million subsidy program is helping lower-income enrollees, but not enough to offset the federal loss, and it is also implementing a new gender-affirming care benefit and awaiting federal action on benchmark plan changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will assist the programs to be able to have more time to establish their programs.
• It will assist the programs to be able to have more time to establish their programs.
• And it is modifying an existing program, the joint enlistment enhancement program.
• So I'll just start by saying typically a lot of the community programs, school programs, they're going
• EFA program.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This program is similar to the existing Workforce and Affordable Home Ownership Development Program,
• This program is similar to the existing Workforce and Affordable Home Ownership Development Program.
• It's a very nice program.
• It's a very nice program.
• ><c> it's</c> program for homelessness programs it's program for homelessness programs it's 23.22<01:

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this is a statewide program.
• Uh this is a statewide program. Teddy. Uh this is a statewide program.
• We have great this uh program.
• The next program, our TEDI program, is also an infrastructure program that helps cities with the cost
• </c> in that uh that program right now. in that uh that program right now.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The first program we'll talk through is the Minnesota Family Investment Program, or MIP, which provides
• In the second program, the child care assistance program provides assistance to MIP families who are
• > the</c><00:05:23.199><c> childcare</c> In the second program, the childcare In the second program,
• assistance</c> assistance program provides assistance assistance program provides assistance to<00:05
• . program. program.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Bioincentive Program, The Minnesota Bioincentive Program, which<00:03:19.560><c> is</c><00
• </c> as a as a boondoggle-proof program. as a as a boondoggle-proof program.
• Um, is there are you the in the program.
• </c><00:08:47.240><c> in</c> understand why this program in understand why this program in particular
• that run out of money and all programs that run out of money and all that." that." that."

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and Mega Programs.
• We continue to deliver several mega programs across the state.
• With this decision, the IBR program can finalize the cost estimate, With this decision, the IBR program
• So I just—that’s my experience on those programs.
• I was looking at that $1.6 million for the DOL to Go program.

Bills: HB2306

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• The red light camera program, also known as the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program, was enacted in 2010
• program.
• zone programs.
• school zone programs.
• School zone programs. Okay.

Summary: The Committee on Transportation received a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Florida’s camera-based traffic enforcement programs: red light cameras, school bus stop-arm cameras, and school zone speed cameras. The department explained how the programs work, including human review of recorded violations, issuance of civil notices to vehicle owners, and escalation to uniform traffic citations if unpaid or uncontested. Officials also outlined the fee structure and reported preliminary data showing 42 red light camera jurisdictions, 496 red light cameras, and more than 923,000 notices of violation in fiscal year 2024-2025, along with growth in school zone and school bus programs. Senators asked about camera placement, signage, review procedures, and whether reviewers or vendors receive revenue from citations; several questions were left for follow-up because the witness did not have all statutory or operational details. The committee then heard an update from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, funded by a $4 billion general revenue investment leveraged into a $7 billion program for 20 major projects. He said the initiative is advancing high-priority congestion relief projects across the state, with 80% of the plan expected to be underway by the end of 2026 and the remaining projects in 2027. Perdue highlighted new delivery methods such as modified phased design-build, voluntary acceleration, and structured acceleration, along with workforce and supply-chain efforts, including regional hiring events and aggregate planning. He cited projects such as I-4 congestion relief lanes, Golden Glades, I-95 at US-1, I-75 auxiliary lanes, and I-275 improvements as examples of the program’s progress. Members questioned FDOT about traffic management during construction, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, public transit planning, contractor safety and fatalities, bridge strikes, logistics access near ports and airports, aggregate supply, local government coordination, and federal funding uncertainty. Perdue said FDOT continuously reevaluates traffic control plans, works with local governments and industry partners, uses small business participation targets, and requires contractors to be in good standing with OSHA and to implement corrective action plans after incidents. He also said Florida’s transportation revenues are flat, the state remains largely state-funded, and additional resources are the main need for future transportation delivery. The committee adjourned after the chair requested FDOT staff provide senators with district-specific project information.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is due to the removal of their rugby program.
• There are certain fees for specific programs.
• So when the program was changed from an entitlement, or to an entitlement program, then additional funding
• to the program for future students.
• I love this free program.

Summary: The Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a work session on higher education funding and then public hearings on House Bill 2148 and House Bill 2132. In the work session, OPR staff Kate Henry reviewed enrollment trends, tuition policy, financial aid programs, and funding sources for Washington’s public colleges and universities. Members asked about FTE versus headcount, tuition growth, the Washington College Grant, College Bound, and the Workforce Education Investment Account. Henry explained how state appropriations, tuition, and financial aid interact, and noted that higher education makes up a significant share of the state budget. No votes were taken during the work session. House Bill 2148 would create a “pay-it-forward” graduate student aid program administered by the Student Achievement Council, allowing students to receive tuition support and later make income-based contributions for up to 15 years to fund future students. Sponsor Rep. Reid said the bill is intended to offset the loss of federal graduate loan options and support workforce needs in fields like nursing, teaching, and research. Committee questions focused on repayment terms, possible caps, interest, and program capitalization. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with students and advocates arguing the bill would expand access to graduate education and avoid predatory private debt. House Bill 2132 would limit disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information from WASFA applications, generally requiring the Student Achievement Council and institutions to stop retaining that information after one year following the award year unless needed for an audit or appeal. Rep. Leavitt said the bill is meant to reduce unnecessary long-term retention of sensitive student data and improve privacy and security. Supporters, including student leaders and immigrant-advocacy groups, said the bill would protect vulnerable students and increase trust in the aid process. Some members raised concerns about whether shorter retention could affect future record needs, including immigration-related documentation, but the sponsor said students can keep their own records and that the bill preserves audit authority. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair noted an upcoming busy schedule and cutoff deadlines.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, 1546 is the Inspired to Teach Program.
• We are changing the name to the Next Ed program, but most importantly, we are clarifying that the program
• This program has not always been known as Inspired to Teach.
• could donate to a program that I think has proven to be successful.
• As a thing that has helped them in their programs to become educators and in their education programs

Summary: The Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education met to consider two education-related bills. Senate Bill 706, presented by Chairman Lowe on behalf of the State Department of Education, would support a grow-your-own educator initiative by providing funds for coursework and alternative certification costs to help prospective teachers become certified. An untimely PCS on SB 706 and SB 1546 was adopted without objection before the bills were heard. Senate Bill 1546, presented by Chairman Caldwell, would rename the Inspired to Teach Program as the Next Ed program and clarify that the program may accept private donations. Members discussed the value of changing the program’s name, concerns about stability and name recognition, how private donations would be collected through the State Regents, and whether donations might supplement or offset state funding. The sponsor said the change was intended to preserve the program’s function while opening it to private support. SB 706 passed the committee 7-0 with no abstentions. SB 1546 passed 7-2. The chair then noted the meeting was likely the subcommittee’s final education meeting and adjourned, thanking members for their service to Oklahoma students.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got statistics based on programs and results from programs.
• </c> programming and they have our support. programming and they have our support.
• This program housed both SNAP-Ed and FNET programs.
• So we have all of these programs.
• </c> agents who are doing that programming. agents who are doing that programming.

Keywords: This meeting was pulled from back ups and uploaded in it's entirety due to technical issues., 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” work from Kentucky Hospital Association and Kentucky Department of Agriculture leaders, including Jim Muser, Holly Harris, and Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The chair framed the discussion around personal wellness, injury prevention, and the broader goal of improving health through better sleep, nutrition, and activity, then asked the presenters to describe current initiatives and any policy changes needed. The witnesses described a partnership linking hospitals and Kentucky farmers to improve health outcomes while supporting rural agriculture. They said the effort has moved beyond the pilot stage and now includes more than 40 hospitals statewide, with programs such as healthier hospital cafeterias, grab-and-go options, farmers markets at hospital sites, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and medically tailored meals or groceries for patients with chronic conditions. ARH was highlighted as a leading model, with local food procurement, employee wellness efforts, and measurable outcome pilots, including a Russell County Hospital project focused on diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They also emphasized barriers to scaling the model, including fragmented short-term funding, lack of reimbursement for food-as-medicine programs, and burdensome procurement and testing requirements that can make it difficult for small farmers to participate. The presenters said hospitals are using their own funds or temporary grants to sustain programs and argued that policy changes are needed to simplify sourcing, expand reimbursement pathways, and support clinical measurement of outcomes. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:40.080><c> that</c> We operate a food rescue program that We operate a food rescue program
• </c> several attempts to fund food programs several attempts to fund food programs here.<00:20:31.120
• </c> how people utilize the program as well. how people utilize the program as well.
• This program came just in time for her to be able to buy it with the support of this program.
• This is a powerful program.

Bills: HF3579 , HF3549 , HF3548 , HF4388 , HF3566

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: eggs, donation, quality assurance, food assistance, charitable programs, agriculture, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, rotational grazing, grazing management, livestock, pasture management, soil health, erosion control

Transcript Highlights:

• To clarify the difference between the two, the LOTC program is actually a middle school program.
• having such a program.
• I have to know several young people that have gone through a JROTC program. ...program, and they're outstanding
• Well, we'll design it exactly like the other CTE programs.
• I'm going to design the development and the bonus program of the incentive program exactly like floral

Bills: HB 1079 , HB3651 , HB4980

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Leadership Officer Training Corps, public school, career education, military readiness, public school accountability, funding allotments, healthcare, insurance, cost control, patient access, regulation, affordability, public health, JROTC, automobile maintenance, high school education, elective course, student skills, practical knowledge