Transcript Highlights:

• And that's how that system works. So these two systems don't speak to each other.
• Again, Health care.
• the U.S. system, when you have other tax systems, international systems, laid on top of California's
• Equitable, sustainable revenue solutions to ensure IHSS and child care are fully funded for the long
• term.

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the Water’s Edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Chairs opened by framing the issue as a review of whether current rules fairly and sufficiently tax foreign subsidiary income, given profit shifting concerns, budget pressures, and the long history since Water’s Edge was adopted in the 1980s. The first panel from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Franchise Tax Board explained the mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and the Water’s Edge election, and provided filing data showing Water’s Edge filers are a small share of returns but account for a large share of corporate tax liability. FTB witnesses said the agency already administers both methods and could handle a shift to mandatory worldwide reporting with education and outreach, though revenue estimates are difficult because foreign affiliate information is not directly available. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, administrative burden, industries with more profit shifting, revenue uncertainty, and whether companies would leave California. LAO and FTB witnesses said pushback from foreign governments was plausible, but they did not expect major business flight because California’s tax is largely based on sales rather than physical presence. They also said worldwide reporting could reduce profit shifting but might increase revenue volatility and litigation risk. A second panel of academic and tax policy witnesses argued that Water’s Edge is a loophole that rewards aggressive tax planning, that worldwide combined reporting would better capture income tied to California, and that modern federal and international rules such as NCTI/GILTI, CAMT, and Pillar Two reduce compliance concerns and make a return to worldwide reporting more feasible. They also said California’s current system can create selection effects and may under-tax large multinationals. In the next panel, a California Budget and Policy Center witness urged eliminating the Water’s Edge election, calling it a costly loophole that benefits large global corporations over smaller domestic businesses and deprives the state of billions in revenue that could support health care and other services. A Silicon Valley Leadership Group witness gave historical context for why Water’s Edge was adopted and began outlining concerns about compliance, double taxation, and the risk of overreaching beyond income truly connected to California. No bill was voted on or advanced; the hearing was informational only, with members using the testimony to weigh the policy trade-offs and possible transition periods if the Legislature were to change the current rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• of feeding, in terms of um dressing, in terms of a lot of those things.
• term.
• It was 2 days long.
• Trying to take care of in this system are done so safely and with consistency.
• programs were replaced with the community benefit which provides home and community-based services, long-term

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think long term... I see every day.
• But I think long term, I think that's what we're going to have to do.
• budgetary priority in our education system long term, because I think it can intertwine everything from
• , short and long-term.
• short and long-term Great idea.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its first hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including hunger-free campuses, FAFSA completion, early college/college-in-high-school programs, banning legacy preferences, AP credit consistency, and tuition equity for the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Committee leaders opened by outlining the hearing process and noting the three-minute testimony limit. Legislators and advocates generally framed the bills as equity and access measures aimed at improving college affordability, student success, and workforce development. Representative Vargas testified for H. 1466 and H. 1467, arguing that hunger-free campus should be codified because many public college and community college students face food insecurity, and that FAFSA completion should be improved through individualized outreach and an opt-out or completion requirement. Senator Lovely, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and other advocates supported the hunger-free campus bill, citing data that 44% of public university and community college students experienced food insecurity in 2023 and that food insecurity harms graduation rates. Femi Stoltz and Shanti Lopez Toro backed the FAFSA bill, saying many students miss out on Pell grants and need direct support; they pointed to state examples such as Louisiana and to recent state action requiring FAFSA awareness. Committee members asked about the federal FAFSA rollout, regional equity in food access, and the need for long-term funding and data collection. A large panel supported H. 1455 on college and high school/early college, including former Chair Roy, the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, a student graduate, MBAE, and Tripp Jones. They described early college as a proven model that helps low-income and first-generation students, improves degree attainment, and supports workforce needs; witnesses said the goal is to scale from about 9,000 students and 55 partnerships toward 22,000 to 25,000 students by 2030, with possible future growth beyond that. Members raised questions about funding, public-private partnerships, parental involvement, faculty development, and whether the bill should include data review and more standardized policies across institutions. Representative Garcia also testified for H. 1432 on AP credit, saying students should receive consistent credit for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5. Senator Edwards and James Murphy testified for the legacy preference ban, arguing it is unfair and rooted in exclusionary history; they said some states have already banned legacy preferences in public and private institutions. Finally, UMass Dean Michael Fox, alumnus Dan Mayer, and student Jake Rasmussen supported S. 920 to include Stockbridge associate degree programs in MassEducate, saying tuition equity would help enrollment and support Massachusetts agriculture and green-industry jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• student support, early learning access, trauma-informed services, shared governance, and a plan for long-term
• They're central to sustained implementation, to equitable decision-making, and to long-term success.
• And I'm a big believer that the best way is for system leaders to show care, to use our finances strategically
• students and our families, our educators, and our leaders, it is important for the opportunity for long-term
• of philanthropy to do that, which we braided with facilities and ESSER fund, one-time funding for long-term

Summary: The joint informational and oversight hearing focused on community schools in California, with members emphasizing that the purpose was to examine effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability rather than the Governor’s budget proposal. The California Department of Education described the California Community Schools Partnership Program, created in 2021 and funded with more than $4 billion, including planning, implementation, extension, and county coordination grants. Officials said nearly 2,500 schools are participating and highlighted the statewide technical assistance structure, including the State Transformational Assistance Center, eight regional centers, county offices, and CDE support. Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute and UCLA presented early findings and implementation data. LPI reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with gains in math and English language arts, with especially large benefits for Black students and other historically underserved groups. UCLA described the Annual Progress Report as a statewide improvement tool showing growth in capacity-building, shared decision-making, whole-child supports, and continuous improvement. Members asked about how the reports measure outcomes, how to interpret outliers, and how to distinguish community schools effects from other concurrent initiatives; presenters said matched comparison methods and deeper case-study work are being used, with additional statewide findings expected in June. Panelists from Oakland Unified, LAUSD/UTLA, San Diego Unified, and advocacy organizations described key elements of success: integrated student supports, strong family and student engagement, collaborative leadership, community partnerships, and school-site decision-making. They gave examples such as wellness centers, dual enrollment, student senates, parent leadership, and community campaigns that built trust and increased participation. Members also raised concerns about sustainability, implementation fidelity, and whether community schools improve participation in LCAP processes. Presenters said major barriers include unclear early guidance, the need for a mindset shift away from top-down models, and uncertainty about long-term funding for coordinators and other staff. The panel’s recommendations centered on stable ongoing funding, stronger technical assistance, shared governance, and embedding community schools practices into district and county systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the long term. ...and they recognize the importance of this legislation for both the short-term
• and the long-term impacts, and they strongly urge that this is kept in place so they can continue to
• Hospitals are required to reinvest this funding in health care, workforce, and quality of care initiatives
• This bill ensures that state policy continues to support long-term access, continuity, and fairness in
• health care delivery for all New Mexicans.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 38, which would continue New Mexico’s affordable spay and neuter grant program. Supporters, including animal shelter officials, veterinarians, county advocates, and nonprofit representatives, said the program is needed because shelters are overwhelmed by dog and cat overpopulation, and they cited high intake and euthanasia rates, especially in rural and low-income areas. Several speakers said the grants have already funded spay/neuter and trap-neuter-release work and should not sunset. One public comment raised concerns that some money was going to private parties and could create anti-donation issues, while another witness responded that the legal challenge is still pending and no court has ruled on the law’s constitutionality. Dr. Lawrence Young of the Veterinary Medicine Board said about $1 million has been awarded to 28 organizations, with additional funds in escrow, and described the program as transparent and accountable. The chair said the bill would be taken up for a vote later, not at that meeting. The committee also heard SB 101, the Health Care Delivery and Access Act, which would repeal the program’s July 1, 2030 sunset and make it permanent. The sponsor and the Health Care Authority said the act has already helped optimize nearly $1.5 billion in federal hospital funding, which hospitals must reinvest in care, workforce, and quality improvements. Support came from the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico Safety Over Profit, the New Mexico Hospital Association, and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, all of whom said the program provides stability for hospitals, especially rural and safety-net facilities, and helps avoid service disruptions. No opposition was voiced, and the chair said the committee would return to the bill for a vote on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Long-term effects can be equally alarming.
• Long-term, it creates real problems, just like alcohol effects.
• Most long-term marijuana users develop insomnia, and of course, long-term users...
• It is a prevailing influence across all ages and demographics with long-term impacts medically.
• I also worked in the foster care system for 20 years.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB 5 , SB 11 , SB 12

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care. Item number six, AB 1876 with Addis. Health care coverage, non-discrimination.
• and systems that provide care for trans and gender diverse people.
• Many families are forced to travel long distances for care or pay high out-of-pocket costs due to inadequate
• provider networks. ...long distances for care or pay high out-of-pocket costs due to inadequate provider
• care.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• LR 425 will explore long-term facility and treatment options that best serve the unique needs of youth
• Whitehall's principles of care include individualized treatment, trauma-informed care, cultural competency
• as you know, Senator Reep, not every building is conducive to our residential program, especially long-term
• you know Senator Reevee it's not every building is conducive to our residential program especially a long-term
• In the long run, maybe the long run is a year or two.

Committee: Unicameral Health and Human Services

Keywords: 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think when you look at long-term costs for the state, taking care of children is typically less
• care system.
• care system.
• care system.
• care system.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I have a series of questions, but they don't have to be long questions or long answers.
• I'm going to say the term, but I want to be careful about how I say this: this idea of college for everyone
• And so, in terms of providing some level of stability in the long term, Run.
• of possibly not being considered close to the bottom in terms of our school systems?
• developed those systems.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a major flag for members during the Aging and Long-Term Services Department hearing.
• This was a major flag for members during the aging and long-term services department hearing.
• This would be $1.5 million to consolidate health providers to a unified health care information system
• Chair, aging long-term services funding for support the federal nutritional services incentive program
• term services funding for support the federal nutritional services incentive program Aging long-term

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what is the long-term chronic health effect of long-term exposure to, not just hydrogen sulfide?
• I am deeply concerned about the potential short-term and long-term health effects of working in these
• But they're still concerned about the unknown long-term effects of what this crisis will have on their
• I think what's incumbent upon this moment is that we ensure that, for the long term, we don't return
• , but really think of the long term.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.

Transcript Highlights:

• system.
• Beyond the obvious loss of medical care and the additional strain on emergency response systems, there
• In stroke care, time and brain health care are critically linked.
• It was a long-term recognition.
• Home and community care will be the future of health care.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 3599, a bill concerning access to landlocked Indian lands in Massachusetts. Witnesses, including members of the Mashpee Wampanoag and Herring Pond communities, described long-standing family land access problems, tax assessments they said treated inaccessible parcels as buildable, and a 2016 Supreme Judicial Court ruling that denied easements by necessity on the basis of tribal custom. They said the bill would restore equal treatment under the law and noted support from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and conditional support from the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, with possible language changes still under discussion. Members asked about the tax impacts and the status of tribal support, and the chair said the committee would review the conditions and written letters before proceeding. The committee then took up H. 5047, authorizing the Commonwealth to take the Norwood Hospital property by eminent domain so the site can be restored as a hospital. Sponsors Rep. Rogers, Sen. Rush, and Rep. Lynch argued that the closure of Norwood Hospital after the 2020 flood and Steward bankruptcy left a regional medical gap affecting more than a dozen towns, major venues, and emergency responders. They said the site should be returned to a not-for-profit operator, that the state would not be asked to fund the hospital itself, and that eminent domain would allow an independent valuation and move the project forward. Several committee members voiced support, while Rep. Davis asked about timing, cost, and whether negotiations with the current owner could still resolve the issue; sponsors said the private owner had delayed too long and that the state needed a contingency path. Testimony from local officials, chamber representatives, nurses, firefighters, EMS leaders, and residents emphasized the hospital’s regional role, the strain on ambulance and emergency room capacity, longer transport times, boarding at other hospitals, and added costs to towns for ambulances and staffing. Speakers also described personal experiences with delayed care and said the hospital had been profitable before the flood. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts supported the bill, stressing the need for inpatient beds, emergency preparedness, and a stable regional health care system. The committee also briefly heard and accepted testimony on S. 2922, an Eversource-backed bill authorizing an underground easement at Magazine Beach in Cambridge for the Greater Cambridge Energy Project, before returning to the Norwood Hospital bill; no votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• within a stable health care delivery system.
• In terms of your question about how health plans ensure access to care for their members, health plans
• So we do have certain continuity of care policies as Medi-Cal members transition from one delivery system
• Prior to accessing medical care, many, if not most, youth and families have a long process before ever
• It is a minimum requirement to keep California's gender-affirming care system from collapsing, and we

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to technical assistance and financing remains one of the biggest barriers to long-term success
• AB 685 recognizes that California must continue investing in the long-term resilience of our small business
• system and provide excellent patient care.
• , including abortion care, long before it was criminalized.
• , including abortion care, long before it was criminalized.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to get a Representative Davids provision in for short-term, long-term care insurance.
• It's short-term, long-term care, and that's what it is.
• And long-term care policies are extremely expensive with the short-term, long-term care that all the
• It's short-term, long-term care, care, care, and<00:43:26.240><c> that's</c><00:43:26.640><c> what</c
• /c><00:43:34.000><c> care</c><00:43:34.319><c> that</c> with the short-term, long-term care that with

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I did speak with the long-term care association to get some more description of that.
• So I did speak with the long-term care association to get some more description of that.
• What is system of care? Oh, sorry. Sorry, Senator Cleary.
• Well, 45% of our budget is medical services, and then you add long-term care in there too, and that increases
• And then you add long-term care in there, too, and that increases it.

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The HR division continued work on the behavioral health budget, with members revisiting several funding items and generally agreeing to hold provider inflation increases until the full division picture is clearer. They tentatively supported additional funding for Community Connect and Free Through Recovery, as well as increases for the drug court program and peer support, while clarifying that some items were already in the House version and others were one-time or grant-related expenditures. The committee spent considerable time on a proposed $2 million behavioral health services program for nursing homes and basic care facilities. Senator Mathern brought revised language to describe a capitated payment model for training, consultation, and direct patient care for residents with medically based behavioral disorders and disruptive behaviors. Some members remained skeptical and wanted to see the amendment before deciding, but the discussion centered on whether the funding would help nursing homes accept patients who otherwise end up in state hospitals or acute care settings. Members also discussed several one-time funding items, including electronic health record and legacy system upgrades, network redundancy for the state hospital, partial hospitalization/intensive day treatment expansion, and a bathroom remodel at the Southeast Human Service Center. The committee restored the bathroom project to the original $972,000 estimate after concerns that the House reduction would not cover the needed ADA and plumbing work. They also debated a $12.96 million behavioral health facility grant for Altru in Grand Forks, with some members opposing it and others supporting it as a regional service expansion, but ultimately set it aside for later consideration. The meeting ended with staff flagging other sections of the bill, including the opioid settlement advisory language, the state hospital steering committee, behavioral health education grants, and the system of care grant. The chair announced that medical services would be taken up the next day, and members agreed to adjourn after planning to revisit unresolved behavioral health items and vote on the held bill later.

Transcript Highlights:

• In our system...
• We have a long history of working in what we call systems resilience, mostly about agriculture.
• System.
• Some care as well and so thank you for thank you for your words I didn't know that term even existed
• This modernization effort also directly aligns with the Texas' long-term higher education goal of building

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, what this sounds like is what it was probably like when the health care system in the prisons
• The state has a long history of funding civil legal aid.
• These strategic investments will strengthen communities and reduce long-term costs.
• These strategic investments will strengthen communities, reduce long-term costs, and ensure that no Californian
• We have built systems that are built on a platform that allows us to share whatever systems we create

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you know that I grew up in the foster care system.
• I specifically was a ward of Alameda County's foster care system.
• Instead, job order contracting establishes long-term contracts with pre-qualified contractors.
• especially first-time and moderate-income homeowners, the ability to construct an ADU that increases long-term
• demands on roads, utilities, emergency services, and public resources, while providing relatively few long-term

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all