Transcript Highlights:

• We launched in August of 2023. Blue Star Families nationwide has been around since 2009.
• And we just launched last week in Issaquah.
• We launched in August of 2023. Blue Star Families nationwide has been around since 2009.
• And we just launched last week in Issaquah, a Coast Guard spouse, helped make that happen.
• We are on the Armed Services YMCA board, and they are anxiously launching their food bank.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts. David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations. Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families. During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank you both for convening us here today for this particular launch.
• Yesterday we launched Artemis, and today we will launch the Select Committee.
• We provided the impetus for the launch of economic development portfolio, which is kind of unique for
• We provided the impetus for the launch of economic development portfolio, which is kind of unique for
• We are located in the Tower District of Fresno, and we just launched a new store about a year ago in

Summary: The hearing focused on inclusive economic development in California’s Central Valley, with the chair describing prior state and federal investments in Fresno and the region, including Transformative Climate Communities funding, the Southwest Fresno Community College campus, affordable housing and infrastructure projects, medical education pathways, F3 Farm Food Future, and high-speed rail-related jobs. The chair emphasized that rural and historically disinvested communities often face complex application processes and limited technical capacity, and said the committee’s goal was to learn from successful local models and identify ways to better direct resources to communities that need them most. The first panel featured representatives from the Sierra Health Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, and UC Merced. Chet Hewitt argued that health and economic opportunity are inseparable and described Sierra Health’s economic development portfolio, including the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund, the Impact Investment Fund, and the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI), which together support healthier workplaces, microbusiness financing, and nonprofit capacity. Jessica Kaksmarik said Irvine’s place-based grantmaking in inland regions aims to strengthen worker and community power, support community-led development, and expand equitable pathways to mobility, while stressing that philanthropy must partner with government because it cannot meet the scale of need alone. Dr. Manuel Pastor and Dr. Ed Flores both argued that inequality and extractive development weaken long-term growth, and that community organizations need both power-building and technical expertise to influence regional planning; Flores also described the Valley Seed project and high-road economic development models that link labor, climate, and community benefits. The second panel highlighted community-based programs and the effects of unstable funding. Yolanda Randalls described the Sweet Potato Project at West Fresno Family Resource Center, a youth agriculture and entrepreneurship program that combines hands-on farming, business training, and mental health support; she said participants improved from a 1.9 GPA to a 3.3 GPA and that the program is seeking long-term support as its funding nears expiration. Addie Carr of Neighborhood Industries described a second-chance employment model that provides job training, case management, literacy and life coaching, and small no-interest loans, and said CEMI helped the organization open a second store and create more jobs. Maria Redoubt Orozco of Community Alliance with Family Farmers said small farmers are central to the Valley’s economy but face land, water, climate, and market barriers, and warned that federal cuts to programs like Local Food Purchasing Assistance threaten local food systems. Daniela Rodriguez of Immigrants Rising described entrepreneurship and technical assistance for undocumented and mixed-status entrepreneurs, including the SEED initiative, and said policy uncertainty and access-to-capital barriers continue to constrain immigrant economic mobility. In closing discussion, panelists repeatedly called for longer-term, braided, and flexible funding rather than one-time grants, and the chair noted the need to continue supporting community-defined practices and public-private partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• We then first launched the application for local food system infrastructure grants in 2022 and have had
• We then first launched the application for local food system infrastructure grants in 2022 and have had
• learned and use existing program staff to assess the purpose and criteria for this new grant proviso to launch
• So the six-month time frame that we had to scope the project and then launch the application to make

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee reviewed several House bills in executive session. Staff briefed bills on aviation assurances for wildland fire response (HB 2104), derelict vessels (HB 2199), irrigation district director spouse employment conflicts (HB 2223), statewide food security strategy (HB 2238), water quality and game farms (HB 2343), timber sales efficiencies (HB 2348), treaty reserve fishing rights and repeal of Initiative 456 (HB 2554), and a task force on reducing regulatory stress in agriculture (HB 2619). Members noted that HB 2238 had been heard previously as a striker but was now being considered as the engrossed substitute. Several bills had no amendments and little or no fiscal impact, while others carried modest fiscal notes. The committee took action on most bills: HB 2104, HB 2199, HB 2238, HB 2348, HB 2554, and HB 2619 all received due pass recommendations and were sent either to Ways and Means or Rules, with votes recorded by voice and no opposition noted. The committee took no action on HB 2223 or HB 2343. Members also thanked staff and acknowledged departing senators for their service. In the work session, the Washington State Department of Agriculture presented an overview of the 2024 local farms, workers, and food overtime reimbursement grant. WSDA described how it used targeted outreach, cross-agency coordination, and a streamlined application to administer the one-time program, which reimbursed qualifying overtime wages for hand-harvest vegetable farms selling to local markets and schools. The agency reported that 24 farms received about $213,000 total, and members asked about lessons learned, including how the experience might inform future grant design and broader agricultural support programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to launch, and as you heard, we launched—we’ll have 23 graduating apprentices in the spring
• </c><00:05:01.520><c> and</c><00:05:01.720><c> as</c> received we were able to launch and as received
• we were able to launch and as you<00:05:02.000><c> heard</c><00:05:02.400><c> we</c><00:05:02.560><c
• > launched</c><00:05:03.120><c> we'll</c><00:05:03.360><c> have</c><00:05:03.639><c> 23</c> you heard
• we launched we'll have 23 you heard we launched we'll have 23 graduating<00:05:05.720><c> apprentices

Bills: HF846 , HF1538 , HF1959

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• actionable policies, create a governance and accountability structure to oversee implementation of same, launch
• The same: launch targeted recruitment and hiring initiatives to increase employment of individuals with
• In their office, last year, they actually launched a really exciting program where they implemented three
• The Supplier Diversity Office recently launched their own EAC.
• The Supplier Diversity Office recently launched their own EAC. I forget what it stands for.

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and shared an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about the importance of every individual. Members then introduced themselves and their roles, including state disability advocates, providers, and commission members, before hearing a presentation from Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina of the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). SEED described its role as a technical assistance and policy resource for states, focused on sharing best practices and examples from other states to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The presentation outlined SEED’s seven policy areas: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and work, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and retention tools, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state government as a model employer. Examples from other states included scholarship and transition supports in Kentucky and Virginia, stay-at-work programs in Alaska and Washington, accommodation funds in Minnesota, procurement and small business initiatives in New Jersey and Virginia, and model employer efforts in Colorado, New York, and Tennessee. Members also asked about digital accessibility and PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED can help with policy-level questions and peer examples, but not implementation of accessibility requirements. Discussion then shifted to possible Massachusetts projects. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work or civic engagement requirements and how people with disabilities might fall through the cracks, and they asked whether SEED could help Massachusetts use existing documentation, such as IEPs, to reduce barriers. The group identified two main areas for follow-up: a Massachusetts “state as a model employer” roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition services and apprenticeship opportunities. SEED agreed to provide Massachusetts-specific analysis and two briefs, one on career readiness policies and one on state-as-model-employer strategies, and the subcommittee planned an offline follow-up meeting to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that Canisius boat launch, that's an area that I think we need to make some investments, and actually
• at several of our state boat launches on the Finger Lakes, we could really use the permanent boat wash
• I know that Kenesius boat launch, that's an area that I think we need to make some investments and actually
• at several of our state boat launches on the Finger Lakes, we could really use the permanent boat wash
• stations to help the transfer harmful in the state boat launches at both wash stations to help the transfer

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance Committee and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation considered Governor Hochul’s nomination of Kathleen “Kathy” Moser to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Moser described her background in conservation and public lands, and said her priorities would include improving access and belonging for all New Yorkers, maintaining health and safety, modernizing infrastructure, addressing climate change and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with local governments, community groups, and the Legislature. Members questioned her on a range of park issues, including visitor fees, safety at swimming areas such as Lake Welch, security measures at parks, access for urban residents through nature buses and school transportation grants, maintenance and capital needs, event permitting, workforce recruitment and retention, and coordination around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Moser said the department has targeted capital and safety investments at popular parks, is installing fencing, lighting, cameras, and license plate readers at entrances at selected sites, and is planning extensive 250th commemoration programming and historic-site renovations. She also discussed efforts to expand community stewardship, including partner groups, culturally specific amenities like cricket fields, and outreach through traveling exhibits and social media. Senators raised concerns and suggestions about renewable energy siting, cell service in rural areas, invasive species prevention, and local infrastructure needs. After questioning concluded, the committees voted to advance the nomination, and the motion was reported to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• But our staff have launched. We have one more. It's also scheduled.
• But our staff have launched the website, and we've made ourselves available to answer one-on-one questions
• We're also on the third year launching our heavy equipment operators academy.
• On the third year, launching our heavy equipment operators academy, 180 people.
• We're launching it this year as well.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, routine agenda items, and the confirmation hearing for Dina El-Tawansy to serve as Director of the California Department of Transportation. The committee first approved a series of appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, Contractors State License Board, and Medical Board of California, along with bill referrals, a rule waiver for guests on the Senate floor for a memorial adjournment in honor of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these actions were approved on 5-0 votes, with the early appointment items passing 3-2. The committee then heard testimony from El-Tawansy, who emphasized her 28 years at Caltrans, a focus on safety, equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including the impact of federal and state disputes affecting immigrant truck drivers and highway funding, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal rules, asphalt recycling and disposal, climate-related damage to roads and coastal infrastructure, and the future of gas-tax revenue and road user charges. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is prioritizing safety and emergency projects, working on reevaluating DBEs, advancing climate adaptation planning, and studying road user charge pilots and related technology. Members also asked about small business participation, toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor. El-Tawansy described Caltrans programs to support small and disadvantaged businesses, local hiring, heavy equipment and CDL training, standardized toll lane agreements, delegated maintenance MOUs with local governments, and expanded efforts on encampment response and rail/transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms urging confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our staff have also launched the website, and we've made ourselves available to answer one-on-one questions
• We're also on the third year launching our heavy equipment operators academy.
• On the third year launching our heavy equipment operators academy, 180 people.
• We're launching it this year as well. We're launching it this year as well.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• actionable policies, create a governance and accountability structure to oversee implementation of same, launch
• The same: launch targeted recruitment and hiring initiatives to increase employment of individuals with
• In their office last year, In their office last year, they actually launched a really exciting program
• The Supplier Diversity Office recently launched their own EAC.
• The Supplier Diversity Office recently launched their own EAC. I forget what it stands for.

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with SEED (the State Exchange on Employment and Disability) staff for a presentation on state disability employment policy options and possible collaboration with Massachusetts. After roll call, the committee approved prior meeting minutes and heard an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall emphasizing that every individual matters and can make a difference. Members then introduced themselves and described their roles in disability employment, accessibility, state government, and advocacy. SEED staff Katya Alpanis and Dina Klumkina explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy resources to help states advance disability employment. They outlined seven policy areas, including career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and retention, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and accommodation tools, disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer strategies. They shared examples from other states such as Kentucky, Virginia, Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and others. In response to questions, they clarified that PEAT has been refunded and is expected to return online, and that SEED’s role is policy support rather than implementation of accessibility requirements. Committee members discussed Massachusetts-specific interests, including digital accessibility, existing state efforts, and prior SEED engagement with Massachusetts agencies and legislators. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work requirements and the risk that people with disabilities could fall through the cracks, and asked whether SEED could help inform state policy responses. The group identified two likely project areas: a Massachusetts state-as-model-employer roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition supports and civic engagement. SEED agreed to follow up with briefs and a questionnaire, and the committee planned an offline follow-up discussion to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work. No formal votes beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I showed our board a similar slide in January when we launched our strategic plan.
• something that was we When we came up with this, safety was not something that we envisioned as launching
• So it is something that when we launched it... ...you're recognized. Thank you.
• So it is something that when we launched it in 2022, we did share it with the group of counselors in
• I do know that we did provide them training on the website when we launched it back in 2022.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, from Emily Sykes and later the system’s legislative budget request from Sarah Denagie. The strategic plan centers on five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. Testimony highlighted Florida’s continued status as the nation’s top higher education system, record rankings, improved four-year graduation rates, higher median graduate wages, strong licensure pass rates, and expanded focus on research commercialization and workforce alignment. Senators asked about programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and teacher workforce needs, use of the My Florida Future wage data tool, support for first-generation and Pell students, and the role of liberal arts degrees. The system said it would provide follow-up information, including the full strategic-emphasis list and a report on campus safety best practices after a recent summit following the FSU shooting. The committee also received an update on line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and expanded nursing capacity. They reported more than 1,900 new nursing graduates, over 200 new student slots, more than 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff indicated that would be examined this year. For the legislative budget request, the Board of Governors asked for $634.5 million total, including $295 million to maintain the institutional performance-based funding base, $400 million for the state investment portion of performance-based funding, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for state fire marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions will be required. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we just can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the use of a boat launch.
• We just can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the use of a boat launch south of U.S.
• It's just primarily the launch issue.
• I'm going to bring up something that, and y'all may be familiar with this, but you've got some launches
• that are used that are north of Highway 90, like you take the launch at Amelia, and also the one at

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• We are continuing and actually launching some of that training in the new year.
• Welch had noted, it launched in July 2022.
• The launch of 988 has fundamentally transformed crisis response in our county.
• Just one year after launch, in FY 22-23, that number jumped to 24,497, a 34% increase.
• Just one year after launch, in FY22, 23, that number jumped to 24,497, a 34% increase.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis held an informational hearing focused on the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system around it. Chair Pellerin and Assembly Member Schiavo opened with personal remarks about the importance of the issue and the need to strengthen California’s crisis infrastructure, especially as federal actions and funding uncertainty threaten services for youth and LGBTQ+ callers. The hearing was organized into panels covering state implementation, county coordination, and community crisis services, with public comment to follow. State officials from CalHHS, DHCS, Cal OES, and the 988 California Consortium described progress since AB 988 and the five-year implementation plan, including governance structures, statewide network buildout, call-routing technology, public awareness campaigns, and integration with Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. They said California has created or enhanced more than 485 mobile crisis teams, built crisis stabilization and residential facilities, and expanded youth behavioral health supports such as BrightLife Kids and Soluna. They also noted ongoing work to replace lost Trevor Project support with enhanced LGBTQ+ youth training, and to develop a 988 resource directory and future public awareness campaign. Cal OES explained that the 988 surcharge is recalculated annually based on budgeted needs and fund balance, and that text-to-911 and next-gen 911 interoperability are being expanded. County and community witnesses emphasized that the system is still strained by rising demand and uneven local integration. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law-enforcement holds and helped place residents into housing, but said 988 calls still do not reliably route to the county’s mobile crisis team and that rural counties need more flexible funding, vehicles, technology, and reimbursement support. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics and major growth in 988 call and text volume, but said sustained funding is needed to support staffing, text/chat expansion, and commercial payer reimbursement. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the California Peer Run Warm Line is a key part of the continuum of care, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language services, federation support, and hours, despite high demand. Across the hearing, members and witnesses agreed that 988 is saving lives but still misses thousands of calls each month and needs more stable, multi-year funding, better coordination, and clearer roles among state agencies, counties, and crisis centers. Witnesses repeatedly called for stronger feedback loops, better integration between 988 and mobile crisis dispatch, and more investment in staffing, technology, and outreach so Californians can be connected to the right help without unnecessary law enforcement or emergency room involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• It took into account the type of course needed, the time frame for which they could launch the event,
• administered by the Texas Historical Commission to support exhibit enhancements, promote tourism, and launch
• Actually, the South by Southwest story goes all the way back to 1987 when we launched as a small music-only
• Actually, the South by Southwest story goes all the way back to 1987 when we launched as a small music-only
• Actually, the South by Southwest story goes all the way back to 1987 when we launched as a small music-only

Bills: HB2385 , HB3349 , HB3962 , HB3883 , HB4396 , HB4811 , HB5088 , HB4588 , HB4867 , HB4895 , HB5398 , HB5616

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• We have recently launched Operation Hire Hawaii, which allows for expedited hiring, and the Department
• We have recently launched Operation Hire Hawaii, which allows for expedited hiring, and the Department
• operation hire Hawaii which launched operation hire Hawaii which allows<00:05:49.280><c> for</c><00:
• We worked with the Attorney General's office before we launched this program.
• </c><00:11:34.240><c> this</c> General's office before we launched this General's office before we launched

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, utilities are piloting and launching a number of actions to reduce our flex load at the
• This year, we're super excited about the launch of EDAM, which is going to add a day-ahead component
• So congratulations, looking forward to that launching in a few months.
• So congratulations, looking forward to that launching in a few months.
• Has any other state required federal funding to launch its community solar program?

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that launch has already gained significant traction from its earned media value.
• </c><00:10:20.320><c> our</c> Heritage, we launched our Heritage, we launched our African-American<00
• ><c> gained</c><00:10:25.200><c> significant</c> launch um has already gained significant launch um has
• We're looking at our messaging for our fall campaign, which is about to launch.
• Um, you saw those 23 about to launch.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% Tourism Meeting and Convention Marketing Fund. Officials said Kentucky tourism is a $14.3 billion industry that welcomed more than 80 million travelers last year, supports nearly 97,000 jobs, and uses the fund solely for tourism marketing and promotion, not capital projects. They noted the fund received additional appropriations in the enacted budget and also supports several designated tourism-related initiatives. Commissioner Mike Manet described how the fund is used for paid media, public relations, international marketing, cultural heritage promotion, website content, regional matching grants, research, trade shows, and travel expenses. He said the department spent $10.8 million on paid media in 23 markets in 2024, focused on seven tourism pillars, and used research and advertising ROI studies to guide spending. He reported 180 PR placements, 3.2 billion earned impressions, 3% growth in international visitation, and 12% growth in international spending to $257 million. He also highlighted the African-American Heritage Trail and said the regional matching funds program distributed $2 million to 87 local tourism commissions. Members asked about the rise of AI in search results, how domestic and international visitor data are collected, how ad agencies are selected, and how regional matching funds are allocated. The commissioner said the department uses GPS-based and federal data, including National Travel and Tourism Office figures, and that ad agencies are chosen through an RFP process. Representative McDaniel raised concerns about bourbon tourism and Canadian visitation; the commissioner said Canadian travel is down significantly, bourbon-related visitation has softened, and the department is shifting more spending toward in-state and closer drive markets while emphasizing bourbon’s heritage story. Representative Fugate asked about eastern Kentucky tourism and ATV trails, and the commissioner said those trails are included in advertising, social media, and earned media efforts. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arkansas Launch is something that you probably have all heard about.
• Launch is something that you probably have all heard about.
• Launch is essentially an ability to have what's called the talent marketplace, where you're able to bring
• The backbone behind the virtual platform, Launch is a tool. It's not a system.
• And again, that's even with some of the referral work with Launch, Or six different people.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:04:03.800><c> also</c><00:04:04.080><c> going</c><00:04:04.320><c> to</c><00:04:04.480><c> launch
• </c> And this bill is also going to launch And this bill is also going to launch the<00:04:04.960><c>
• 00:04:33.360><c> full</c> secure the state funds for the full secure the state funds for the full launch
• </c> launch of the full program. launch of the full program.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2025, we were able to launch our $1.9 billion access reform and outcomes incentive program.
• Finally, we anticipate launching our activity funds initiative by July as well.
• Round three was launch ready, four was children, and then five was crisis.
• Rounds three was launch ready, four was children, and then five was crisis.
• That's a 57% increase since its launch.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• It launched in 2014.
• And as the deputy director said, we're starting to launch CA Rise 2.0.
• As we launch CA Rise 2.0, we'll be sure to invite you and welcome you to that launch, and we'll be happy
• They might launch next year.
• To provide a quick review, the Cal Competes Tax Credit first launched in 2014.