Transcript Highlights:

• That gives you context on the openings and closures here. That was noted in a L.A.
• The cause of the continuing closures is not a mystery: Medi-Cal reimbursement rates do not cover CBAS
• That's resulting in the continued closures.
• are having, and that any potential closures in the future would still have.
• In terms of the closure risk, we definitely believe that any clawbacks would result in additional closures

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees held a joint hearing on older adults and long-term care supports and services, with members and witnesses focusing on the growing “forgotten/overlooked middle” of Californians who are too wealthy for Medi-Cal but unable to afford long-term services and supports (LTSS). Administration witnesses from DHCS and the Department of Aging described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role for low-income residents, and ongoing state work on LTSS financing, including a 2024 financing initiative and a final report due in 2026. Testimony emphasized rising costs, caregiver shortages, homelessness among older adults, and the need to preserve home- and community-based services to avoid more expensive institutional care. Several advocates urged immediate action, especially Medi-Cal share-of-cost reform, housing supports, and protection of HCBS funding. Members asked for the most urgent budget priorities and were told to focus on share-of-cost reform and assisted-living rate protections, along with broader system navigation and caregiver support. The committee also heard testimony on the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS serves about 42,000 participants through 304 centers, with demand generally stable but geographic gaps in some regions and staffing challenges after the pandemic. DHCS explained a rate-setting issue: a 10% CBAS rate increase had been mistakenly posted on the Medi-Cal fee schedule in 2024, and while Proposition 35 later made the targeted SB 159 rate increase inoperative, DHCS said any repayment by managed care plans would depend on contract terms and the department would not require clawbacks. CBAS providers and advocates warned that the program is in a financial crisis, with six center closures since June 2024, and requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close about half the gap between current reimbursement and costs. Members expressed concern that clawbacks could accelerate closures and noted the program’s role in preventing institutionalization and supporting family caregivers. In the final panel, CDSS presented on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider recruitment and retention and on the AB 102 statewide bargaining report. CDSS said the IHSS Career Pathways program has concluded successfully, with more than 59,000 providers completing training, and that the AB 102 report—based on workgroup meetings and consultant analysis—will be sent to the Legislature shortly. The department said the workgroup viewed statewide bargaining as more viable than regional bargaining, but identified major issues around consumer participation, county fiscal impacts, administrative responsibilities, and the need to define bargaining scope in statute. CDSS estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Provider unions supported statewide bargaining, arguing it would improve wages, benefits, and workforce stability, while county representatives said any statewide model should preserve consumer focus, protect county finances and realignment funds, and keep core administrative functions with local public authorities. The hearing concluded without votes, with members requesting additional follow-up information and urging continued engagement ahead of the May revise.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for all the previous prison closures, we have not had to lay any staff off.
• However, I can say we acknowledge that prison closures as a solution has been the norm.
• Real quick, you mentioned in your last answer something regarding cold closure and warm closure.
• In your last answer, something regarding cold closure and warm closure regarding the prisons, so I'm
• sooner; cold closure meaning that it's probably more permanently closed.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first established quorum and took up several routine items, including two governor’s appointments to the Court Reporters Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Heather Lynn Gonzalez’s appointment was approved 3-1, Allison Salton-Sall’s appointment was approved 4-0, and the other routine items were approved 4-0. The committee then heard testimony on two Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both associate directors in the Division of Adult Institutions. Senators focused heavily on the California model, staff safety, prison violence, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and visitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model is meant to balance rehabilitation with safety, that CDCR has improved communication and training, and that incidents such as the pepper-spray event at Central California Women’s Facility led to discipline, investigations, retraining, and policy review. They also described PREA reporting systems, anti-retaliation protections, statewide visiting meetings, and efforts to make visiting more family-centered and consistent. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, citing their work on rehabilitation, reentry, and sexual abuse response. The committee unanimously voted 4-0 to send both Ratliff and Tuggle to the Senate floor for confirmation. It then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, public safety, contraband, prison rape prevention, workplace culture, whistleblower retaliation, and repeated allegations in late-filed opposition letters. Johnson said parole risk is assessed through established scoring and supervision levels, that sex offenders are subject to GPS monitoring and treatment, and that operations use investigations, training, and collaboration with law enforcement to address contraband and misconduct. He emphasized rehabilitation, culture change, accountability, and his commitment to staff and public safety, while acknowledging criticism and the difficulty of leading a large institution. No vote on Johnson was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is our fifth prison closure over the last several years.
• So for all the previous prison closures, we have not had to lay any staff off.
• You mentioned in your last answer something regarding cold closure and warm closure. Thank you.
• In your last answer, something regarding cold closure and warm closure regarding the prisons, so I'm
• be reopened sooner; cold closure, meaning that it's probably more permanently closed.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• are caused by generating heat, often in the form of high-temperature steam that is used around the factory
• equipment through successful programs like the CEC's INDIGO program and the FPIP program, but even the factories

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward. The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• are caused by generating heat, often in the form of high-temperature steam that is used around the factory
• equipment through successful programs like the CEC's INDIGO program, the FPIP program, but even the factories

Summary: The committee first heard SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approval for portable plug-in solar devices for homes and apartments. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and other Californians lower electric bills, expand access to solar, and create statewide safety standards through UL certification and the National Electrical Code. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, backfeeding, older electrical systems, and the bill bypassing the California Electrical Code and Building Standards Commission process. After extended discussion and testimony from UL, the author agreed to add California Electrical Code language, and several opponents indicated they would move to neutral; the committee then passed the bill out as amended to the Senate Judiciary Committee on a roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 886, which would establish rules for large data centers to prevent electricity cost shifts to other ratepayers. The author and supporters said rapid data center growth could drive major grid costs and that the bill would require data centers to pay for their own infrastructure, participate in demand response, and secure new zero-carbon resources. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, while opponents such as the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, utilities, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC proceedings, and might impose operationally risky mandates, especially around demand response and backup power. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing behind-the-meter storage with a pre-funded long-term clean energy contract, and exempting certain public and critical facilities; the discussion continued with questions about cost responsibility, clean energy targets, and peak-load management.

Transcript Highlights:

• are caused by generating heat, often in the form of high-temperature steam that is used around the factory
• equipment through successful programs like the CEC's INDIGO program and the FPIP program, but even the factories

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation costs for products in general, operating costs for factories, and import prices as well
• Higher transportation costs for products in general, operating costs for factories, and import prices

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I never voted closure. I never voted closure. Never.<00:39:10.560><c> EVER.
• THE BLACK CAUCUS never voted<00:39:13.599><c> closure</c><00:39:14.480><c> against</c> voted closure
• </c> throw the closure petition. throw the closure petition.
• </c> before he would vote on the closure? before he would vote on the closure?
• </c> Singleton that we were closured? Singleton that we were closured?

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 senators. The journal was adopted without objection, absent senators were excused, and there were no house messages, committee reports, motions, or resolutions before the first bill was called. The main item of business was House Bill 1, described as a conditional measure to set a process for electing U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 if a federal court order lifts current injunctions. The sponsor said the bill would only take effect if the court order is issued and would allow quick compliance with federal rulings. Debate centered on whether the bill was truly responsive to the court or instead an attempt at mid-decade redistricting; opponents argued it would violate Alabama’s constitutional limits on elections and ignore the court’s redistricting orders, while supporters said they were trying to comply with the court and that the issue was partisan rather than personal. Much of the discussion focused on Allen v. Milligan, the Voting Rights Act, and the meaning of the court’s injunctions. One senator argued the bill would dilute Black voting strength and was being driven by national Republican politics, while the sponsor and others insisted the legislature was acting only conditionally and that the court had not ordered the specific action being debated. The exchange became lengthy and contentious, but no final vote or other action on HB1 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• drop boxes 60 days after an election, or if it complies with the Kentucky Open Records Act and the closure
• Kentucky open records Act and uh or the Kentucky open records Act and uh or the<00:08:01.039><c> closure
• </c><00:08:01.479><c> of</c><00:08:01.599><c> an</c><00:08:02.000><c> investigation</c> the closure of
• an investigation the closure of an investigation litigation<00:08:04.080><c> including</c><00:08:04.720
• of any investigation same the closure of any investigation same language<00:09:56.959><c> litigation

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum and considered two election-related bills. The committee first took up House Bill 684, sponsored by Representative Jennifer Decker, and adopted a committee substitute. Decker described the bill as a “continuous improvement” measure developed with election officials, clerks, legislators, and citizens. She walked through provisions addressing precinct officer staffing in vote centers, notice to school districts when schools are used as voting centers, absentee ballot replacement when a ballot is not received, retention and disposal timelines for election-related video surveillance, permanent voting assistance certifications, write-in candidate deadlines and posting restrictions, candidate filing details, witness requirements, public posting of candidate information, felony voting language, and school district closure rules for voting locations. Members discussed the school-related provision, the handling of mail-in ballots, and a committee-substitute change removing credit cards and debit cards as acceptable voter ID. Supportive comments emphasized election integrity and the collaborative drafting process. The committee then voted to report HB 684 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 699, sponsored by Representative DJ Johnson, which would add a pre-certification verification process for candidate filings. Johnson said the bill was intended to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot by requiring election officials to verify that a candidate’s residence is in the correct jurisdiction and, in partisan races, that the candidate is registered with the party sought, with appeals going to circuit court. He argued the current system relies on costly legal challenges after filing errors occur. During discussion, Representative Hancock voted no, saying the bill would create an unnecessary administrative burden and that filing paperwork should remain a basic responsibility of candidates, while other members voted yes. The committee ultimately reported HB 699 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It may be that every district is like a separate factory, right?
• c> separate</c> be that every district's like a separate be that every district's like a separate factory
• because they all have factory, right?
• > uh</c><03:58:31.279><c> the</c><03:58:31.520><c> basic</c><03:58:31.920><c> software</c> those factories
• . uh the basic software those factories. uh the basic software would<03:58:32.720><c> be</c><03:58:33.239

Summary: The committee first took up SB 209, which would require schools seeking building aid for construction or reconstruction projects to use an owner’s project manager. The chair explained an amendment that would remove the bill’s requirement that the manager be engaged before application and instead revert to current law, while updating the project threshold from the older $1 million figure to a more current amount and clarifying that the manager’s role is to protect the project owner’s interests. Members asked about the cost of hiring a project manager over several years before a project is funded, the 1.5% fee in rule, and whether the rules already define the manager’s duties. The chair said the amendment addressed those concerns by leaving the timing to current law and relying on existing administrative rules for qualifications and responsibilities. The committee then voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 209 OTPA, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee then moved to SB 99, which concerns allowing students enrolled in career and technical education programs at receiving comprehensive high schools to take additional academic courses there. The chair said the bill was intended to make it easier for students to access CTE without being blocked by scheduling conflicts in their sending schools, and to clarify how agreements between sending and receiving districts would work. He described concerns about the bill’s cost formula, transportation, part-time versus full-time status, and whether the proposal could unintentionally create open-enrollment or athletic-transfer issues. He said the amendment would mirror existing treatment for homeschool and charter school students, use a familiar funding model, and limit participation to students already enrolled in one or more CTE classes at the receiving school. The chair also emphasized that comprehensive high schools already have a statutory definition and that the bill would help more students participate in CTE, which he said currently reaches only a relatively small share of students statewide. He noted that transportation would be covered only when a CTE bus is available, otherwise students would be responsible for arranging travel as under current practice. After brief discussion, the committee voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 99 OTPA, also placing it on the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is about the closure and change of ownership.
• So this is about the closure and change of ownership. the age list.
• So this is about the closure and change of ownership.
• So this is about the closure and change of ownership. ...of ownership.
• So this is about the closure and change of ownership procedure if there is a SNF unit in a CCRC.

Summary: The commission met to review its draft final report on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with most of the discussion focused on whether recommendations required unanimous consensus and how to handle disagreements in the report. Members agreed that consensus meant no stated opposition, and several participants argued that unresolved issues should still be described in the report rather than omitted. The chairs said the report would include agreed-upon recommendations, note areas without consensus, and preserve written comments or dissent letters submitted by members. The draft report’s findings and slides were reviewed charge by charge, including CCRC definitions, financial condition, entrance fee refunds, regulatory oversight, advertising practices, and closure/change-of-ownership procedures. Members suggested several factual and wording edits, including clarifying financial data sources, correcting a presenter’s name, refining language about entrance fee use and refund timing, and revising statements about Attorney General authority and CCRC advertising. There was also discussion about the need to distinguish nonprofit and for-profit CCRCs and to better explain how different care levels and licensing structures are described. On recommendations, the commission kept the proposal to advance the disclosure bill (S. 478) and update the consumer guide, but removed a recommendation for annual open board meetings after objections that it was inadequate. The group spent considerable time debating whether to recommend resident representation on CCRC boards, timely refund requirements for entrance fees, and possible state registration or definition changes for CCRCs, but no consensus was reached on those items. The chairs said the final report would be completed by the statutory August 1 deadline, with final written comments due before then and the report and meeting materials posted on the legislature website.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a totally different question, and it is around the closure of MESAC.
• We've had nine maternal health unit closures or hospital closures in Massachusetts in the last 12 years
• We've had nine maternal health unit closures or hospital closures in Massachusetts in the last 12 years
• , maternity hospital closures, and then be able to do a post-closure patient impact drive-time analysis
• I want to thank you for this map about the closure of maternity.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• That decision led to California's closure of developmental centers over the past two decades.
• That mission ended with the closure of those developmental centers. The community...
• That mission ended with the closure of those developmental centers.
• Second, the developmental center closures involved a static population.
• Second, the developmental center closures involved a static population.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Sivaguna and others repeatedly that communities who have directly experienced refinery closures
• , the reporting required by SB 1259 won't guarantee the next California community that's hit by a closure
• As an elected official of a city that's experiencing a refinery closure now in real time, I'm acutely
• The closure of the refinery will hit our local economy hard in the near term, putting an estimated $10
• Again, you know, hazardous waste facility closure plans kick in the day a facility begins operating.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing the closure of Lowell Treatment Center, Solomon Mental Health Center, which had 41 beds.
• We've seen the closure of the psychiatric unit at Lowell General Hospital, also in my district.
• The closure is paused.
• To specific to what I was just saying, we have seen a number of closures of maternal health units at
• This task force is going to be diving into what drove some of those past closures.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony from Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, who said DMH serves about 29,000 people and is facing rising demand, higher operating costs, and uncertainty about federal funding. She explained that the FY26 budget prioritizes fully funding the state-operated inpatient system, which is at 100% occupancy and often serves people transferred from Bridgewater State Hospital, while making reductions in other areas to balance the budget. Those reductions include a 50% cut to case managers, a pause on closing the Pocasset unit pending a working group on Cape access, and changes to youth and contracted services such as right-sizing IRTP and CIRT, reducing Youth PACT from seven teams to three, scaling back flex and jail diversion grants as ARPA funds wind down, and preserving the behavioral health helpline and community-based crisis services. Members from Western Massachusetts and the Cape raised concerns about access, staffing, and the impact of cuts, and Doyle said the department would continue operating IRTP services, improve the referral process, and work with stakeholders on the Pocasset review and other access issues. The committee also discussed school-based mental health, 988, loan forgiveness for workforce recruitment, and the role of co-response programs for law enforcement. Secretary Robin Lipson then testified for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, describing a proposed FY26 budget increase of about 21% to support councils on aging, home care, elder abuse investigations, caregiver support, care transitions, and nutrition programs. She said the agency is managing rising demand, especially from the growing 80-plus population, and noted uncertainty around federal Older Americans Act funding after the federal disbursement agency was disbanded. To control costs, the office will manage intake and caseload growth in a fully state-funded home care program, but current clients will not lose services. Lipson also highlighted a new $1 million line item for local mini-grants to support age-friendly initiatives. In questions, members focused on elder scams, and Lipson said scams are increasing and the agency is working with banks, district attorneys, and public awareness campaigns. The Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz presented the agency’s FY26 request and said the biggest challenge is health care affordability, with family premiums near $29,000 annually and many residents delaying care because of cost. He emphasized that recent legislation significantly expands HPC’s role through a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis, which will examine the drug supply chain and pricing, and a new Office of Health Resource Planning, which will support statewide planning around closures and access gaps. The new law also creates task forces on maternal health access and primary care, and adds transparency and oversight for private equity in health care. Members asked about pharmaceutical costs, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, 340B, and maternal health closures; Seltz said the data show rapid growth in GLP-1 spending and that the new offices will help the state better understand cost drivers and access problems. The Center for Health Information and Analysis then began its testimony, describing its role as the state’s data hub for health care spending, utilization, quality, and affordability analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:31:09.320><c> and</c><01:31:09.480><c> bed</c> the closures and bed the closures and bed layaways
• </c> Potential service cuts or even closures for our organization alone.
• The removal of the closure rate adjustments, single-bed incentives, and layaways will lead to closures
• </c><01:37:07.480><c> of</c> 2026 rate the removal of the closure of 2026 rate the removal of the closure
• </c><01:37:12.600><c> of</c> and layaways will lead to closures of and layaways will lead to closures

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• , mainly looking at potential closures.
• or or of potential closures or mainly looking at potential closures and so are we're taken right out
• So you can see if there are impacts to some of these bridges, whether it's a closure or whether it's
• We're really looking at the high projects that have a high likelihood of preventing closure, either a
• closure or a restriction on a set of highways or on a stretch of highway.

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital program, service levels, fleet age, and long-term funding needs. Staff said the system is operating with 21 vessels, no Sidney, B.C. service, and limited spare capacity, which leaves service vulnerable to disruptions. They described aging vessels, deferred preservation work, dry dock constraints, terminal needs, and the state’s electrification plan, including three new hybrid-electric Olympic class vessels now funded, one Jumbo Mark II conversion, and several terminal electrification projects. Members asked about ridership trends, biodiesel supply, procurement risk, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessels, and the possibility of restoring international service; staff said many of those questions would need follow-up with the department. The presentation emphasized that current funding covers near-term needs, but long-term ferry capital needs exceed available resources by roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with additional future needs not yet funded. The committee then heard from WSDOT maintenance operations staff on the condition of the highway system. The presentation said maintenance is increasingly reactive because of underinvestment, rising material costs, and the addition of new assets without corresponding operating funds. Staff highlighted winter operations, facilities that are mostly in poor or critical condition, a large equipment fleet, growing guardrail damage, and increasing pavement and bridge preservation backlogs. Members asked about asbestos in facilities, the effect of deferred maintenance, and whether the agency had previously warned about these needs. Staff said the program is funded at only about half of its facility need and that more than 40% of roadways are due or overdue for preservation. A separate preservation presentation focused on highways and bridges. Staff said WSDOT is below the lowest life-cycle cost for preservation and that delaying work can make repairs three to five times more expensive later. They reported that about 40% of roadways need preservation now, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the agency is prioritizing the highest-risk bridge and closure threats first. The presentation cited an estimated $8 billion 10-year preservation need to change the trajectory of the system. Members asked about prioritization, whether other states face similar issues, and whether a cost-benefit analysis of earlier repairs versus later costs had been done; staff said they would look into those questions. Finally, the committee heard about bridge strikes and financial recovery. WSDOT bridge staff described recent overheight vehicle strikes on Bullfrog Road over I-90 and SR 410 over White River, noting the safety risks, closures, and repair costs. They outlined countermeasures such as improved trip-planning tools, outreach, and a possible sensor/beacon pilot on SR 410. Financial recovery staff said the agency collects about $20 million per biennium from third-party damage claims, recovering roughly 78% to 80% of billed amounts, with insurance claims and collections used to recoup costs. Members asked about prevention feedback loops and where recovered money goes; staff said recoveries go to the motor vehicle fund and that there is not a formal routine mechanism for design or policy changes from individual claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• How does the administration assess the risk of service reduction or facility closures under the funding
• Now, with those closures and us losing those jobs, we've actually lost that income.
• I want to thank the committee for prioritizing prison closure, the jail-to-jobs pilot program, Right
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure as a fiscally responsible way to make space in the
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure is a fiscally responsible way to make space in the

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, as the main item. Committee leaders described the legislative budget agreement as a balanced two-year plan with about $355.9 billion in total spending, $253 billion from the General Fund, and $36.5 billion in reserves. The Legislative Analyst and Department of Finance said the package assumes about $5.5 billion in higher revenues than the May Revision and uses those resources for a mix of spending changes, including higher Proposition 98 support, additional child care slots, housing and homelessness funding, delayed Medi-Cal reductions, and added support for counties, public hospitals, and distressed hospitals. The administration said the plan resembles the May Revision’s overall structure but includes new spending and revenue assumptions, and members noted that separate revenue trailer bills would be heard later in the week. Much of the committee discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on immigrants, low-income workers, counties, and hospitals. Several senators criticized the budget for locking in savings from delayed or reduced Medi-Cal coverage and for not including a mechanism to restore eligibility, while administration and LAO staff said the package delays some reductions but does not automatically reinstate coverage. Finance staff said roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people with unsatisfactory immigration status would move from managed care to fee-for-service, with coverage largely unchanged except for certain services not federally allowed. Members also discussed county administrative funding, indigent care, public hospital support, and the expected rise in uncompensated care. Other topics included In-Home Supportive Services, child care, homelessness funding, Prop. 36, courthouse construction and new judgeships, transit and cap-and-invest/GGRF funding, local journalism, and workforce or reentry programs. Committee members split along party lines in their comments. Democratic members generally supported the agreement as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects core services, preserves reserves, and makes targeted investments in education, housing, health care, and justice system capacity. Republican members argued the budget relies on unrealistic revenue assumptions, does not sufficiently reduce spending, and includes costly policy choices and tax increases. Public testimony largely came from advocates and stakeholders who supported IHSS, Medi-Cal, child care, domestic violence services, hospitals, transit, and other programs, while some business and health plan representatives raised concerns about tax proposals and the shift from managed care to fee-for-service. The chair then moved the committee to public comment and indicated that the revenue bills would return later in the week; no final vote on AB 109 is reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The package also assumes some General Fund savings in CDCR and requires the closure of an additional
• How does the administration assess the risk of service reduction or facility closures under the funding
• Now, with those closures and us losing those jobs, we've actually lost that income.
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure as a fiscally responsible way to make space in the
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure is a fiscally responsible way to make space in the

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Hey, we got a closure motion. Do I have a second on the closure motion?
• gt; Hey,<00:13:05.839><c> we</c><00:13:06.000><c> got</c><00:13:06.079><c> a</c><00:13:06.160><c> closure
• ><00:13:06.800><c> Do</c><00:13:06.959><c> I</c><00:13:07.120><c> have</c> &gt;&gt; Hey, we got a closure
• Do I have &gt;&gt; Hey, we got a closure motion.
• </c><00:13:09.200><c> All</c> a second on the closure motion? All a second on the closure motion?

Bills: HB431 , HB466 , HB523 , HB521 , SB182 , SB300 , HB431 , HB466 , HB523 , HB521 , SB182 , SB300

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: Monroe County, sheriff, sheriff compensation, county salary, expense allowance, local act, county general fund, retirement contributions, law enforcement pay, public official salary, county budget, Alabama local legislation, service contracts, consumer protection, advertising disclosure, insurance, contract cancellation, parole procedures, advocacy, parole board