Transcript Highlights:

• PBMs tend to act as a shell game. I rarely trust them. PBMs tend to act as a shell game.
• So you'll see that we have bucketed this based upon the occupancy or the type of entity that's being
• So you'll see that we have bucketed this based upon the occupancy or the type of entity that's being
• Now we have that base.
• Now we have that base.

Committee: All ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, explaining that the updates favored lower-cost generics, re-tiered some drugs, left several new-to-market drugs uncovered pending more evidence, and added quantity limits in some cases. The committee approved those formulary recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would exclude automatic coverage of those therapies and route them through prior authorization and review, with members noting the process should not delay urgent cases and that appeals remain available. Members then discussed a UAMS professional consultant services contract amendment for pharmacy benefit consulting. The discussion focused on confusion over the dollar amount and scope, with Wallace clarifying that the committee was being asked to approve up to $2.596 million, including optional services related to coupon and rebate management that could be used later without returning for another approval. Several members raised concerns about matching the written contract to the approval amount and about the relationship to the current pharmacy benefit manager, but the committee ultimately approved the item with the understanding that any use of the optional services would return to the committee. The committee also reviewed, without objection, a Blue Cross/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, a CompSack employee assistance program contract, and approved proposed 2027 employee and public school health plan rates of 9.8% and 4.9% increases, respectively. Wallace also said the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in final negotiation and would return in August. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffly, and extensions for Sedgwick Claims Management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Members asked about claim-adjustment delays after a major winter storm, and Wallace said performance guarantees and communication requirements had been added, with claims still expected to vary by case. The committee also approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, lower rates for K-12 and higher education, a higher rate for state agencies, and an overall 10% reduction. Wallace said the reductions reflected improved actuarial foundations, better claims management, and the program’s first-year performance. The meeting adjourned after approving the rate item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Annually, over 810,000 national security jobs depend on our ability to attract and keep highly skilled
• Annually, over 810,000 national security jobs depend on our ability to attract and keep highly skilled
• We have thousands of members that have transitioned from military service to join our union, skilled
• We have thousands of members that have transitioned from military service to join our union, skilled
• You heard, the technical skills are still needed as we involve as a new AI, whatever.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I'm pleased to present Senate Bill 250, which will add skilled nursing facilities to the existing
• Often, patients have little time to adjust to the idea that a skilled nursing facility, or SNF, ...to
• adjust to the idea that a skilled nursing facility, or SNF, must be or will be most appropriate for
• SB 250 will require DHCS to add skilled nursing facilities to this directory so Medi-Cal beneficiaries
• but important change to the DHCS website to make it easier to find which Medi-Cal plans cover which skilled

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several Senate bills focused on health care access, privacy, and public health data. SB 81 (Arreguín) would require health care facilities to create nonpublic areas and bar immigration enforcement from entering without a judicial warrant or court order, while also protecting disclosure of immigration-related information in medical records. The bill drew strong support from labor, immigrant-rights, health care, and patient advocacy groups, with committee members emphasizing patient safety and privacy; one member raised implementation concerns about how the restrictions would work in practice. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, with one no vote recorded. SB 250 (Ochoa Bogh) would add skilled nursing facilities to DHCS’s managed care provider directory so Medi-Cal beneficiaries can more easily identify covered facilities. Supporters said the change would help seniors and people with disabilities avoid confusion and rushed placement decisions, especially during hospital discharge, and would make existing information easier to use. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations on a unanimous vote. SB 717 (Richardson) would formally recognize California’s three regional cancer registries in state law to help preserve federal funding and support cancer surveillance data collection. The author and supporters said the measure would protect more than $15 million in annual federal support and strengthen cancer research and tracking; the committee approved it unanimously to Appropriations. SB 504 (Laird) would allow health care providers to disclose personally identifying information about previously reported HIV infections to state or local health officials when needed for disease control or care coordination. The author described the bill as a modernization of reporting and coordination practices, and supporters from the California Medical Association and Planned Parenthood backed it. The committee sent the bill out as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee on a unanimous vote. The meeting also included routine consent-calendar action and multiple add-on votes, with the committee repeatedly holding the roll open to record additional members’ votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a long game, and we need the state of California to play the long game—not play the long game
• , be serious about the long game.
• role that they play is collaborative, is shared decision-making with parents, educators, community-based
• We deliver on that vision through our school-based mentorship program for boys and young men of color

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the aisle, that going to, giving money to schools that are already successful, the very top schools, based
• Succeed, the Show Me Success Program, but that performance-based funding would be, have several criteria
• , and it's based on growth, and then the money would be, whatever money, if appropriated, would be going
• And now that bill's based on another bill. And it just is a big domino.
• She teaches us the foundational skills we need.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And through their leadership program and through their training, I also learned skills such as building
• serious impact for employers who need employees that are work ready and equipped with those basic work skills
• ability to learn the necessary hard and ability to learn the necessary hard and soft<00:04:43.919><c> skills
• The highlights have been the ability to learn the necessary hard and soft skills in construction.
• foreman, like a teacher aide for my fellow classmates, which has allowed me to grow my leadership skills

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And right now, based on history of expenditures, now that's what that growth trend line is projected
• on some of that increase, or increases their budget based on productivity measures, right?
• Probably one of the denser tables that you will see is the five-year-based snapshot.
• It goes out based on classroom support units, so 1.55.
• It goes out based on classroom, so support units, so 1.55.

Summary: The committee met as JFAC for a statewide budget overview and related process presentations. Keith Bybee of LSO walked members through the general fund outlook, emphasizing that projected revenues for FY 2026 and FY 2027 are below current budgeted spending, creating a structural imbalance that will require either budget reductions or use of one-time cash and reserve balances. He highlighted major statutory cost drivers over the last several years, including public defense, IT services, Medicaid expansion, public schools, and water resources, and reviewed cash reconciliation items, transfers, supplementals, rescissions, and the governor’s proposed use of various fund balances and interest earnings to help balance the budget. Members asked about the deficit, corrections costs, tax conformity timing, fire suppression deficiency funds, and whether stabilization funds should be used; Bybee stressed that the Legislature has options but must decide whether to rely on short-term money or make longer-term structural changes. Janet Jessup then explained the budget hearing process and the Legislative Budget Book, including historical summaries, fund analyses, organizational charts, five-year snapshots, performance measures, and enhancement/outcome reporting. Morgan Poloni followed with an overview of deficiency warrants and supplemental appropriations, explaining that deficiency warrants cover certain authorized expenses after they occur and are typically used for items like fire suppression or pest control, while supplementals adjust the current year appropriation and can apply to general, dedicated, or federal funds. She noted that deficiency warrant requests have grown in recent years, largely due to pest control, and that supplemental and rescission bills may require emergency clauses to take effect immediately. Francis Lippett presented on state health insurance costs, saying FY 2024 spending on health and dental insurance was $646.2 million and that costs are rising faster than in prior years. She explained how the state uses employee premiums, a sweep account, and reserve balances to stabilize the plan, and said the FY 2027 appropriation is expected to rise about 14 percent, with employee premiums projected to increase 7.3 percent to maintain the current 80/20 cost split. Members asked about why premiums are charged for benefit-eligible employees who decline coverage, how reserve targets are set, how school district employees fit into the state plan, and how the state selects its insurance carrier; the Division of Insurance administrator said the plan is administered by Regence under a multi-year contract and that the state will rebid the plan within the contract term.

Transcript Highlights:

• their spouses, and surviving spouses, to create veteran- and spouse-designated nursing home beds in a skilled
• their spouses, and surviving spouses, to create veteran- and spouse-designated nursing home beds in a skilled
• It further... ...beds in a skilled nursing facility.
• We have assisted living, but we are not able to provide a skilled nursing facility on our campus.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up three veteran-related bills. SB 78 would allow the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to authorize a nonprofit retirement community serving only veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses to create veteran- and spouse-designated nursing home beds in a skilled nursing facility, including transfer of certificate-of-need beds within 100 miles. The Air Force Enlisted Village CEO testified in support, saying it would add needed skilled nursing care to their continuum; the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1280, a broad veterans bill that modernizes employment and training programs, renames the program the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program, creates a job-training grant program, adjusts reimbursement caps, expands university/agriculture training stipends for veteran spouses, provides various fee reliefs, waives a one-time state business filing fee for veterans, and expands veterans’ treatment courts. Two amendments were adopted: one changed the state flagship designation to the SS American Victory and allowed disabled veteran designation on specialty plates via a DV embossing, while removing outdated references; the second removed hunting and fishing license provisions due to funding concerns. Veterans Florida representatives waved in support, and the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, SB 1282 created a public records exemption for information submitted to the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program when veterans are developing business opportunities, protecting trade secrets and related sensitive information from disclosure. Veterans Florida supported the measure, and after brief debate the bill was reported favorably. The committee then briefly reconsidered the vote for recording purposes and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not aware of any based on the records that I have.
• So based on that, I think we're having a very positive impact.
• So based on that I think we're deal.
• That is a long game of refueler IP.
• And we're game is what's important here.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• balance that's held in a commercial bank account, which amount can be increased throughout the year based
• that's held in a commercial bank account, which, and this amount can be ingested throughout the year based
• As we look forward to the future there, notifying our guests that have games at War Memorial Stadium
• And trying to find the right balance between safety and inevitably somebody's going to try to game the

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• care, which includes the five state hospitals in various community inpatient, outpatient, and jail-based
• That allocation was based on historical funding for reallocation. alignment from many years ago.
• This is vastly outpacing what is available in other community-based settings.
• Based face-to-face services, many youth, many parents and caregivers don't know how to do that.
• Nation about community-based services and supports.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and she's also shown u<00:12:28.079><c> a</c><00:12:28.320><c> skill</c><00:12:28.720><c> to</c><
• So we believe that this bill has a very strong economic base.
• base to uh<00:53:10.880><c> address</c><00:53:11.200><c> that.
• </c><00:54:09.440><c> So</c><00:54:09.680><c> the</c> carbon tax is based on usage.
• So the carbon tax is based on usage.

Bills: SB2309 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2405 , SB2485

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:20.480><c> medicine</c> practice true evidence-based medicine practice true evidence-based
• </c> based on old perceptions, on opinion. based on old perceptions, on opinion.
• Jamie Eids with the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
• </c><01:29:17.280><c> Corporation</c> Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation
• </c> for the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming for the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• departments, the governor signed. the bill for the property tax exemptions for our veterans today based
• legislature's efforts on Senate Bill 5 as amended, which enacts substantial reforms to the Department of Game
• and Fish, the State Game Commission, and our wildlife laws.
• coordinate branch of government, SB 5 has spawned a serious problem that threatens to cripple the State Game
• I know that there's a lot of activity and discussions, especially this late in the game.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the appropriate additions and subtractions for the increases and decreases for each entity's tax base
• It's some outdated code around, I think this one's fishing game and fines.
• I think this one's fishing game and fines. It's there in another code section.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> advance often days and weeks ahead based advance often days and weeks ahead based on<00:36:33.080
• </c> To be clear, this is not pricing based To be clear, this is not pricing based on<01:09:29.040><c
• </c> which is just the price of labor, based which is just the price of labor, based on<01:12:48.480>
• </c><01:29:59.040><c> wage</c> as surveillance-based wage as surveillance-based wage discrimination.
• </c> based on a fair market system. based on a fair market system.

Bills: HF3794 , HF3408

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, consumer protection, price setting, biometric data, retail, privacy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• on the suggestions from language based on the suggestions from the the the eqb<00:03:18.640><c> uh</
• , approximately $5 million of its $12 million base.
• I'm from Minnesota, and I'm based in St. Paul.
• I have personally taught foraging skills to over 14,000 Minnesotans.
• Tim Clemens: I have personally taught foraging skills to over 14,000 Minnesotans.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's based on different factors, but it's not their full wage.
• Zero-based budgeting.
• In general, zero-based budgeting is not a bad idea.
• In general, zero-based budgeting is not a bad idea.
• We are talking about evidence-based.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6170 , SB6176 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB5647 , SB6047 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005 , SB6003 , SB6129 , SB6225 , SB6228 , SB6231

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules. Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I understand correctly, based on your description, there's been a 118% increase in applications but
• That is something that has been requested this year based on the Governor's recommendations.
• probably, although I think if I said anything else, I'd be speaking out of my particular knowledge base
• Hopefully, local law enforcement agencies will be able to continue training based on the funding they
• They do tend to learn some skills that hopefully will transfer into employment to keep them out of the

Bills: HF2432

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• However, low-income Medi-Cal recipients without SSI are not protected by an income-based rate cap and
• SB 433 creates an income-based cap to RCFE room and board rates that allows all Medi-Cal assisted living
• Number two, the department is also envisioning future changes to the way that home and community-based
• Number two, the department is also envisioning future changes to the way that home and community-based
• For disaster-impacted community-based adult services programs, SB 582 also ensures that for the first

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on June 24 with a substitute chair presiding and considered three measures. SB 352 by Senator Reyes was placed on the consent calendar and approved unanimously, 7-0, to be re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. SB 433 by Senator Wahab, presented on behalf of Senator Stern, was heard next and focused on room-and-board protections for participants in the assisted living waiver and CalAIM assisted living transition community support programs. Supporters, including Justice in Aging, CANHR, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Commission on Aging, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association, argued the bill would prevent low-income Medi-Cal residents from being charged unaffordable rates and losing their housing. Opponents, including the California Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge California, and Six B’s, said they remained concerned about the bill’s rent-control implications and statutory scope, though they acknowledged recent amendments addressed some eligibility issues. After committee discussion, SB 433 was approved 5-1 with one abstention and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. The committee also heard SB 582 by Senator Stern, presented by Senator Wahab, which would allow state departments to issue disaster suspensions of active licenses for facilities rendered inoperable by declared emergencies, waive some licensing fees, and provide temporary flexibility for community-based adult services, child care, and evacuation planning requirements for skilled nursing and residential care facilities. Support came from the California Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge California, the California Commission on Aging, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association, CANHR, and a child care resource center, all describing the bill as helpful for rebuilding and continuity of services after disasters. There was no recorded opposition, and SB 582 passed unanimously, 7-0, to the Committee on Health. The meeting then adjourned.