Transcript Highlights:

• They expect it’s expanding and contracting, and they lose this elasticity.
• And then we regulate prepaid funeral contract sellers and perpetual care cemeteries.
• A smart contract can be programmed into a token that moves money onto the blockchain.
• Let's see, in March of this year, we did contract with Texas A&M.
• This year, we did contract with Texas A&M.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• another contract or terminate a<01:15:20.240><c> service</c><01:15:20.760><c> or</c><01:15:20.960><c
• , but we can't actually use any of that contract money unless we amend those contracts in advance, liquidate
• can't actually use any of that contract money<01:15:47.360><c> unless</c><01:15:47.680><c> we</c><01
• </c> money unless we amend those contracts in money unless we amend those contracts in advance,<01:15
• We moved those general funds over to fund that contract with New Hampshire Food Bank.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: Division Three of the Finance Committee met in work session on April 20, 2026, to consider Senate Bills 481, 603, and 663, with the discussion focused primarily on SB 481, relative to the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property. The chair explained that the bill was advisory only and that the committee’s recommendations would go to full Finance on April 27. For SB 481, members reviewed conflicting provisions in the prior budget law about whether sale proceeds should go to the general fund or the Youth Development Center Claims and Administration Settlement Fund, and the bill was described as a compromise that would direct proceeds to the general fund before June 30, 2027, and to the settlement fund after that date. It was noted that the settlement fund had originally received about $20 million and had roughly $10 million remaining. The committee also received an extensive update from DCYF Director Marie Noonan on the new Youth Development Center in Hampstead. She reported that construction remained on schedule, with major structural and interior work complete, substantial completion expected in late summer or early fall 2026, and occupancy anticipated in early 2027. The presentation highlighted the facility’s design features, including single-occupancy bedrooms, sensory rooms, an education wing, medical and clinical suites, visitation space, a gym, and multiple outdoor courtyards, all intended to support a trauma-informed setting. Members asked about the facility’s funding, square footage, fencing, and scanner; staff said the building is about 34,000 square feet, funded entirely with federal ARPA state recovery funds to date, and that the scanner is on site but not yet operational pending policy and staff training. Committee members also raised concerns about the facility’s design and security. In response, DCYF said some concrete walls are required for structural and safety reasons, but they are being painted to maintain a brighter environment, and that the fencing will be about 15 feet high with privacy netting because the campus is shared with Hampstead. Officials said the new facility is legislatively limited to a maximum of 12 youth, while the current center can house 12 to 18, and emphasized that courts ultimately determine placements. No votes or final actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• What contracts have been obligated? What contracts have been liquidated? What funds remaining?
• </c><01:00:56.960><c> What</c> contracts uh have been obligated?
• What contracts uh have been obligated?
• What contracts<01:00:57.520><c> have</c><01:00:57.760><c> been</c><01:00:57.839><c> liquidated?
• </c><01:00:58.720><c> What</c> contracts have been liquidated? What contracts have been liquidated?

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whenever you're dealing with contracts, it's useful to have a non-parency clause to kind of deal with
• the definition of a claim implies that the claim is submitted by the individual or pursuant to a contract
• </c> the individual or pursuant to a contract the individual or pursuant to a contract or<00:49:20.400
• with providers is primarily to contracts with providers is primarily to ensure<00:54:12.480><c> that
• Also the oh contracts are not affected.

Bills: HB1853 , HB1591 , HB1961 , HB1854 , HB1965 , HB1962 , HB1959 , HB2505 , HB2576 , HB1801 , HB1804 , HB1864 , HB2319 , HB2314 , HB2115

Committee: House Health

Keywords: HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• These include repeal of the clean energy tax credits, failure or objecting to delivering on contracts
• that had been to delivering on contracts that had been signed<00:20:53.679><c> for</c><00:20:53.919>
• You have a signed contract to do something, he said.
• You have a signed contract to operate. You have a signed contract to do<00:43:02.319><c> something.
• , so we'd like to signed those contracts, so we'd like to just<00:43:15.520><c> pretend</c><00:43:15.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The contract was tabled at that meeting. Um, it'll get that current contract with Anthem.
• So it wasn't that Express Scripts—there were two separate contracts that were happening.
• The contract was tabled at that meeting. Um, it'll get that current contract with Anthem.
• </c><01:09:35.040><c> that</c> there were two separate contracts that there were two separate contracts
• And it says each one has its own contract and financial bond and that kind of stuff.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill touches adding in zero-emissions buses and contracts down the road, which have been found to
• It is basically giving DOT more flexibility over contracting and financing.
• It is basically giving DOT more flexibility over contracting and financing.
• It is basically giving DOT more flexibility over contracting and financing.
• over uh Contracting and and financing<01:50:17.719><c> like</c><01:50:17.840><c> to</c><01:50:17.920

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a concern with this because it is zoonotic, so people are able to contract this disease as well
• There's a concern with this because it is zoonotic, so people are able to contract this disease as well
• this disease as well uh able to contract this disease as well uh historically<00:26:24.799><c> we</c
• </c><00:26:28.840><c> the</c><00:26:29.360><c> the</c> rabbits they would contract the the rabbits they
• would contract the the bacteria<00:26:30.000><c> while</c><00:26:30.200><c> they</c><00:26:30.320><c

Bills: HF601 , HF271 , HF1101 , HF979

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think for some of the contracts you're entering, you folks serve as the operator, and then it's
• And so because I think the fairest thing to do is have at least two bidders bid on a contract before
• “City contracts or for services.
• I guess, how often are you only getting single-bid contracts to date?”
• “Contracts to date, we’ve only got one bidder.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal district court and it has state and federal constitutional claims regarding the impairment of contract
• Claims regarding the impairment of contract.
• As you know, from negotiations going on in terms of our contracts, et cetera.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning with the fiscal year 2027 base, include 5,279,700 for benefit costs and 2,661,361,300 for contract
• For benefit costs and $10,504,500 for contract inflation, then add $1,573,800 for statewide cost allocation
• and $43,300 one-time in trustee and benefit payments from the general fund for STEM Action Center contract

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee revisited the Health and Human Services maintenance budget, which covers the Department of Health and Welfare and the State Independent Living Council. Members debated competing FY 2027 motions that incorporated the fiscal impact of House Bill 863, which reduces residential habilitation provider rates. The substitute motion failed, and the original motion passed on a bipartisan vote, with some members expressing concern about the size of the reshab cut and the absence of funding for ACT teams, peer support, and related behavioral health services. The committee also adopted the standard language from the prior failed maintenance bill. The committee then considered new language directing Health and Welfare to report by year-end on every rule section citing Idaho Code 56-202 as authority, and to justify each rule or identify another statutory basis or repeal it if needed. Members discussed whether the language would interfere with the director’s rulemaking authority; the motion passed after some vote changes. The committee also adopted language for the Department of Water Resources, including filing-fee and ARPA reappropriation provisions, by unanimous consent. Next, the committee approved the Workforce Development Council budget, including consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the council and a budget-neutral transfer among expenditure categories, followed by a separate FY 2026 supplemental reduction for the STEM Action Center and a larger FY 2027 reduction tied to the consolidation. Finally, the committee restored about $980,000 to the Attorney General’s budget from the Consumer Protection Fund. After discussion, the language was revised to remove “continuous appropriation,” and the amended motion passed despite concerns that it would divert dedicated consumer protection money and reduce the general fund ending balance. The committee adjourned after announcing it would meet the next day on public schools and IDLA.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning with the fiscal year 2027 base, include 5,279,700 for benefit costs and 2,661,361,300 for contract
• For benefit costs and... ...for benefit costs and $10,504,500 for contract inflation, then add $1,573,800
• and $43,300 one-time in trustee and benefit payments from the general fund for STEM Action Center contract

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee met to revisit the Health and Human Services maintenance budget after the prior appropriation bill failed. Members debated competing FY 2027 budget motions that adjusted the Department of Health and Welfare budget, including reductions tied to House Bill 863’s residential habilitation provider rate changes. One substitute motion to cut the program more deeply failed, while the original motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. Several members voiced concern about the size of the residential habilitation cuts and the absence of funding for ACT teams, peer support, and other services, while others argued the program’s rapid growth and federal funding dependence justified the reductions. The committee also adopted unchanged standard language from the prior bill and approved new language requiring the department to report by year-end on rules citing Idaho Code 56-202 and to justify or repeal any unsupported rule sections. The committee then approved language for the Department of Water Resources, including filing-fee language and reappropriation authority for ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund money, by unanimous consent. It next considered the Workforce Development Council budget, including consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the council and a budget-neutral transfer among expenditure categories; that motion passed. The committee also approved a FY 2026 supplemental reduction for the STEM Action Center and then a FY 2027 reduction that zeroed out the STEM Action Center’s standalone budget in connection with the consolidation, both with do-pass recommendations. Finally, the committee considered language for the Office of the Attorney General restoring about $980,000 from the Consumer Protection Fund. After discussion, members removed “continuous appropriation” wording and replaced it with a regular appropriation for a two-year period. Some members objected that the language would divert dedicated consumer-protection money and reduce general fund reversions, while supporters said it would help cover personnel costs and avoid layoffs. The amended language passed with a do-pass recommendation. The chair then announced the committee would meet the next day to address public schools and IDLA and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the bill, Florida Digital Service is authorized to contract for information technology commodities
• Under the bill, Florida Digital Services authorized to contract for information technology commodities
• machines and remove the requirement that the lottery require a performance bond with the duration of a contract

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and reported favorably several bills. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; Senator Sharif asked about restitution for victims, and the sponsor said the bill does not create a reimbursement mechanism. CS/SB 576 would create a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing support, grant access, and data-sharing requirements; local government and cybersecurity groups waived in support. CS/SB 1078 would establish transition procedures between gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and access to agency records under a signed confidentiality agreement. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 314 on payment stablecoin issuers, CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations and security rules, CS/SB 1614 giving JAC/LAC-related audit findings more enforcement effect for local governments seeking state funds, SB 990 authorizing protective cell captive insurance companies, SB 1588 beginning implementation of the prior gold-and-silver legal tender law, CS/SB 1440 adding cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, and CS/SB 1568 creating a stablecoin pilot program for DFS fee payments. Several bills had support testimony from state agencies and industry groups, and some included technical or guardrail amendments that were adopted without objection. The committee also received a budget overview highlighting major funding items, including more than $350 million for Florida Forever, $738 million for Everglades restoration, more than $500 million for water quality projects outside the Everglades, $60 million for Farmers Feeding Florida, and more than $250 million for citrus recovery. Members asked questions about school lunch funding, state park improvements, land acquisition, water quality funding, gaming enforcement offices, and staffing for PERC. After the bills and budget discussion, members recorded a few affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• with that, but we go through the exercise where we look at all of our obligations, whether it's contracts
• At all of our obligations, whether it's contracts with this organization or this, that we've, that we've
• Our open market prices without a contract for potatoes are very low.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from January 26, 2026, and announced a brief follow-up meeting on Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. with one agenda item and a public hearing. The main presentation was from the Idaho Potato Commission, with Jamie Hyer and chairman Darren Bitter introducing the commission and reviewing its finances, promotion efforts, research spending, and export activities. Hyer said the commission is financially sound, described its budget categories, and noted strong revenue from the new Idaho potato license plate, which he said has already generated about $2 million for the highway fund. Members asked about research partnerships with the University of Idaho, the potato seed building, and the value of public-domain breeding versus private control. Hyer explained that new potato varieties can take 10 to 12 years to develop and that public research helps keep seed access broad while still supporting royalties to fund future work. He also discussed market pressures, including rising competition from China and India, labor and input costs, weather, disease, farm succession, and the effects of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and changing dietary trends on potato consumption. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on trade and exports. Hyer said Mexico and Canada are the commission’s primary export markets, with Japan seen as the best potential new market, while Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, and some Southeast Asian markets remain important but challenging. He said tariffs have had limited direct effect on potatoes because of USMCA, though they affect inputs and some other markets. Members also asked about quality control and mislabeling in stores; Hyer said the commission has staff across the country monitoring retail and food service quality and that many problems stem from poor store handling rather than intentional shipping of bad product. The meeting ended after a promotional video and closing remarks, with no votes other than approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each entity is also authorized to contract for any or all portion of their administrative services.
• processes in budgeting, staffing,... ...delayed times with extra processes in budgeting, staffing, and contract
• one of the things that we see, for example, is when we are seeking approval on either travel or a contract

Summary: The House Education Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 1662 would move several education-related boards and commissions—the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Charter School Commission—toward operational independence from OSPI by July 1, 2027, including separate administrative services, asset and employee transfers, and transition planning by OFM. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency, fiscal accountability, and agency flexibility, while OSPI-related testimony emphasized that small agencies need more nimble administrative support. No one testified in opposition; the hearing record noted 2 pro, 1 con, and 5 other sign-ins, and members were told the bill was substantively the same as the version passed the prior year except for date changes. The committee then heard House Bill 1683, which would require most school districts with 2,000 or more students to elect at least some school board members from director districts rather than entirely at-large, with larger districts needing more district-based seats and districts under 2,000 students exempt. The sponsor and supporters argued the change would improve geographic and demographic representation, especially for lower-income communities and communities of color, and would help ensure school boards reflect the students and families they serve. Opponents, including a school directors association representative, said the bill would be an unfunded mandate, reduce local control, and create added election costs and recruitment challenges; one witness also suggested the bill should consider broader proportional-representation options. Staff noted that 23 districts would currently be out of compliance, and the hearing record showed 12 pro, 163 con, and 2 other sign-ins. No executive action was taken on either bill during this portion of the meeting. At the end of the hearing, the chair reminded members that several bills heard that week would be on next Thursday’s executive session agenda, urged prompt amendment requests, and announced that the committee would adjourn to caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brandt, I think that's something that the healthcare authority will have to address through our contracts
• We do have a pretty rigorous contract oversight for our grant programs today.
• So, if one provider can't execute the terms of the contract, we're able to pull from that list and find

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill simply says that when more than one of these regions is in contract negotiations, then the negotiations
• are struggling to get interpreters, and some counties go with no interpreters at all, just simply contract
• are struggling to get interpreters, and some counties go with no interpreters at all, just simply contract

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 23, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and first approved a consent calendar covering many bills. Several measures were then heard individually, with most receiving support from sponsors and stakeholder groups and no formal opposition in the room, though some bills drew respectful opposition or no votes. The committee also read and deemed approved a lengthy suspense calendar before taking up additional bills and public comment. Among the bills discussed, AB 263 would extend temporary flow regulations on the Smith and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are completed; AB 309 would remove the sunset on pharmacists’ ability to provide sterile syringes without a prescription to support HIV and hepatitis prevention; AB 631 would require animal shelters to post intake and outcome data online; AB 792 would allow consolidation of bargaining for court interpreters; AB 867 would ban cat declawing except when medically necessary; AB 1206 would require pre-approved housing plans for small residential projects; AB 787 would require health plans to better help patients find in-network providers; AB 596 would protect workers’ right to wear face coverings unless unsafe; AB 282 would allow housing providers to prefer voucher holders without violating source-of-income discrimination law; AB 738 would create a limited rebuilding exemption for disaster survivors from newer solar requirements; AB 566 would require browsers and mobile operating systems to make global privacy opt-outs easier; and AB 622 would clarify CDCR’s authority to award credits to people serving indeterminate sentences who complete rehabilitation programming. Most of these bills were reported out on roll calls, often with bipartisan or limited dissent. AB 309, AB 631, AB 792, AB 867, AB 1206, AB 787, AB 596, AB 282, AB 738, AB 566, and AB 622 all advanced, while AB 263 also moved forward despite opposition from the Siskiyou Board of Supervisors and the California Farm Bureau. AB 622 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters emphasizing rehabilitation, parole-board review, and cost savings, and opponents warning about public safety and the impact on serious violent offenders. The meeting ended after brief public comment on several other bills on the suspense file and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• , OPCN's established providers were not allowed to submit bids because they were currently under contract
• The Department of Health operates on a three-year contracting cycle, which has created the gap in funding

Bills: HB2786 , HB2787 , HB2786 , HB2787

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , OPCN's established providers were not allowed to submit bids because they were currently under contract
• The Department of Health operates on a three-year contracting cycle, which has created the gap in funding

Bills: HB2786 , HB2787

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 2786, with Representative Stinson presenting a PCS as the working draft. He explained the bill as supplemental funding for the Department of Mental Health to close out its 2025 budget and pay obligations the department had fallen short on. The committee moved quickly to a do pass vote, and the bill was reported out 31-0 with no nays. The committee then took up House Bill 2787, with Representative West presenting a PCS as the working draft. She described the bill as a one-time $2 million supplemental for previously established costs tied to the Choosing Childbirth Program, saying the funding was needed to avoid a lapse in services for nearly 4,000 mothers and babies until the Oklahoma Pregnancy Care Network can re-enter bidding in 2028. She emphasized oversight and transparency measures, including provider vetting, invoice review, annual evaluations, and a reported 97% of expenses going to client services. Members raised concerns about accountability, transparency, and why the funding should come from state general revenue rather than private sources, noting prior audits and news reports. Representative West said the network is a 501(c)(3), uses private dollars as well, and that the program is a public-private partnership already established by law. She also said she would share the 2025 tax return information with the committee. The committee then voted to report HB 2787 out do pass by a vote of 26-5, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in relation to prohibiting confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions from inclusion in certain contracts
• that private parties do not bind state officials with nondisclosure provisions in negotiations and contracts

Committee: Senate Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions met for its first convening of the 2026 session and confirmed quorum. The chair emphasized transparency in state agencies and utilities, particularly the Public Service Commission, and referenced prior work on utility affordability, nominations, and chaptered bills from the previous session. The committee considered eight bills. It advanced S.373, which would bar confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions in certain state and municipal contracts; S.1336, creating a New York State Digital Equity Plan and ConnectAll Digital Equity Grant Program; and S.2324, requiring Attorney General and Comptroller review of certain state or public authority real property sales over $250,000. It also moved S.2459 to restore earlier Public Authorities Control Board oversight provisions, and S.3736 to increase information provided to PACB members before project funding votes. Additional bills reported to the floor included S.4071A, clarifying that stormwater is included in the definition of sewage for certain water and sewer authorities; S.4576A, establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon vacancy and correcting gendered language; and S.5551, requiring recording and public posting of certain Empire State Development public hearings. The bills were moved, seconded, and reported out, with several passing unanimously and at least one receiving a negative vote or abstention noted in the record.