Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we ask humans we ask humans for,<00:02:32.360><c> good</c><00:02:32.760><c> souls</c> for, good
• </c><00:04:17.239><c> on</c> Members, earlier today the Committee on Members, earlier today the Committee
• </c> during his lifetime of public service. during his lifetime of public service.
• </c> service as a state trooper. service as a state trooper.
• </c> from Champlain Community Services here. from Champlain Community Services here.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Joint Appropriations Committee we did with the Senate today, there were 28 members total, only
• Madam Whip and members, House Bill 4162 is the Human Services Budget Bill, which contains provisions
• Madam Whip and members, House Bill 4162 is the Human Services Budget Bill, which contains provisions
• Services Budget Bill, which contains provisions needed to implement the FY 2027 budget.
• We're going on to the Committee of Health and Human Services: SB 1630.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred House Bill 357, an act relative to
• the Department of Health and Human Services rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements,
• </c><01:44:02.639><c> changes</c><01:44:03.040><c> to</c> Human Services to make the changes to Human
• The Department of Health and Human<01:44:20.679><c> Services</c><01:44:21.679><c> has</c><01:44:21.920
• has not added any vaccine Human Services has not added any vaccine in<01:44:23.520><c> the</c><01:44

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Noah had the privilege of working with Magali and us in the Health and Human Services Committee.
• And I appreciate you helping her out this year and helping all of us on the Health and Human Services
• Noah had the privilege of working with Magali and us in the Health and Human Services Committee.
• And I appreciate you helping her out this year and helping all of us on the Health and Human Services
• House Bill 4147, 2026-2027 Human Services. House Bill 4147, 2026-2027 Human Services. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• . humanely. humanely.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Humane<01:13:33.840><c> Society.</c> &gt;&gt; Humane Society.
• &gt;&gt; Humane Society.
• </c> &gt;&gt; At your service, Senator. &gt;&gt; At your service, Senator.
• Ways and Means Committee.

Bills: SB2606 , SB3253 , SB237 , SB3252 , SB1178 , SB2322 , SB2019 , SB3043 , SB3014 , SB2972 , SB1190 , SB2488

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our work gets bundled with the work of the human services and the health committee on an annual basis
• Our work gets bundled with the work of the human services and the health committee on an annual basis
• Our work gets bundled with the work of the human services and the health committee on an annual basis
• Our work gets bundled with the work of the human services and the health committee on an annual basis
• Gets bundled with the work of the human services and the health committee on an annual basis, and I just

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the Health Finance and Policy bill, and first adopted the A8 amendment, described as a set of technical fixes. Members then considered a large A9 amendment that bundled a wide range of Children and Families provisions, including child care licensing modernization, crisis nursery licensing, SNAP/MFIT-related language, child care provider self-reporting, a physical abuse recognition poster, child protection and welfare provisions, funding for parent support outreach, and forensic interview training scholarships. Supporters described it as bipartisan work with relatively small fiscal impact, while opponents said it greatly expanded the bill and should be handled separately; after a roll call, the A9 amendment failed 7-14. Representative Scott then offered the A11 amendment, raising concerns about new all-payer claims database language and whether it should have been heard in the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee. Department of Health staff explained the data-sharing safeguards, de-identification process, fee structure, and enforcement provisions, but Scott remained concerned about privacy and the scope of the program and withdrew the amendment. The committee then moved to final bill discussion. Members and authors described HF 4466 as a lean health finance bill largely conforming Minnesota law to federal HR1 Medicaid-related changes, including work requirements, retroactive eligibility limits, cost-sharing, and home equity provisions. Supporters argued conformity was necessary to avoid major federal funding losses and noted a few additional member bills in the package; opponents criticized the federal changes as harmful, especially for vulnerable populations such as victims of trafficking and domestic violence. Fiscal staff said the bill would save just over $2 million in FY 2026-27 and almost $98 million in FY 2028-29. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to summarize the two department totals on line 26, the Department of Human Services, all of the
• Just to summarize the two department totals on line 26, the Department of Human Services, all of the
• </c> on line 26 um the department of human on line 26 um the department of human services<00:02:31.280
• </c> Human Services to to comply with HR1. Human Services to to comply with HR1.
• Elise Bailey, Budget Director, Department of Human Services: Sure, Chair Beerman, members.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair moves House File 794 before the committee, with the Chair's intent to lay the bill over.
• Those families are often left navigating a confusing maze of services and support with no clear path
• Good afternoon, Chair Backer and members of the committee.
• </c><00:03:16.440><c> for</c> backer and members of the committee for backer and members of the committee
• Please support House File 794 and help improve dementia services for Minnesotans. Thank you.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, Washingtonians went forward to fund vital services.
• Everyone in Washington should have access to and benefit from public services.
• Invest in public services that actually support the people.
• Invest in public services that actually supports the people.
• You will not starve our public service.

Summary: The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes. Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs. In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, human services, it sounds like they're having a public meeting at 4.
• </c> though they're not conference committee though they're not conference committee reports,<00:10:35.200
• And then in, um, the human services bill, I believe there's additional language relating to going after
• </c><00:20:43.039><c> services</c><00:20:43.520><c> bill,</c> And then in um the human services bill,
• And then in um the human services bill, I<00:20:44.159><c> believe</c><00:20:44.320><c> there's</c><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• is</c><00:09:48.160><c> about</c><00:09:48.240><c> a</c> committee and labor committee is about a committee
• There are no support services. training. There are no support services.
• Services—together.
• </c><00:33:24.320><c> services</c><00:33:24.799><c> together</c> um department human services together
• um department human services together agencies<00:33:25.840><c> that</c><00:33:26.159><c> have</c><00

Bills: HF2440

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Health and Human Services is involved in the same process, but their job is to ensure
• The Department of Health and Human Services is involved in the same process, but their job is to ensure
• The Department of Health and Human Services is involved in the same process, but their job is to ensure
• Chairman and members of the Health and Human Services Committee. Greetings.
• The charity that would be recognized, the independent charity, is, I believe, a Health and Human Service

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the committee staff for their work on this bill, and I'll be accepting the committee
• out of this committee.
• of this committee.
• The Privacy Committee is not a substitute for the Education Committee.
• By the Senate Education Committee, as well as with the Privacy Committee.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> um DHS, Division of Youth Services, um DHS, Division of Youth Services, Capitol,<00:16:10.320><
• Department of Health and Human Services today.
• </c> the US Department of Health and Human the US Department of Health and Human Services<00:26:44.000
• </c><00:28:09.360><c> fund</c> Services today, a human trafficking fund Services today, a human trafficking
• </c> committee members. Any questions? committee members. Any questions? No. No. No.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Palser-Welry moves that a committee... The ayes have it. The House insists. Ms.
• Next question is on the Committee on Judiciary. The House does not concur.
• Report of committee.
• I also want to thank my staff on the Joint Committee on Transportation for their hard work on the committee
• I also want to thank my staff on the Joint Committee on Transportation for their hard work on the committee

Summary: The House took up several Senate and House bills, often suspending rules to advance them quickly. Early in the session, the chamber handled a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a conference committee. It also referred a poverty-related petition away from Judiciary to the Committee on Children and Families after suspending Joint Rule 12. The House then considered a series of Ways and Means bills, including measures on police interactions with people with autism, honoring Blue Star families, Bolton land conveyances, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology; most were amended, ordered to third reading, or passed to be engrossed. The most extensive debate centered on House 5441, requiring newborn screening for congenital CMV. Supporters described CMV as a common but often overlooked infection that can cause hearing loss, developmental delays, and other serious harms, arguing that universal screening would allow earlier treatment and better outcomes. An amendment to add several rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment to create a broad parental opt-out was rejected by a roll call vote of 153-1. The bill then passed to be engrossed by a vote of 154-1. The House also passed House 5443 on expanded public access to epinephrine after emotional testimony about fatal anaphylaxis cases; that bill passed 149-0. Another major measure, House 5444 on civil rights and technology, would prohibit weaponized drones and robotic devices, restrict threatening or harassing use, and set rules for law enforcement use and warrant requirements. Members emphasized both public safety and civil liberties, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 154-1. The House also passed the Blue Star families bill, which creates commemorative license plates for immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, with members speaking about fallen officers and the importance of honoring their families. Additional bills passed included the autism-related Blue Envelope bill, the Bolton land conveyance bill, and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The session included multiple recesses, quorum checks, memorial tributes to Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, and concluded with the House adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, the proposal includes $3 million for the California Health and Human Services Agency to
• Separately, through our California Health and Human Services Agency, there will be a public awareness
• And again, that's not under the DMHC; that'll be under our Health and Human Services Agency. Okay.
• Budget Subcommittee Number 3 on Health and Human Services has adjourned.
• Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services has adjourned.

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Rules will come to order.
• Recently, we are partnering with other departments in the California Health and Human Services Agency
• Welcome to the Rules Committee. I do have some questions.
• So my office takes, I'm sure all of us do, constituent services.
• We will turn it to committee. Thank you. Welcome to the Rules Committee.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm now calling to order this committee on Crime and Public Safety.
• Because, again, city services are vital.
• over as our human resources director.
• over as our human resources director.
• Chairman and members of the committee.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The committee on Crime and Public Safety held public hearings on House Bill 3175 and House Bill 3066. HB 3175, called Mason’s Law, was presented by Rep. Chris Brown as a system to let the Department of Revenue, Missouri Highway Patrol, and MULES alert officers during traffic stops if a driver may have a disability or health condition affecting communication. Brown described a traffic stop involving a young man with autism and said the bill would allow a physician-verified designation tied to license plates and driver records. Testimony in support came from Mason and his mother, who said the bill could prevent dangerous misunderstandings, along with a friend, a speech-hearing association representative, and Kansas City police, who said officers already receive crisis-intervention training. No opposition testimony was offered. HB 3066, by Rep. Brad Christ, would clarify parts of the new St. Louis City police governance structure, including responsibility for civil liabilities, budgeting, and extending the transition director’s term. Christ said the bill is meant to clean up language from last year’s police governance changes and address disputes over who pays for lawsuits arising from different time periods, while also allowing the Board of Police Commissioners more flexibility to move money within its budget. Several witnesses and members raised concerns that the bill would weaken the city’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment, reduce transparency and checks and balances, and shift financial burdens onto city taxpayers and vital city services. City representatives opposed the bill and urged waiting for a memorandum of understanding to resolve the issues locally, while supporters from the police board, the police officers association, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would provide needed clarity and efficiency and help resolve lingering liability questions. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that several other House bills and a House resolution would not be executed that day and might be heard later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Director of the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health at the Department of Human Services
• I'm the Director of the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health at the Department of Human Services
• We reimburse for psychiatric services, mental health services, and in psychiatric hospitals or in psychiatric
• A specific provider type for substance use disorder services for adolescents, for residential services
• It is a way in which we verify the services, the start date, start time, end time, date, place of service

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, the proposal includes $3 million for the California Health and Human Services Agency to
• Separately, through our California Health and Human Services Agency, there will be a public awareness
• And again, that's not under the DMHC; that'll be under our Health and Human Services Agency.
• That'll be under our Health and Human Services Agency. Okay.
• Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services has adjourned.

Keywords: 987, senate, all