Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2437 provides the Department of Health the statutory authority to become an accrediting body
• for opioid treatment programs, and in addition, it gives the department the authority to ...for opioid
• treatment programs, and in addition, it gives the department the authority to set accreditation fees
• To ensure the department can provide these services for life-saving OTPs, my bill will authorize DOH
• the fee-setting authority.

Bills: HB2145 , HB1828 , HB2155 , HB2437

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: 340B drug pricing, healthcare access, patient rights, discounted medications, manufacturer limitations, health professions, plasma donation, physician substitutes, medical regulation, nursing titles, healthcare, regulation, professional standards, licensure, accreditation, opioid treatment, health services, fee authority, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll for co-authors. Members, this is for co-authors.
• There are 56 co-authors. Clerk will close the roll. There are 56 co-authors added.
• This is for co-authors, members. Mr. Schultz has asked the roll to be open for co-authors.
• This is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors.
• Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors.

Summary: The Assembly convened in Sacramento, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural motions, members voted to withdraw SB 106 from committee for third reading and to suspend the rules so AJR 25 could be taken up immediately. AJR 25, authored by Assembly Member Bonta, urged Congress to restore and extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expired on January 1, with supporters arguing the lapse would sharply raise premiums for millions of Californians, including veterans, working families, and other vulnerable residents. Opponents, led by Assembly Member DeMaio, argued the resolution blamed federal action for California’s high health care costs and said state mandates and spending choices were the real problem. The resolution was adopted 58-4, and Assembly Member Addis was added as a joint author. The chamber also took up H.R. 76 on affordable homeownership, presented by Assembly Member Schultz and supported by Assembly Member Wicks, who emphasized the importance of homeownership for wealth-building and noted ongoing efforts to expand programs such as CalHome. H.R. 79, by Assembly Member Valencia, recognized February 2026 as Unclaimed Property Month; supporters highlighted the large amount of unclaimed property held by the state and encouraged residents to search for funds owed to them. Both resolutions received broad support, with co-author rolls opened before final adoption. The second-day consent calendar, including ACR 127 on National School Counseling Week, was adopted 64-0. Members also heard a lengthy adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Soria honoring Pablo Rodriguez, a Central Valley organizer and civic leader remembered for his work with United Farm Workers, Communities for a New California, and AB 1441 on the Merced County Independent Redistricting Commission. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Rodriguez, welcomed his family and colleagues, and then adjourned until Monday, February 9, at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Congressional Act, the congressional law, the CFR that was passed with Medicaid states that the
• They have no authority to question zoning approvals that are submitted by the operator.
• How quickly are urgent detox and residential authorizations decided by provider and service type?
• routine prior authorizations at this time.
• Prior authorization... ...fee-for-service behavioral health plan.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee continued its fourth hearing on fraud, waste, and abuse involving Arizona’s Medicaid and behavioral health systems, with a major focus on Access/ALTCS eligibility, behavioral health licensing, and payment delays. Senator Shamp presented findings alleging large gaps in ABD Medicaid asset verification, including that only a portion of enrollees were checked and that many with substantial liquid assets remained on the program. She argued the state’s waiver and lack of asset limits created a compliance and fiscal risk, and urged referrals to law enforcement, tighter verification, and broader reforms. Heather Dukes, representing behavioral health and sober living operators, testified that ADHS and Access have become overly punitive toward licensed providers, often sending technical paperwork violations straight to enforcement instead of allowing correction plans, and that zoning and licensing delays are harming legitimate businesses. Reva Stewart testified that patient brokering and fraudulent recruitment of vulnerable people into behavioral health and sober living settings remain ongoing, especially through social media, and called for stronger accountability and enforcement against bad actors. ADHS Deputy Assistant Director Tiffany Slater said the department has received more than a thousand complaints about unlicensed sober living operations, which has diverted staff from routine oversight of licensed facilities. She said ADHS has expanded enforcement tools for sober living homes, is using a new licensing system to flag repeat bad actors, and is trying to make the application process easier, while acknowledging that inspections can tip off unlicensed operators. Access Director Virginia Roundtree described steps the agency has taken since the prior hearing, including daily staff huddles, live dashboards, added project management support, an external claims vendor, and an independent review of the Division of Fee-for-Service Management. She said Access is trying to balance fraud prevention with support for legitimate providers, and committed to follow up on a specific provider payment dispute by early the next week. Committee members repeatedly pressed Access and ADHS on delayed claims processing, prepayment review, and whether the current system is driving providers out of business. Roundtable testimony from Access staff described the new Provider Resolution Roundtables, which are intended to work with a small number of providers facing the most claims and authorization problems. Members questioned why claims are being denied or held for long periods, why some providers are still waiting on payments from 2023 and 2024, and whether the agency’s actions are sustainable. Access also explained the Targeted Investment Program, saying it is a federally approved Medicaid initiative with large dollar amounts still being paid out on a delayed schedule, and agreed to provide more information on provider participation and payment timing. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided, but the chair indicated the committee would continue reviewing the issue and requested additional reports and follow-up information from Access and ADHS.

Transcript Highlights:

• the three-year cycle, there are really three pathways for the State Building Code Council in our authority
• In those three different pathways where the council, under our authority, can amend a code: one is those
• where the council the council the so in those three different pathways where the council under our authority
• The State Building Code Council has authority to help define the rules under the power granted by the
• legislature, and we ask our local jurisdiction or authorities to still implement and approve those designs

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ineligibility from the congressionally ineligibility from the congressionally set<00:05:51.400><
• And the taxing authority is not a part of this bill, but I appreciate your comments on it.
• You wanted to comment if you want to comment on the bill, not on the taxing authority. It's okay.
• He said the County Judge has the authority to pick who he wants now and will have the authority to pick
• </c><00:37:32.839><c> to</c> the County Judge has the authority to the County Judge has the authority

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, which would create a risk-based AI governance framework for state government and address AI-generated misinformation in campaigns and elections. The sponsor said the bill came from the AI task force and is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible use of AI while distinguishing between internal and external systems. The committee took a roll call vote and reported the bill out 7-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Sen. Webb, which would allow Kentucky Retirement System benefits to be designated to a Special Needs Trust for a beneficiary. Webb said the bill would help families of special-needs children preserve benefits for supplemental needs such as adaptive equipment, technology, and medical or dental care not covered by government programs. He said retirement systems had provided no-impact letters, and the bill passed 7-0. Members also approved Senate Bill 117, which would let cities adjust incentive payments for training by appointed and elected city officials and remove the statutory minimum from ordinance requirements, and Senate Bill 121, which would authorize county judges to contract with rescue groups to deal with wild horse herds in rural areas. SB 117 passed 10-0 and SB 121 passed 10-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 71, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with local library board appointments. Sen. Boswell said the bill was a compromise but that he preferred removing KDLA from the process entirely; library representatives opposed the committee substitute and said they wanted KDLA out of the selection process. Several senators expressed conditional support but said they wanted further changes, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out after a roll call vote with 10 yeas and 1 pass, with members noting they expected further floor amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Congressional hearings in the 1990s confirmed the complicity. Mr.
• Congressional hearings in the 1990s confirmed the complicity. Blood supply.
• Other states like Washington allow midwives the same authority proposed in HB 550, but they also have
• This is an expansion of safety requirements that would better aid Idaho's authority and keep midwives
• This is an expansion of safety requirements that would better aid Idaho's authority and keep midwives

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 3031 and recognizes our colleague Senator Schwertner to explain the bill on behalf of its author
• The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party was re-upped after the congressional elections
• A long list of organizations wrote a letter opposing the renewal of that federal congressional committee
• A long list of organizations wrote a letter opposing the renewal of that federal congressional committee
• I think, I mean, you're the author, so you get to speak to intent, right? Yes, right. It does.

Bills: SB1540 , SB2225 , SB2284 , SB2382 , SB2487 , SB2514 , SB2595 , SB2876 , SB2877 , SB3031 , SB2753 , HB45

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard Senate Bill 3031, which would expand aggravated assault to cover certain road-rage shootings involving a person in or traveling to or from a motor vehicle, when a firearm is discharged and causes injury, property damage, or fear of serious bodily injury. Senator Schwertner laid out the bill for the author, described it as closing a gap in the law, and there was no public testimony; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2514, a measure by Chairman Hughes aimed at creating a DPS unit to identify, investigate, and monitor hostile foreign influence operations and to require ethics training for state employees. Supportive invited testimony from Dr. Jacqueline Deal, Ambassador Kelly Curry, and Michael Lucci emphasized threats from the Chinese Communist Party, transnational repression, cyber intrusion, and state-level influence efforts, and argued Texas should take a leading role. Public testimony included opposition from speakers who raised concerns about free speech, privacy, and potential overbreadth. The bill was left pending after testimony closed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 30 as pending business and discussed a committee substitute. Senator Schwertner explained that the substitute would limit admissible medical expense evidence to amounts paid or up to 300% of Medicare, clarify treatment of provider testimony and attorney-referred providers, remove a requirement that plaintiffs use available health insurance to mitigate damages, strike a unanimous-verdict requirement for non-economic damages, and delete a remittitur provision. Senators questioned the impact on sexual assault and child abuse survivors, the use of Medicare as a benchmark, and whether the bill would still allow fair compensation. After discussion, SB 30 was left pending and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Conservation Commission and recognizes the author to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
• And Senator Blanco is a co-author. If I could add.
• Chair lays out Senate Bill 1145 and recognizes its author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.
• Although TCEQ has regulatory authority for the.
• Are there questions of the author? Please show Senator Alvarado present.

Bills: SB766 , SB290 , SB494 , SB1145

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Authority this change item request is Authority this change item request is Raising<00:27:39.000><c>
• </c><01:27:21.920><c> by</c> fiscal year 27 spending Authority by fiscal year 27 spending Authority by
• </c> is to increase the spending Authority is to increase the spending Authority for<01:30:46.199><c>
• </c><01:31:26.719><c> of</c> increase in annual spending authority of increase in annual spending authority
• </c><01:31:38.159><c> by</c> annual spending Authority by annual spending Authority by $150,000<01:31

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge our legislators, our governor, our Attorney General, and our congressional delegation to stand
• Chairman, members of the committee, I stand in support of a balanced budget amendment using authority
• and we've got to pretend like we only want 33, so we can actually get those, what I was heard, congressional
• I seriously hope you have all gone and read the Congressional Research Service reports.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• And this particular memorial deals with asking our congressional delegation to either look at laws or
• So this is really stating that in the future, if Congress can do an amendment or congressional delegation
• can seek to create laws, ...do an amendment or congressional delegation can seek to create laws that
• There's no meaningful penalties, no subcontractor accountability, no license suspension authority, and

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal that was passed by the Republican congressional members that may end up moving forward will
• The proposal that was passed by the Republican congressional members that may end up moving forward will
• The proposal that was passed by the Republican congressional members that may end up moving forward will
• Any other questions for the testifiers or the bill author? Representative Keeler, thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven of the nine board members do need to be tied to a specific congressional district.
• “Need to be tied to a specific congressional district. Two can be at large.
• Seven of the nine board members do need to be tied to a specific congressional district.
• Two can be at large. need to be tied to a specific congressional district. Two can be at large.
• And then it goes into the fund that DED will authorize to the rural communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I took this on back in 1990 when I chaired the first congressional hearing on the topic.
• I expect HHS to provide timely and complete responses to congressional oversight.
• Childhood slavery is a blight on America's moral authority, and we need to find those kids.
• But what authority do you have over this as the director of HHS? What authority do I have?
• So what authority as HHS director do you have?

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• in defiance of congressional intent.
• It has destroyed documents, obstructing both congressional oversight and potential litigation.
• It has attempted to impose sweeping data privacy and security mandates without congressional approval
• I think the first step is to view it through the lens of our existing enforcement authorities.
• at levels authorized by Congress.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the special welcome to congressional interns. Thank you, Acting Madam Leader.
• I would like to welcome the Congressional Delegation interns visiting us in Dover today.
• We got a chance to speak earlier as a former congressional staffer.
• authority within clearly defined parameters.
• It does not authorize unlimited tax increases.

Summary: The House convened with Girl State participants presiding for part of the session, including introductions of the student leadership and a unanimous voice vote passing House Concurrent Resolution 152 honoring the young women participating in Delaware Girl State. The chamber also welcomed congressional interns and other guests, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and observed a moment of silence for Nathan Cynix and Kara Feeley before prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes for Representative Ron Gray, who was recognized for his 14 years of service and his work on issues such as bond bills, dredging, bike paths, small business, constituent service, and agriculture-related funding. Multiple members from both parties praised his humor, honesty, mentorship, and dedication to the House and his district. Gray responded with extended remarks reflecting on his family legacy, legislative service, and appreciation for colleagues and staff, and the chamber later sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at his request. The House then received communications, including Senate messages returning several bills and informing the chamber of Senate passage of additional measures. Members were also told that the FY27 bond bill, House Bill 500, had been placed on desks as a gift for review. The House read in Consent Agenda S, which included House Bill 476, House Joint Resolution 13, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 168, Senate Bill 297, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, and Senate Joint Resolution 21, and began a roll call vote on the consent agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Open the machine for co-authors, Madam Secretary. Co-authors.
• Secretary, close the machines for co-authors: seven co-authors.
• Secretary, can you open the machines for co-authors? Co-authors, members?
• There are seven co-authors.
• So ordered, Madam Secretary, open the machine for co-authors. 11 co-authors.

Bills: SR146 , SCR12 , HB221 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR58 , HB1 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB383 , HB983 , HB1126 , HCR3 , HB2 , HB3 , SCR3 , SB56 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR72 , HCR5 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR62 , HCR64 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR86 , HCR97 , HCR102 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB476 , HB481 , HB487 , HB492 , HB549 , HB579 , HB608 , HB621 , HB624 , HB626 , HB632 , HB637 , HB656 , HB722 , HB745 , HB804 , HB818 , HB821 , HB833 , HB864 , HB867 , HB874 , HB893 , HB909 , HB951 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB979 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1005 , HB1007 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1059 , HB1077 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1112 , HB1153 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1204 , HB1218 , HB1242 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB971 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB223 , HB225 , HB387 , HB398 , HB457 , HB459 , HB540 , HB591 , HB616 , HB766 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB906 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1076 , HB1100 , HB1139 , HB1155 , HB1160 , HB1182 , HB1186 , HB1220 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1256 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB308 , HB310 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB403 , HB571 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB740 , HB750 , HB759 , HB812 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1038 , HB1107 , SB29 , SB42 , SB78 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB441 , SB449 , SB487 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB43 , SB149

Keywords: SR146, Senate Resolution 146, Louis Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, obituary, public service, St. Martinville, Cade, St. Martin Parish, police juror, mayor, community center, water system, school bus driver, school board, Louisiana Senate, sympathy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the Colorado Sportsman Caucus is a sub-chapter of the Congressional Sportsman Caucus.
• Sportsman Caucus is a sub-chapter<00:29:07.600><c> of</c><00:29:07.760><c> the</c><00:29:07.880><c> Congressional
• </c> sub-chapter of the Congressional sub-chapter of the Congressional Sportsman<00:29:08.960><c> Caucus

Transcript Highlights:

• So what you're doing, you're saying that the ones who are in a congressional district state senate district
• No, I think y'all is a congressional.
• I think it's congressional, but I'm just still saying that they have a law.
• It's going to be interesting because we're going to probably lose a congressional seat in the next census

Bills: SB278 , HB459 , HB61

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: SB278, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama Released Time Credit Act, church-state separation, First Amendment, school choice, parental consent, elective course, off-campus instruction, private religious entity, State Board of Education, local board of education, attendance credit, core curriculum, religious education, Bible class

Transcript Highlights:

• That budget reconciliation bill lays out spending targets for congressional committees.
• The Congressional Budget Office has told the committee that considers Medicare and Medicaid that... .
• While funding continues through annual congressional appropriations, there is no long-term guarantee.
• While funding continues through annual congressional appropriations, there is no long-term guarantee.
• The latest Workforce Authorization Bill excludes vocational rehabilitation, signaling that Congress,

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.