Transcript Highlights:

• . $37.2 million is included to address contracted health services needs for treatment of chronic illnesses
• our staff and inmates. 37.2 million is included to address contracted health services needs for treatment
• of chronic illnesses, increased population, Contracted Health Services Needs for Treatment of Chronic

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met to consider the fiscal year 2025-26 budget recommendations, a proposed committee bill on judicial positions, and one member bill. The chair framed the budget as part of a broader effort to slow spending growth and reduce recurring expenditures, noting the subcommittee’s proposed $7.3 billion budget is $366 million below the prior year. Major budget items included funding for the Department of Corrections to address staffing, maintenance, health services, security equipment, and facility needs; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds, maintenance, the Broward detention facility replacement design, medical services, and Florida Scholars Academy costs; FDLE for the Fort Myers regional operations center and sexual offender/predator registration workload; and the state courts and justice administration entities for judges, due process resources, security, and staffing. The budget also reduced 1,280 vacant positions and $139.2 million in excess funding and authority. The committee then heard PCB-JUB-25-01, which implements part of the Florida Supreme Court’s certification of judicial need. The bill establishes 17 additional circuit court judges and 12 additional county court judges, with about $13.9 million in general revenue and 72 associated positions. In response to a question about why the two certified 6th District Court of Appeal judges were not included, the chair said the committee did not think it was the right time to add judges to a brand-new court still operating from leased space. The PCB was reported favorably on a 14-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 1351 by Representative Baker, which revises sex offender and predator registration rules by clarifying resident categories, creating an in-state travel residence definition, allowing online or in-person reporting for certain temporary residence changes, removing duplicative reporting requirements, clarifying vehicle and employment reporting, and requiring local law enforcement to verify addresses more frequently for registrants not on supervision. FDLE and Smart Justice indicated support, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It means that we will significantly simplify our property tax credit program.
• Section 17 was extending tax credits for a down payment assistance program with...
• Section 17 included a down payment assistance program with the Vermont Housing Finance Agency.
• , summer programs, tutoring, and similar.
• and enrichment programs, summer camps, that kind of... ...programs, summer camps, that kind of thing

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a diversionary program that at the end of it, the goal is expungement of record.
• I would like to know what happened to the program.
• Under the bill, that is who sets the program up and regulates all of the qualifications.
• They determine whether an individual is eligible for this program.
• are outside of the juvenile program.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions heard testimony on House Bill 2912, House Bill 2753, and a joint hearing on House Bills 2171 and 3292. HB 2912 would expand the state’s use of master agreements for small projects, raising contract thresholds and adding architects, engineers, and surveyors to standing agreements for work under $100,000. Supporters from the Office of Administration and private engineering/architecture firms said the bill would reduce delays, lower costs, and avoid repeated RFQ/RFP processes for small projects. There were no witnesses in opposition, and the hearing closed after favorable testimony. HB 2753 would create a hospital zone designation, similar to school or work zones, allowing municipalities or counties to establish reduced-speed areas around hospitals when local conditions warrant it. The bill was presented in response to traffic and safety concerns around a rural hospital expansion and a state highway running through the campus area. Hospital representatives, the Missouri Hospital Association, and another hospital system supported the measure, emphasizing pedestrian, staff, ambulance, and visitor safety; committee members questioned the proposed penalties and whether the bill could create a statewide mandate, but supporters stressed it was permissive and locally initiated. No opposition testimony was offered. HB 2171 and HB 3292, identical bills, would direct the Department of Corrections to create a motivational boot camp program for offenders ages 17 to 21 convicted of nonviolent offenses, with the goal of rehabilitation and possible expungement after completion. Sponsors said the program would emphasize discipline, physical activity, and therapy, and could be a cost-saving alternative to prison; they noted a federal issue requiring changes for DWI/CDL cases and discussed a six-year sunset. Committee members raised questions about eligibility, screening, expungement language, program design, and how the proposal would interact with other sentencing bills. No witnesses testified in favor or opposition, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• administration program, Dre KH runs our Harper program, and Ur runs our airports program.
• Yeah, okay, so we got a page. program ID program ID please okay so program ID program ID please okay
• </c> program for the 206 and then the program program for the 206 and then the program ID<03:11:46.080
• this program.
• this program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kyle Jones, on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Water Collaborative Action Program and Community Alliance
• These mandates are usually in the form of a new program or a higher level of service for an existing
• program.
• State-mandated programs carried out by local governments are critical to California's health, safety,
• This program was approved for reimbursement in 1979, almost 50 years ago.

Summary: The Local Government Committee met on March 25, 2026, hearing eight bills, with several measures focused on housing, water, and local government administration. AB 1621 by Assemblymember Wilson sought to speed post-entitlement housing permits by setting clearer timelines, limiting repeated plan checks, and restricting field changes that conflict with approved plans. Supporters from the building, apartment, business, and housing sectors said the bill would reduce delays and costs, while county and city representatives opposed it unless amended, warning it could limit local enforcement of building and environmental codes and create problems for incomplete applications. The bill passed after a roll call vote, with the committee noting it would continue working with local government groups on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1712, which would help Santa Fe Springs sell its small, financially strained water system to a larger regulated provider without requiring a municipal election, using a protest process instead. The author and city officials said the system faces contamination, major deferred maintenance, and rate increases that could otherwise triple; water industry representatives supported the bill and no opposition was heard. AB 2080, sponsored by county treasurers, would make county delegations of investment authority to treasurers ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal, with supporters saying it would reduce administrative burden and avoid technical lapses. AB 2640 would allow local governments to offset reductions in reimbursement for disallowed state mandate claims against other unpaid mandate reimbursements; Shasta County testified in support, describing a large audit disallowance and long-delayed state payments. Both bills passed. The committee also approved consent items AB 1622 and AB 1834. AB 2180, which would codify a framework for proportional water rates under Proposition 218 based on the Dreher decision, drew broad support from water agencies and local government groups, but opposition from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors, who argued the bill was premature while the Supreme Court reviews related case law. Despite that opposition, the bill passed on a 6-2 vote, and the remaining bills were advanced with roll calls left open for additional votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kyle Jones, on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Water Collaborative Action Program and Community Alliance
• These mandates are usually in the form of a new program or a higher level of service for an existing
• program.
• State-mandated programs carried out by local governments are critical to California's health, safety,
• This program was approved for reimbursement in 1979, almost 50 years ago.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a diversionary program that at the end of it, the goal is expungement of record.
• I would like to know what happened to the program. I understand we do have to do something.
• I would like to know what happened to the program.
• Under the bill, that is who sets the program up and regulates all of the qualifications.
• are outside of the juvenile program.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Judy Seeberger says people in Hastings are now on the hook for a water treatment plant that meets
• </c><00:24:56.080><c> plant</c><00:24:56.720><c> that</c><00:24:56.840><c> meets</c> for a water treatment
• plant that meets for a water treatment plant that meets the<00:24:57.240><c> new</c><00:24:57.480><c
• $70 $16.6 million to help start Hastings $70 million<00:25:08.679><c> water</c><00:25:08.960><c> treatment
• project she says million water treatment project she says while<00:25:11.520><c> her</c><00:25:11.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is day store using this program.
• </c> programs paying subminimum wage. programs paying subminimum wage.
• </c> work, our day support service program work, our day support service program continues<00:37:58.480
• </c> take me to any one of these day programs take me to any one of these day programs and<01:19:12.080
• </c><01:43:15.000><c> and</c> services were called day treatment and services were called day treatment

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While there were state and federal funding programs that tried to ease their financial obligations, those
• Our requests for simple treatments like basic vitamin C and vitamin D were all denied.
• My dad was ventilated six days into his visit and not given any other options for treatment.
• for simple treatments like<01:37:34.239><c> basic</c><01:37:34.800><c> vitamin</c><01:37:35.159><c>
• 6 hours after being ventilated treatment 6 hours after being ventilated he<01:38:07.040><c> was</c><

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> supplement funding to expand programs, supplement funding to expand programs, such<00:04:18.560
• ,</c> ho shelt- hotel shelter programs, ho shelt- hotel shelter programs, eviction<00:04:26.240><c> court
• ,</c><00:07:31.280><c> and</c> Homework Starts with Home program, and Homework Starts with Home program
• . programs. programs.
• </c> meets the requirements of the program. meets the requirements of the program.

Bills: HF4561 , HF4343

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> was part of that program was part of that program and<00:33:35.760><c> they</c><00:33:36.080><c>
• </c><00:54:28.079><c> for</c><00:54:28.640><c> food</c> surplus program for food surplus program for
• </c> health benefit program. health benefit program.
• But if you think about the actual use... to as a PECARD program. It's our to as a PECARD program.
• </c> this this program kind of offset that. this this program kind of offset that.

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:

• And I just want to thank you all for being a part of this program. ...leading the community with our
• And I just want to thank you all for being a part of this program and being leaders in your community
• So I want to thank you and I want to congratulate you for this amazing program that you've put in our
• We have organizations and programs that help mothers who are addicted to substances with prenatal care
• We have organizations and programs that help mothers who are addicted to substances with prenatal care

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's just a should have made the updates for this program.
• And we do have programs there where we help people get off their feet or we work with them to get treatment
• programs and things like that.
• That means they can add other programs. But not limited to SNAP, TANF, and WIC.
• That means they can add other programs, Medicaid, stuff like this.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency held a public hearing on House Bill 1817, which would require the Department of Social Services to publish monthly public-assistance data at the municipal level for places with populations of 1,000 or more. The sponsor said the bill was intended to give local nonprofits, churches, and community leaders better information to target aid, measure whether their efforts are reducing dependency, and identify underserved areas, while avoiding identification of individuals in very small communities. Supporters echoed the transparency and planning benefits, saying the data could help nonprofits allocate resources, spot gaps, and coordinate more effectively. Several members questioned whether the bill was necessary, whether the data was already available through public records or existing reports, and whether it would create busy work or divert staff time. Others raised concerns about the 1,000-person threshold as arbitrary, the possibility of discouraging assistance applications, and whether the bill would really improve outcomes or reduce fraud. The sponsor responded that the data is already being collected, that the software had already been funded, and that the bill would simply make the information publicly available in a more useful format. Testimony in opposition was not presented, and the public hearing on HB 1817 was then closed. The committee then moved into executive session and took up House Bill 1641. A House Committee Substitute was offered and adopted after brief discussion. The substitute bill was then voted do pass by a roll call vote of 12 ayes, 1 no, and 4 present. Representative Burton stated a present vote was appropriate because of concerns with some language in the bill, while other members supported the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are critical treatments, but their high price tag is putting a real strain on patients and our
• additional time-consuming steps and make multiple phone calls to individual physicians to clarify treatment
• Treatment is centered around trying to find the best medication that will help the patient.
• core of this bill is about affordability and access, which are key components for adherence to any treatment

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard SB 1094 by Senator Weber Pierson, which would expand pharmacist substitution authority for biosimilars and allow health plans to require use of lower-cost generic or biosimilar alternatives when available, unless the prescriber marks “do not substitute.” The author said the bill is intended to lower prescription drug costs, improve access, and require insurers to report on whether substitutions reduce out-of-pocket costs and premium growth. Committee amendments were accepted, including changes to align definitions with federal law, require a link to the FDA Purple Book, add a 30-day advance notice requirement for plan-driven substitutions, and allow exceptions for patients or providers. Supporters included Blue Shield of California, Sharp HealthCare, health plans, CVS, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other business and health care groups, who argued the bill would increase competition, reduce costs, and remove administrative barriers to using FDA-approved biosimilars. Opponents and “opposed unless amended” witnesses, including the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the California Rheumatology Alliance, and some physician groups, argued the bill goes beyond current FDA interchangeability standards, could undermine physician judgment, and may create patient safety concerns for some chronic-disease patients who react differently to biosimilars or experience problems with multiple switches. Committee members discussed the “do not substitute” option, patient notification, insurance approval, and whether the bill preserves physician discretion. After debate, Senator Arreguín moved the bill, and the committee voted 10-0 to pass SB 1094 as amended to the Senate Health Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are critical treatments, but their high price tags are putting a real strain on patients and our
• additional time-consuming steps and make multiple phone calls to individual physicians to clarify treatment
• Treatment is centered around trying to find the best medication that will help the patient.
• core of this bill is about affordability and access, which are key components for adherence to any treatment

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've practiced optometry for 38 years and have witnessed tremendous advancements both in treatment and
• advancements have witnessed tremendous advancements both<00:10:09.120><c> in</c><00:10:09.360><c> treatment
• </c><00:10:09.680><c> and</c><00:10:09.920><c> in</c><00:10:10.080><c> patient</c> both in treatment
• and in patient both in treatment and in patient outcomes<00:10:10.959><c> during</c><00:10:11.279><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:44:49.839><c> Go</c> program. So, I can I can get that. Go program.
• “Program.
• </c> to get into the program. to get into the program.
• </c> CTE program? CTE program?
• but another program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns. Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken. The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended. Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Patients brought in by any authority should receive medical evaluation and treatment according to medical
• and treatment according to medical<00:04:43.520><c> need,</c><00:04:44.000><c> not</c><00:04:44.400>
• Under EMTALA, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, which was codified in 1986 under
• Under EMTALA, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, which was codified in 1986 under
• Under EMTALA, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, which was codified in 1986 under

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: At this meeting, Senator Matt Klein and a group of Minnesota physicians and medical organizations described what they said was escalating ICE activity in and around hospitals and clinics, and argued it is deterring patients from seeking care and interfering with medical work. Speakers from emergency medicine, pediatrics, the Minnesota Medical Association, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine said patients are avoiding appointments, missing follow-up care, and in some cases suffering serious harm because of fear of detention or family separation. They emphasized that emergency departments and other health care settings should remain safe spaces where care is based on medical need, not immigration status. Several speakers gave examples they said showed actual patient harm, including missed prenatal and pediatric visits, delayed treatment leading to sepsis, perforated colon, burst appendix, and a patient with cancer who was detained and moved without medications. Pediatric and OB/GYN speakers focused on trauma to children and families, including fear of bringing children to appointments, requests for home births, and patients refusing transfer for higher-level care. Family medicine and emergency physicians also said staff morale is low, some workers are afraid to come in, and the situation is affecting diverse health care teams across the state. The discussion also touched on legal and policy questions. Speakers said they have tried calling police, hospital administration, and security to remove ICE agents from private patient areas, but reported that agents refused to leave. They said ICE may be allowed in public spaces but should not be in patient rooms or during private exams, and suggested there may be a role for legislation to codify best practices for law enforcement interactions in health care settings. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions from reporters, and calls for collaboration and for ICE to stop enforcement activity in health care settings.

Transcript Highlights:

• They implement state and federal programs while remaining accountable to local communities, delivering
• When federal programs are cut or restructured, it is county employees, all 419,000 of them, who are asked
• nutritional standards were set by the National Restaurant Association as part of the Kids Live Well program
• helps shine a light on these critical issues and underscores the need for improved screening, timely treatment

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded through appointments, resolutions, and bills. Governor’s appointments for Dina Eltawasi as Caltrans Director, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board were presented and later confirmed after roll calls and lifting of calls. The chamber also took up several third-reading measures and resolutions, including SCR 143 honoring Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans, SR 96 recognizing National County Government Month, SB 1347 clarifying stocking of albuterol in public schools, SB 977 requiring chain restaurants to offer at least one healthier children’s meal, SB 1234 requiring fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is ordered, SCR 161 designating Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, SR 101 replacing Senator Jones on the Rules Committee with Senator Ochoa Bogh, SB 1111 addressing liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas, and SCR 128 establishing High School Voter Education Weeks. Each of these measures was presented by the author, generally received supportive remarks, and passed by roll call, with calls later lifted and the votes confirmed. During debate, Senator Umberg emphasized the long-overdue recognition of Hmong and Laotian veterans who served in covert missions during the Vietnam era, and Senator Archuleta echoed that tribute on behalf of the Military and Veterans Committee. Senator Cortese and Senator McGuire spoke in support of SR 96, highlighting the role of counties in delivering public services and warning about the impact of federal cuts on health and human services. Senator Niello described SB 1347 as a cleanup measure extending existing albuterol stocking authority to all public schools, including preschool. Senator Weber Pearson argued SB 977 would improve children’s nutrition options at chain restaurants, while Senator Alvarado-Gil said SB 1234 would help keep fentanyl out of homes by ensuring court-ordered drug testing includes fentanyl. Senator Weber Pearson also presented SCR 161 on maternal mental health, citing high rates of pregnancy-related depression and anxiety and barriers to care. Senator Ashby presented SR 101 and SB 1111, the latter aimed at unauthorized AI-generated voice and likeness replicas, and Senator Pérez presented SCR 128 to encourage voter education for high school students. After the floor actions, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, with Senator Cervantes removing SB 1381 from consent. Committee announcements followed, including upcoming Budget Subcommittee meetings. The session concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, whose advocacy and writing were remembered by the chamber. The Senate announced its next floor session for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 2 p.m., and then recessed until later that afternoon for adjournment proceedings.