Transcript Highlights:

• problematic program that... ...problematic so I don't understand why we take a problematic program that
• has errors, and we found that in order to look at even programs that are using this particular program
• Veteran programs are veteran programs. It's about helping the veteran.
• When I look at this, it looks like this is like a pilot program.
• So I think for me, I would like... ...that pilot program language.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard several bills. HB 2416 would appropriate $20 million for Department of Public Safety border support, including equipment, law enforcement positions, and grants to local governments for border-related enforcement and detention costs. Supporters, including the Arizona Sheriffs Association, said the funds are fully used each year and are largely spent on drug interdiction, especially against fentanyl and methamphetamine. Opponents argued the bill’s immigration-enforcement language was too broad and that the money should instead go to health care, education, food assistance, or prevention programs. The committee approved HB 2416 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard HB 2806, which would require county recorders, ADOT, and AHCCCS to use the federal SAVE system and report citizenship-verification results to JLBC and the Auditor General. The ACLU of Arizona opposed the bill, saying SAVE is not designed to determine voter eligibility, could wrongly flag eligible citizens, and would likely lead to litigation and confusion. Several members questioned the need for the bill, noting existing citizenship requirements and current use of SAVE in some agencies, while others supported it as a way to ensure only citizens access voting and benefits. HB 2806 passed 4-3. HB 2663, a technical cleanup bill updating military leave language for state and local employees serving in the National Guard or Reserves, drew little opposition and passed unanimously. HB 2759 would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans Services for a grant program with Yavapai County educational institutions to help veterans with emergency housing, equipment, professional development, and other shortfalls tied to delayed GI Bill payments. Testimony supported expanding help for veterans, but some members raised concerns that the bill was limited to Yavapai County and included private institutions; the sponsor and witnesses said it could serve as a pilot and potentially expand statewide. The committee approved HB 2759 on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an expansion of a very successfully run program.
• . 21st Century is the largest federal program...
• Program that funds after-school programs, and they have a lot of data on the outcomes that out-of-school
• My concern is that some programs might be designated...
• we fund out-of-school time programs through this bill.

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an incredible program.
• So it's a grant program, it's a Texas... while it's about film, I'd characterize it as a Texas jobs program
• more than a film program.
• and mass casualty programs.
• Charles Smith: Fiscal programs. Moving on to the comptroller fiscal programs.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• , the overall size of the program is less than the overall size of the reinsurance program.
• </c> program. So this isn't completely new. program. So this isn't completely new.
• program and the current<01:10:55.360><c> reinsurance</c><01:10:56.040><c> program.
• </c> reinsurance program to the individual. reinsurance program to the individual.
• So this subsidy program is market.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The 340B drug discount program is a federal program that allows certain health care safety net providers
• The 340B drug discount program is a federal program that allows certain health care safety net providers
• The 340B program does not increase costs to employers, and nothing in the program prohibits manufacturers
• The bill renames this program the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts program, removes its expiration
• programs.

Bills: SB5420 , SB5877 , SB5868 , SB5109 , SB5832 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5988 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:35.840><c> from</c><00:21:36.000><c> 10</c><00:21:36.240><c> to</c> program from 10 to program
• </c><00:21:52.880><c> of</c> additional spending to the program of additional spending to the program
• farmer tax credit program.
• </c> beginning farmer tax credit program. beginning farmer tax credit program.
• </c><01:05:58.319><c> program.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cal Fire represents about 30% of our program.
• this program...
• When I started in this program, you could talk to folks who were interested in joining this program,
• How long is the training program?
• We have a special program where folks who are on the autism spectrum are enrolled in the program, and

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss several California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire budget proposals, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The CCC overview highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its statewide conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development work, and its funding mix of General Fund and fee-for-service reimbursements. Members praised the program’s impact on young adults and communities, and asked about revenue sources, partnerships, recruitment, and outcomes for Corps members after service. A major CCC item was reopening and staffing the Greenwood Residential Center in El Dorado County. The department said the center is needed to restore local wildfire and fuel-break capacity, especially when winter road closures limit access to other facilities. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives, such as using fewer new Corps members or delaying opening, given the budget condition. The committee also discussed a proposal to move CCC hand crews to a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule; the department argued this is needed to match Cal Fire’s year-round operations and reduce chronic staffing gaps, while the LAO recommended considering partial funding or other cost-saving options. Cal Fire’s department overview focused on year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Members asked about contract counties, federal partnerships, reforestation capacity, and the use of cap-and-invest and General Fund dollars amid structural deficits. Cal Fire said its nursery capacity is far below reforestation needs and relies on public-private partnerships, and it described reimbursements for work on federal lands. The committee also discussed defensible space inspections, with Cal Fire seeking permanent staffing to replace temporary positions and maintain its goal of 250,000 inspections annually; the LAO suggested alternatives such as different funding mixes, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding. Finally, the committee heard a request to increase Cal Fire’s fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contract. Cal Fire said the larger, more complex aircraft fleet and year-round fire season require more pilots and maintainers, and that contracting provides flexibility and avoids some benefit costs. The LAO said the proposal addresses significant health and safety concerns and merits consideration, while members questioned whether in-house staffing or longer contract terms might be more cost-effective. Throughout the hearing, members emphasized wildfire risk, budget pressures, and the need to balance public safety with fiscal discipline.

Transcript Highlights:

• It took a while for our behavioral wellness program to put a program in place.
• lot of these residential treatment programs are 90-day programs.
• That's the exact same program.
• What happens if they're violated for not doing the programs because the program is trying to get rid
• The money recommended, the $6.5 million, is not enough to support the program. support the program at

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:42.599><c> we</c> the water quality reducation program we the water quality reducation program
• </c> programs that we operate of this program programs that we operate of this program in<00:10:37.880
• program is a nation<00:17:36.320><c> leading</c><00:17:36.679><c> program</c><00:17:37.200><c> that<
• a water quality certification program a water quality certification program program program implements
• <c> but</c> so the program the programs worked but so the program the programs worked but the<01:24:22.360

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and administer several Grant programs and administer several Grant programs where<00:02:24.720><
• violence community programs and shelters, general crime programs, legal advocacy programs, and parenting
• So these programs impact children and youth impacted by crime, as well as sexual assault programs and
• legal advocacy programs and programs legal advocacy programs and parenting<00:13:29.920><c> time</c>
• </c><01:03:54.079><c> are</c> providing services our programs are providing services our programs are

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We only look at the nursing program.
• Within the nursing program of any academic institution, we look to make sure that that program will meet
• programs.
• When I was a nursing program...
• I did it an accelerated program.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that HR1 eliminated the Grad PLUS program, which is, I know, a program that many students that
• The Rapid Rehousing Program receives about $6.8 million from the state for that program, and it provides
• I want to also highlight the transfer success pathway program, which is a dual admission program with
• This program has doubled in size.
• We have programs—there's a program at CSULA, for example—that has redesigned about 20 courses and provides

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education held its first 2026 hearing on higher education, focusing on UC and CSU system updates, student housing, enrollment, and core operations. In opening remarks, the chair noted recent state fiscal stress, the prior rejection of proposed UC/CSU cuts, and the Governor’s proposed 5% ongoing compact increases. UC President James B. Milliken and CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia described the systems’ public value, research and workforce roles, and the impact of federal actions on grants, financial aid, and campus operations. Both also emphasized Title IX and civil rights efforts; CSU said it had implemented nearly all state auditor recommendations and was on track to finish the remaining one, while UC highlighted its systemwide civil rights and Title IX offices. Both leaders said federal investigations, grant cancellations, and litigation demands were consuming staff time and money, with UC reporting more than 200 grants lost or affected and CSU citing more than $161 million in lost grants and more than 1,600 grants affected overall. The committee then heard on student housing. Finance and LAO staff said the Governor’s budget made no major new housing proposal but continued support for the Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. CSU reported 12 supported projects that will add about 5,047 beds, most below market rate, with four already open and seven more expected this year; it also said it has about 68,000 beds systemwide, a 92% occupancy rate, and ongoing emergency housing support. UC said the program has supported seven UC projects and two joint community college projects, adding more than 7,000 beds total, but nearly 10,000 UC students were on housing waitlists at the start of fall 2025. UC asked for additional state support, including possible bond funding and a statutory change to allow UC participation in public-private partnership housing projects. Members discussed rapid rehousing, student homelessness, faculty and staff housing, and community college housing partnerships, with both systems describing existing emergency beds and support services. On enrollment, LAO recommended maintaining UC’s 2026-27 resident undergraduate target, funding enrollment growth separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident reduction plan, and holding UC flat in 2027-28. For CSU, LAO recommended revising the 2026-27 target downward to reflect current projections, funding growth separately, and holding 2027-28 flat. CSU said it had rebounded from COVID declines, now exceeds its funded target by about 3,000 FTE, and is shifting about $89 million and 10,000 FTE spots from lower-demand campuses to higher-demand ones while developing turnaround plans for seven campuses with sustained enrollment declines, including Sonoma State. CSU also described direct admissions, transfer success pathways, and new degree programs aimed at workforce needs. UC said it had surpassed its compact enrollment goals, planned to add 2,721 California undergraduates in 2026-27, and was seeking $5.5 million for health professional programs. Members raised concerns about underprepared freshmen, K-12 alignment, nonresident caps at UC San Diego, deferred maintenance, ROTC access, and the need for stronger turnaround plans and teacher preparation pipelines. The final item on core operations addressed the Governor’s proposal to defer 3% base funding again, moving the one-time deferral to 2027-28 and allowing short-term zero-interest loans to cover it.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um I don't think I uh the program.
• </c><00:01:16.440><c> Um</c> program several years ago. Um program several years ago.
• ,</c> raise the visibility of the program, raise the visibility of the program, provide<00:01:45.440>
• </c> a cash cash health for the program. a cash cash health for the program.
• </c> this grant program. this grant program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Second issue is this disaster mediation program.
• And again, similar programs have been recently enacted in Oklahoma.
• So with regard to your guys' programs, they're all voluntary.
• So with regard to your guys' programs, they're all voluntary.
• And I don't even think every insurer has a telematics program.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has always been a Kentucky program.
• </c> sustainability a program needs to have. sustainability a program needs to have.
• </c><00:15:50.160><c> partners'</c> sustain their local program partners' sustain their local program
• </c><00:16:09.279><c> to</c> creative to support local programs to creative to support local programs
• </c> this program. this program.

Committee: Senate Families & Children

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know the world is changing, and programs change, and we need to be really updated on what those programs
• I know the world is changing, and programs change, and we need to be really updated on what those programs
• We've seen really good success because of the investment in the line program and the pipeline program
• nursing programs.
• Very important program.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, from Emily Sykes and later the system’s legislative budget request from Sarah Denagie. The strategic plan centers on five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. Testimony highlighted Florida’s continued status as the nation’s top higher education system, record rankings, improved four-year graduation rates, higher median graduate wages, strong licensure pass rates, and expanded focus on research commercialization and workforce alignment. Senators asked about programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and teacher workforce needs, use of the My Florida Future wage data tool, support for first-generation and Pell students, and the role of liberal arts degrees. The system said it would provide follow-up information, including the full strategic-emphasis list and a report on campus safety best practices after a recent summit following the FSU shooting. The committee also received an update on line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and expanded nursing capacity. They reported more than 1,900 new nursing graduates, over 200 new student slots, more than 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff indicated that would be examined this year. For the legislative budget request, the Board of Governors asked for $634.5 million total, including $295 million to maintain the institutional performance-based funding base, $400 million for the state investment portion of performance-based funding, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for state fire marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions will be required. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• SNAP and food security programs can be improved to allow for reduced SNAP program error rates and increased
• New Mexico has many food... programs to combat hunger, but these programs are currently not tracking
• . provide food programs.
• For program support, our current...
• The Federal Rural Program does not replace the State Rural Program. I hope that helps.

Transcript Highlights:

• , now the largest direct admission program in the nation.
• For example, multiple campuses may have a particular program or set of programs with lower enrollment
• portfolios and ensure that the programs that are available today. examine our academic program portfolios
• competitive with similar programs in the state.
• I don't know that their programming will be dismantled.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• for this program robustly.
• Then I moved on to run our jail program, our jail mental health program.
• One of our programs that we're very proud of is our law liaison program.
• the creation of a program like that, a data sharing program.
• , and colonial programs.

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> programming uh our small cities program programming uh our small cities program works<00:29:45.720
• </c> employment Community Employment Program employment Community Employment Program as<00:39:33.560>
• </c> the employment and training programs the employment and training programs team<00:52:46.319><c>
• /c><00:58:12.960><c> uh</c> it was a a program it is a program uh it was a a program it is a program
• state money for this program.

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

Keywords: 1183, house