Video & Transcript : 'Sun Bucks program' :
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WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 05:02 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , sites program, and, Is every member voted?
- Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 546, relating to an abuse prevention program.
- Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 546, relating to an abuse prevention program.
- Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 546, relating to an abuse prevention program.
- Engrossed House Bill 5382, relating to the Neighborhood Investment Program.
Summary:
The Senate first took up Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. After adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, the chamber concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed the bill 33-0, with one member absent and not voting. The amendment was described as creating an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year, and the bill was presented as a tool to help county boards fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas.
The chamber then received a large number of committee reports and advanced several House bills on first reading. These included measures on creating the Team West Virginia Corporation, establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the respiratory care interstate compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the Science and Culture Center, and a comprehensive energy development policy and plan. Several bills were reported as amended by committees, and one energy bill was referred to the Rules Committee.
Additional committee action included reports on a bill to repeal the school-transfer eligibility protection, a load forecast accountability bill, oil and gas well plugging provisions, a TANF drug-screening extension, and a bill authorizing the Supreme Court of Appeals to create child protection commissioners. Most of these were advanced on first reading after unanimous consent. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day, with announcements of upcoming committee meetings before the chamber adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- and launched a new state-funded program.
- Uh, no, it, OK, it's part of, but then, OK, yes, it's, it is a waiver program.
- Um, as many of you probably know, uh, Texas currently has 3 limited benefit programs, um, focused on
- program.
- Um, roughly half a million patients were enrolled in these programs in fiscal year 2023.
Bills:
HB231
Keywords:
HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Uh information about the state programs Uh information about the state programs was<00:18:21.120
- about the state learned more programs about the state programs<00:18:37.840><c> from</c><00:18:38.080
- Uh so Hawaii programs from the app.
- </c> social workers included in this program. social workers included in this program.
- </c> health monitoring pilot program. health monitoring pilot program.
Committee:
House Health
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- programs programs CH<00:15:22.199><c> so</c><00:15:22.839><c> just</c><00:15:23.120><c> repeat</c><00
- </c><01:19:56.719><c> to</c> proving this uh you know program to proving this uh you know program to
- uh so the whole so the whole program uh so the whole program<01:21:33.120><c> sorry</c><01:21:33.719
- </c> the whole the whole idea of the program the whole the whole idea of the program is<01:21:39.400>
- </c> the senior nutrition program the senior nutrition program appropriation<01:24:59.440><c> which</
Committee:
Senate Human Services
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Feb 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- program.
- </c> the states that are running the program the states that are running the program and<01:09:04.159
- </c><01:09:35.159><c> an</c> $54 a week back under this program an $54 a week back under this program
- </c><01:10:00.520><c> is</c> a sort of cheap insurance program is a sort of cheap insurance program is
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Summary:
The Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee met on February 12 and heard several bills. HB 97, relating to travel insurance, drew only brief testimony: the Insurance Division stood on written testimony, one industry witness supported the bill and requested a minor amendment, and no one else testified or asked questions. HB 226, relating to window tinting, received support from the Department of Transportation, while the Honolulu Police Department offered comments on the proposed amendments, asking for clearer language on what it means to roll windows down, when the requirement applies, how it handles bad weather, and what sanctions would apply for noncompliance. No further testimony was offered on that measure.
The committee also heard HB 1179, relating to rural emergency hospitals. The Department of Human Services stood on written testimony, and Maui Health Systems strongly supported the bill, saying it would help critical access hospitals better serve kūpuna and provide long-term care beds. There were no questions or additional testimony. HB 420, relating to remedies and the contractor repair act, generated extensive and sharply divided testimony. Opponents, including attorneys representing homeowners and AARP Hawaii, argued the bill was anti-consumer, would weaken homeowners’ ability to recover for construction defects, and would shift costs and risk to consumers. Supporters, including builders, realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and D.R. Horton Hawaii, said the bill would create a more balanced and efficient process, reduce unnecessary litigation, and help builders address legitimate defects more quickly.
Testimony on HB 420 focused heavily on whether the contractor repair process and class actions help or hinder repairs. Opponents said the bill would delay or limit homeowner recovery, especially for life and safety defects, while supporters said current class-action litigation can prevent direct communication with homeowners and slow repairs. Committee members asked questions about when communication with homeowners stops and whether repairs could be made before a class is certified. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have about 77,000 businesses that are actually running the program.
- We have about 77,000 businesses that are actually running the program.
- So these programs are, yes, incredibly important. We need to do better.
- This is why the Dogwuf program is so important.
- create the California Oil Worker Readiness Program.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 1729, which would update California state telework policy. The author and many unionized state workers argued that telework has improved productivity, reduced emissions and commuting costs, saved the state money on office space, and should be governed by written, evidence-based departmental policies rather than blanket return-to-office mandates. Supporters emphasized flexibility, morale, and the need for transparency through a public dashboard. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was later moved on a 2-1 vote, with the item placed on call.
Members also heard AB 805, which would create a Career Apprenticeship Bridge Program to connect high school career technical education with registered apprenticeships. The author and supporters said the bill implements recommendations from the California Youth Apprenticeship Model report and would expand earn-and-learn pathways, especially for youth facing barriers. The bill passed the committee 3-0 and was placed on call.
Two workers’ compensation and labor-relations bills drew sharp opposition. AB 1576 would reform the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund; supporters said it would reduce litigation and employer assessments, while opponents argued it did not go far enough and preferred the administration’s trailer bill. AB 1582 would make it an unfair labor practice for UC or other higher education employers to disregard arbitration decisions on contracting out; supporters said it would protect arbitration outcomes for service workers, while UC argued it would interfere with bargaining agreements and threaten patient and student services. Both bills were moved on 2-1 votes and placed on call.
After quorum was established, the committee also advanced AB 1630, allowing union representatives to invite bargaining-unit members to observe meet-and-confer sessions remotely; AB 2650, a CalSavers cleanup bill to improve retirement savings access and administration; AB 2054, expanding paid family leave eligibility for relatives of military service members on domestic duty; AB 2157, making permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund pilot program; and AB 1838, requiring bidders on local public works projects to disclose recent wage-and-hour violations. AB 1630 and AB 2157 were both placed on call after divided votes, while AB 2650 and AB 2054 passed 2-1 and 3-0 respectively, and AB 1838 was placed on call after a 1-1 vote. The transcript ends as the committee begins AB 2682, which would conform the appeal process for transportation network company driver unionization law.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/16/2026 - Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Because, like I said, I started this program.
- I’m the school safety program coordinator. School safety program coordinator.
- Which left the program in neutral, basically, and not fully adopted.
- My very existence is representative of this new emphasis on the program.
- And they may not have the resources to administer such a new program.
Committee:
Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard presentations on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, beginning with remarks from Senator Kevin Payne, who described the program as a response to school shootings and 911 overloads, and said the goal is to let schools trigger a panic-button alert that immediately shares video, floor plans, and location information with law enforcement and other responders. Several members echoed support for the concept, while also raising concerns about whether the systems are actually working as intended and whether school resource officers remain necessary or should be supplemented by technology.
Auditor General Lindsay Perry summarized the JLAC-directed special audit, explaining that the office reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She said the office had tested a sample of systems with vendors, schools, and law enforcement, and that some agencies had not provided requested follow-up information. Members questioned Pinal County’s lack of response and the status of its reports and payments, and committee leaders criticized the county sheriff’s claim that the committee had treated staff unfairly.
Representatives from Mutualink, Motorola Solutions, and Navigate 360 then defended their systems and described implementation challenges. Mutualink said its platform connects schools, dispatch, and responders across jurisdictions and claimed it can reduce response times, but acknowledged that implementation depends on training, infrastructure, and cooperation among schools and agencies. Motorola said it had deployed systems in Maricopa and Yuma counties and that some delays stemmed from school participation and procurement issues. Navigate 360 highlighted Cochise County as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented and that the company had added maps, emergency management tools, and training support after audit findings. Members repeatedly pressed the vendors on statutory criteria, procurement practices, rural infrastructure, and why some counties or schools were not fully operational; the vendors generally said the biggest barriers were local readiness, training, and interagency coordination rather than the technology itself.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's exactly what this program does.
- And that's exactly what this program does.
- This program would stand up an affordability program subsidizing monthly rates for low-income households
- So we're directly supporting both our program and the Navajo Nation's program for those last-mile customers
- The three-year pilot programs with the PERF? What were those extra programs? Mr.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152.
The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute.
The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Aug 13th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It was the New Mexico Private Equity Program, very specifically the Venture Capital Program.
- You can take a look at how the program has been revised over time.
- We literally lost money on that program. In 2019, we started making changes to improve the program.
- This program, with their venture capital program, is working specifically for New Mexico small businesses
- Manager program like that, but also the program that was set up with the intent of being willing to take
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, that's for every single program.
- using to determine the eligibility for the program?
- I know we're saying, yes, you were homeless prior to that, but... ...program.
- Adult education and skills programs are uniquely positioned to address these gaps.
- Adult education and skills programs are uniquely positioned to address these gaps.
Summary:
The committee heard several higher education bills. It first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 67 and SB 619. The main discussion centered on SB 437, which would direct the CSU system to develop a fair, evidence-based process for verifying whether someone is a descendant of a person enslaved in the United States, as part of the state’s reparations work. Supporters said the bill fills a gap left by the Reparations Task Force and would create a transparent, credible lineage-verification process; opponents argued genealogy methods already exist, the bill would waste money and delay action, and some raised constitutional concerns. The committee took a vote on SB 437, but the roll was left open after the initial tally showed three ayes and three noes.
The committee then heard SB 790, which would allow California to join the interstate reciprocity agreement for online postsecondary education. The author and supporters said the bill would improve consumer protections for California students taking out-of-state online courses and help California institutions compete more effectively by reducing the burden of seeking separate state approvals. Opponents, including University of Phoenix and other groups, argued the bill conflicted with the existing reciprocity framework, could exclude some institutions, and might not actually secure California’s entry into the agreement. The committee voted 3-1 to pass SB 790 as amended to the Business and Professions Committee, with the roll left open.
The committee also heard SB 391, which would authorize the Community College Chancellor’s Office to charge fees for research partners seeking access to data. Supporters said the office is absorbing significant unfunded workload from data requests and that fees would help recover costs; opponents, including the California Teachers Association community college association, warned the fees could create barriers for faculty and smaller researchers. Members discussed possible exemptions and implementation details. The committee voted 5-1 to pass SB 391 as amended to the Appropriations Committee, with the roll left open. Finally, the committee heard SB 685, a pilot program to provide cost-of-attendance assistance at four CSU campuses for students who experienced homelessness in high school. Supporters said it would help students cover housing, food, and transportation costs and reduce dropout risk; members asked about eligibility and implementation, and the author explained the bill would use McKinney-Vento homelessness designations and target students at risk of “summer melt” and college homelessness.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Lindsay Gordon, 211 program manager at Connecting Point.
- Unfortunately, since its inception, this program has administrative process.
- Unfortunately, since its inception, this program has Telephone Service Act.
- The sample was drawn from the California Lifeline Program.
- And this is the low-income telecommunications program.
Summary:
The Communications and Conveyance Committee heard several bills focused on telecommunications, emergency response, and digital access. AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would restore the 988 “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth crisis support, with strong support from suicide prevention advocates, mental health organizations, local governments, and family groups, and opposition from groups arguing it politicizes crisis services and raises safety concerns. Members emphasized the bill’s life-saving purpose and noted it would depend on federal approval. The committee voted AB 1540 out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 2093 and AB 2193, both sent to Appropriations. AB 1832 by Assemblymember Ransom, as amended, would expand and stabilize statewide 211 services through a state fund, a community needs dashboard, and integration into emergency planning; supporters described 211’s role during disasters and service gaps in many counties, and the bill passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 2289, the chair’s bill, would create an Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, consolidate broadband programs, and narrow CPUC jurisdiction to voice communications; TURN and CWA District 9 opposed the regulatory changes but acknowledged shared goals, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
AB 2424 by Assemblymember Carrillo would create a new low-income telecommunications advisory board to oversee California Lifeline and address fraud and oversight concerns. Supporters said the board would add needed telecommunications expertise and improve access for low-income and immigrant communities, while opponents argued an existing advisory structure already serves that role and warned of added costs and surcharges. After discussion, the committee voted AB 2424 out on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported out.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government Apr 1st, 2026
Local Government, Elections and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- This program exists. You are simply requesting... to get it passed down here.
- This program exists. You are simply requesting that Lexington be allowed to join the program.
- And we set up our program that will cover up to a $3,000 cap.
- or a $3,000 bill, and 85% of it's covered by the program, it's pretty good.
- And this program is a separate funding source.
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government met in executive session and first adopted a substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, which replaced Senator Black’s version with Representative Farnan’s bill. Members discussed that the controversial community-agreement language had been removed and that related community paramedic language had been moved to another bill. The committee then voted 16-0 to do pass the substituted bill.
The committee next considered House Bill 3496, dealing with county officials’ salary schedules and county classification issues. Representative Reedy explained the substitute added election authorities language, incorporated another bill on sheriffs and prosecuting attorneys, and changed the title and substance to address county valuation rules for certain fourth-class counties. Members discussed the impact on county classifications and the inclusion of abated and tax-exempt property in valuation calculations. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted 15-1 to do pass the bill.
In public hearing, Representative Sharp presented House Bill 3028 as a Lewis County fix to allow more at-large members on a county board instead of requiring one from each township; a retired Lewis County commissioner testified in support, and no opposition appeared. Representative Thompson presented House Bill 2431 to let Lexington ask voters for a public safety sales tax after a major gas explosion; supporters said it would fund police, fire, and ambulance needs without reducing current budgets, while an opponent argued against new taxes and special laws. Representative Violet presented House Bill 2732 to raise the voter-approved cap on water service line repair fees from $12 to $24 annually; St. Peters officials said costs have risen and the program helps residents avoid large repair bills, while an opponent said existing programs are solvent and opposed the increase. No votes were taken on the public hearing bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:48 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to be clear on the Guardrails Strengthening Program Integrity.
- This is a launch of a universal entitlement program.
- We have programs that focus on families who are experiencing homelessness.
- How about if a county opens a program?
- And you know, it's a new program and we're expanding this.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Farm to School Program, Summer Meal Program, things like that.
- But the program still exists.
- But the program still exists.
- That's the WSDA Food to Food Bank program. It's the WSDA Food to Food Bank program.
- assistance programming.
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- who qualifies as an employee for purposes of workers compensation related to certain direct care programs
- </c><00:03:39.360><c> under</c><00:03:39.680><c> the</c><00:03:39.840><c> Minnesota</c> care programs
- under the Minnesota care programs under the Minnesota Department<00:03:40.560><c> of</c><00:03:40.720
- </c> insurance programs. insurance programs.
- </c><00:07:22.800><c> from</c> involved in an approved program from involved in an approved program from
Committee:
Senate Labor
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- These programs are crucial for our communities. Our schools also need repair.
- I want you to realize that regional day school programs are some of the most expensive programs in public
- Regional day school programs provide hearing aids for students.
- To be a member of a regional day school program by the state.
- Overall, we serve 30 districts for our regional day school program.
Committee:
House Public Education
Keywords:
public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:30:58.320><c> I</c> of fiscally responsible programs, I of fiscally responsible programs, I
- /c><00:32:42.080><c> learners</c> education programs enable adult learners education programs enable
- </c><00:35:16.160><c> to</c> teacher housing assistance program to teacher housing assistance program
- </c> department to run this program. department to run this program.
- So for the um sixyear um program.
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
telecommunication devices, student use, public schools, student engagement, educational outcomes, confiscation policy, mental health, statewide policy, community literacy, education, Title I funding, reading proficiency, underserved communities, family engagement, tutoring, literacy support, adult education, community education, literacy programs, workforce development
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/26/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> loads or cut essential programming loads or cut essential programming undermining<00:04:56.639><
- Since we have launched the Hope program, 282 people have completed our entire life skills program.
- our entire life skills program completed our entire life skills program and<01:27:07.280><c> that</c
- </c> things of that nature since the program things of that nature since the program has<01:27:17.560
- This program has to be a licensed teacher to teach these programs, so that is the bulk of the cost.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Somebody running a housing program has the ability to do that.
- Somebody running a housing program has the ability to do that.
- We have before us the need to cut health care, to cut all of the workforce programs and vital programs
- That is what we should be focusing on as far as programs go.
- Why do we need those programs in the first place?
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held an informational hearing on California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or Rainy Day Fund, with opening remarks focused on the state’s long history of revenue volatility and the role reserves play in smoothing downturns. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that California’s personal income tax base is highly volatile because high-income earners’ income is tied to capital gains and other fluctuating sources, and that Proposition 2’s current reserve rules set aside 1.5% of General Fund revenues plus a share of excess capital gains, but cap constitutional deposits at 10% of General Fund taxes. The LAO said its analysis evaluates reserve policy over decades and found the current system would cover about 30% of funding shortfalls in a 90th-percentile downturn scenario over 50 years, which is an improvement over no reserve but still inadequate.
The LAO recommended raising the reserve cap substantially, ultimately to 50% by 2055, with an immediate increase to 20% and gradual increases thereafter. It also suggested either replacing Proposition 2’s deposit formulas with broader rules that capture volatility across all tax revenues or, alternatively, depositing all excess capital gains rather than only a share. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s prior proposal similarly sought to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exclude reserve deposits and withdrawals from the state appropriations limit, arguing those two constraints limited the state’s ability to save during recent revenue surges.
Other panelists and members discussed whether reserves should be paired with broader structural changes, including unemployment insurance reform, safety-net funding, infrastructure reserves, and the projected surplus temporary holding account. The California Budget and Policy Center supported reserve reform but emphasized balancing savings with current needs and noted other tools such as revenue increases, borrowing from special funds, and the new surplus-holding account. Members debated the causes and effects of Proposition 13, the appropriations limit, business departures, and whether reserve policy should be more directly tied to protecting Californians’ access to health care, food assistance, child care, and other core services. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll explain later, but that's what this program is. But that's what this program is.
- , the hunger programs.
- We also were able to increase Meals on Wheels program To increase Meals on Wheels program funding.
- This was The AOE's Read Vermont program.
- The downtown and Village Tax Credit Program and the Economic Development Programs have been back and