Transcript Highlights:

• Reena Szczepanski, House District 47 in Santa Fe. Good morning, Madam Chair. Good to be here.
• I'm Susan Herrera, the District Representative for District 41, the northern part of the state. Mr.
• I'm the Chair of the Senate District 7, Kareekway Union, Harding Counties.
• education across the districts.
• These are district courthouses; these are not county courthouses.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• State funding has not kept pace with school district costs, requiring many districts to make tough decisions
• Mandy Rain, Superintendent of Valley School District, a property-poor school district north of Spokane
• It is essential to Valley School District. Thank you.
• to property-poor LEA districts.
• I'm also a resident in the 29th District.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• Counseling, detox, TSS, or recovery coaches, or recovery navigator services.
• So we no longer have reentry navigators.
• So we no longer have reentry navigators.
• And actually, we used to have more training on reentry when we had our reentry navigator.
• We used to have more training on reentry when we had our reentry navigators in place.

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on June 15 with Senators Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After deciding not to approve prior meeting notes at this session, the commission heard testimony from the Massachusetts Parole Officers Association (MPOA), represented by Brian Lucier and Shauna Hawksley. MPOA described its role across field offices, correctional facilities, and specialized units, and emphasized that parole officers provide community-based case management and reentry support by connecting people to housing, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, education, and public benefits. They argued that parole officers develop local expertise and relationships that improve referrals, and said there is room for better coordination with DOC and House of Correction reentry staff, especially because referrals are sometimes duplicated or need to be changed after release. They also noted the loss of reentry navigator positions in 2025 and said those functions would be more effective if positioned in the community rather than in custody. The MPOA also urged consideration of restoring regional reentry centers, which they said previously improved information sharing, reduced duplication, and strengthened reentry services. They contrasted those centers with Community Justice Support Centers, saying CJSCs can be hard to access because of location, transportation, and work-schedule conflicts, while parole’s former regional centers were referral-based and did not require regular attendance. Commission members asked about parole training, arrest authority, POST/MPTC participation, and revocations. MPOA said new officers receive about 500 hours of parole-specific academy training plus firearms, defensive tactics, and first-responder instruction, but parole is not currently tied into MPTC because it is not POST-certified. They also said they do not have data on what proportion of revocations are driven by public-safety threats versus barriers like housing or employment, but anecdotally revocations are now less often for first-time technical or treatment-related issues and more often for conduct posing a community risk. In the discussion of next steps, members talked about extending the commission’s reporting deadline from September 30 to November 30 through the pending budget, finishing remaining DOC facility visits in the fall, and holding additional meetings on mental health and other unresolved issues. Several members said the commission should continue trying to engage the judiciary and district attorneys, while recognizing that participation may be difficult to secure. The meeting ended with agreement to adjourn and continue the work later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's on the school district.
• But a quick idea about Navigate 360: we do support already a lot of districts and schools across the
• But a quick idea about Navigate 360s.
• There are 27 school districts, including 21 specific school districts, six charter schools, and the military
• It's a mix of district in these phases.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, institutions, K-12 school districts, et cetera.
• , which are highlighted in green, and school districts that are struggling compared to last year.
• School districts, which are highlighted in green, and school districts that are struggling compared to
• Students must navigate college independently under FERPA, but budget cuts are eliminating...
• And then there's come talk to the basic needs navigator.

Bills: SB6325 , SGA9302 , SGA9286 , SGA9289 , SGA9290 , SGA9292 , SGA9293 , SGA9309 , SGA9310 , SGA9311 , SGA9312

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: higher education, student procedures, academic policies, enrollment processes, educational standards

Transcript Highlights:

• recognized as our own district.
• recognized as our own district.
• recognized as our own district.
• Cloud public school district.
• Cloud public school district.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Black Mental Health Navigator Certification. Thank you, Dr. Jackson. Proceed when you're ready.
• Black health navigators, mental health navigators, will serve as trusted bridges trained in assessment
• They'll help reduce stigma and navigate complex systems.
• They'll help reduce stigma, navigate complex systems, and ensure care rather than waiting until there's
• I think Assembly Member Stephanie has several agencies as well in her district.

Committee: House Health

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on March 25, 2025, with Chair Mia Bonta presiding. The committee heard several bills focused on health access and equity, including AB 73 to create a Black Mental Health Navigator certification, AB 499 to lower the state reimbursement trigger for the Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan, AB 843 to strengthen language access protections in health coverage, AB 257 to pilot a specialty care network using telehealth and virtual services, AB 64 to allow diacritical marks on vital records, AB 315 to expand the Home and Community-Based Alternatives waiver, and AB 40 to clarify that emergency services include reproductive health care, including abortion. Supporters emphasized disparities in care, workforce shortages, cultural and language barriers, and the need to preserve or expand access for Black Californians, farmworkers, people with disabilities, and limited-English-proficient patients. Opposition to AB 40 argued that abortion should not be defined as emergency care and raised concerns about fetal considerations and ER burden. The committee took testimony on each measure, with many bills drawing broad support from advocacy groups, medical organizations, disability rights groups, and affected individuals. AB 257’s author and witnesses said the proposal would use California-based clinicians and improve specialty access in underserved areas; AB 315’s supporters described it as a cost-saving, dignity-preserving program for medically fragile Californians, with more than 5,400 people on a waiting list. AB 64’s witnesses described personal harm caused by the inability to record names accurately on state documents. AB 843 was presented as aligning state law with federal language access rules to protect patients with limited English proficiency. Votes were taken after quorum was established, and the committee advanced the measures, generally on party-line or near-unanimous votes. AB 499, AB 73, AB 843, AB 257, AB 64, AB 315, and the committee rules were all reported out, many to Appropriations, and the consent calendar was also approved. AB 40 was approved despite one no vote from Vice Chair Chen. Several items were initially placed on call and later lifted as members added their votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• District, Desert Healthcare District, Paul Brook Regional Healthcare District, Kuiya Delta, and Lompoc
• District Hospital, all in support.
• Thank you. ...Inyo Hospital, Plumas Hospital District, Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation, Salinas
• Valley Hospital District, Antelope Valley Healthcare District, Soledad Healthcare District, Desert Healthcare
• District, Paul Brook Regional Healthcare District, Kuiya Delta, and Lompoc District Hospital, all in

Summary: The committee heard AB 1887, which would speed prior authorization for FDA-approved rare disease treatments prescribed by specialists and, if a plan does not act within 30 days, deem the request approved. The author and supporters, including patients and clinicians, said delays can cause irreversible harm, hospitalizations, and death, especially for children and people with progressive rare diseases. Health plans and insurers opposed the bill’s automatic-approval provision and said the measure lacked safeguards for incomplete requests and shared responsibility for timely information. The chair encouraged continued work with opponents, and the author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier version that would have waived prior authorization entirely. The committee also heard AB 1979 on artificial intelligence in health care, AB 2161 on Medi-Cal work requirements, AB 539 on extending approved prior authorizations, AB 2311 on physician employment at public hospital districts, AB 1148 on banning phthalates and bisphenols in food packaging, AB 1825 on mental health offender reentry coordination, and AB 2282 on a temporary emergency stabilization unit in Patterson. AB 1979 would preserve licensed clinicians’ professional judgment, bar AI from directing unlicensed clinical functions, and protect medical records used by consumer chatbots; after amendments, several hospital, medical, and industry groups moved from opposition to neutral. AB 2161 would limit the harm of federal Medi-Cal work-reporting rules by using existing data, improving notices, and protecting due process; it drew broad support from patient, provider, and advocacy groups. AB 539 would keep prior authorization approvals valid for up to one year or the course of treatment, with supporters citing continuity of care and opponents warning about utilization, fraud, and cost concerns. AB 2311, as amended, would let certain high-payer-mix or distressed public health care districts directly employ physicians; CMA withdrew opposition after the bill was narrowed, while some hospital interests still objected to the carve-out. AB 1148 would prohibit two chemicals commonly used in food packaging, with supporters citing cancer and endocrine-disruption risks and opponents arguing DTSC should handle the issue through its existing regulatory process. AB 1825 would improve transition planning and Medi-Cal enrollment for offenders with mental health disorders leaving state hospitals, and AB 2282 would authorize a temporary rural emergency stabilization care unit in Patterson until a permanent hospital is built. Several bills were held for later action because the committee lacked a quorum, and the chair repeatedly noted that motions would be taken once enough members returned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Limon and my district account for one of the highest concentrations of nonprofits per capita
• Senator Limon and my district account for one of the highest concentrations of nonprofits per capita
• In the coming months and years, nonprofits in every district... ...is their most pressing concern.
• I'm going to make a point of doing that in my district as well at the Santa Maria.
• I'm going to make a point of doing that in my district as well, at the Santa Maria.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, she really helps all of us navigate those bad days.
• </c> navigate those bad days. navigate those bad days.
• </c> or how do I navigate this question? or how do I navigate this question?
• The M&M girls. the 14th Senate District for keeping me the 14th Senate District for keeping me around
• District and the people of Kentucky in District and the people of Kentucky in this<02:47:59.920><c> chamber

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a district that we recently reestablished.
• Again, it's a district that we've just recently reestablished.
• So we're looking at roughly 20 people over in that particular district.
• The seasonal positions that we need to hire in that district.
• in our districts.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Endowment Fund Investment Board, the Department of Lands, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The EFIB presentation emphasized its small staff, low administrative costs, and a modest request for a laptop replacement. The Department of Lands presentation focused heavily on fire suppression funding, the fire suppression deficiency fund, and the agency’s endowment and forest management work. Director Dustin Miller said 2025 fire costs were just over $40 million, noted that the Legislature had previously funded the deficiency account, and warned that current holdbacks could reduce staffing for fire operations, especially in eastern Idaho. He also explained a proposed shift of 1.25 FTE and $160,000 from the Abandoned Mines Lands Fund to the Navigable Waterways Fund, and discussed House Bill 511 as a possible future fire-preparedness funding source. Committee members asked detailed questions about how the fire suppression deficiency fund works, when it can be used, and whether it can cover prevention or only active fires. Staff explained that the fund is for active suppression and that any negative balance would later be settled through a supplemental request. Members also asked about staffing, vacancy rates, and the impact of budget reductions on fire readiness and forest health work. Miller said the agency had filled many key vacancies but still faced recruitment challenges, and he described the Eastern Idaho Forest Protective District and the agency’s growing Good Neighbor Authority work with the U.S. Forest Service. The Department of Environmental Quality presentation covered staffing, water infrastructure funding, loan and grant programs, air and water quality, and solid waste oversight. Director Jess Byrne said targeted pay increases had reduced turnover and vacancies, and that DEQ had distributed more than $835 million in grants and low-interest loans over five years, mostly to small communities. He also said the agency has fewer staff than 25 years ago despite a much larger population, leading to permit backlogs and reduced monitoring. Byrne explained that the Drinking Water Loan Fund is built from federal capitalization grants, state match, and repayments, and that its rising balance reflects awarded but not yet reimbursed projects rather than unused money. He also said DEQ is considering fee increases in air quality and drinking water programs, and supported a proposed solid waste transfer only if it includes a fee structure. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The statute establishes a forensic navigator program, and forensic navigators are appointed by the court
• Forensic navigators are stand trial.
• :51:16.800><c> work</c> Defendants that forensic navigators work Defendants that forensic navigators
• </c> legislature on forensic navigator legislature on forensic navigator specific<00:53:15.280><c> data
• And then like I mentioned, navigator.

Bills: HF2233 , HF1524 , HF1893 , HF1396 , HF2456 , HF2959 , HF2300 , HF2412 , HF3022 , HF2825 , HF1862 , HF1373 , HF1039 , HF3070

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 13, soon to be 15, locations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, Chair Becker’s districts,
• On behalf of families who are navigating the realities of food insecurity..."
• "On behalf of families who are navigating the realities of food insecurity in our communities.
• , not just for my district, but for the state of California and for this nation.
• For many, ADRCs are where everything begins, where navigation truly starts.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on disability services, food security, veterans, aging services, and child care. SB 969 by Senator Reyes would make permanent the option for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive certain regional center services remotely; supporters said remote services improve access, continuity, safety, and choice, and there was no opposition. The committee initially lacked a quorum, so action on the bill was delayed until later in the hearing, when it was moved on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate state food programs, improve CalFresh enrollment, reduce duplication, and support a 24-hour hunger hotline; supporters framed it as a coordination and strategic-planning measure, while some members questioned whether existing programs should be evaluated first and whether the bill needed stronger reporting and accountability. It passed 3-0 to Governmental Organization. The committee also heard SB 1052 by Senator Gonzalez, which would allow the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to appoint contingent authorized representatives so people with developmental disabilities are not left without support if a parent or other primary helper becomes unavailable. Supporters, including families and disability advocates, described emergencies, immigration enforcement fears, and service interruptions as reasons for the bill; members asked about the current approval and renewal process and whether the annual renewal requirement could be streamlined. The bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations. SB 1077, also by Senator Gonzalez, would require the Department of Social Services to prepare for future federal shutdowns by creating a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions and a state-backed emergency benefits mechanism; supporters cited the 43-day federal shutdown and delays in benefits, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Other measures discussed included SB 1201 by Senator McNerney, the No Hungry Heroes Act, which would seek waivers and direct referrals to protect veterans from federal SNAP changes and job-search-related income calculations; it passed 3-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1261 by Senator Laird would let aging and disability resource connections continue operating during partner transitions so people do not lose access to “no wrong door” services; it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. SB 1110 by Senator Becker would update child care subsidy funding and reimbursement structures to better reflect direct family services and stabilize providers; the author said a provision tied to the budget would be removed, and the bill passed 4-0 to Education. Finally, SB 991 by Senator Menjivar was presented to improve how abuse and neglect findings in residential care facilities for the elderly are categorized in the licensing database, so serious abuse is not lumped together with lesser violations; testimony described examples of sexual assault and restraint being recorded as generic residents’ rights violations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it requires districts to do more work and students to answer more questions.
• That's the one school district and the one county.
• Because some districts are better at doing those negotiations than others.
• Some districts are better resourced or just have the acumen to do a better job.
• I think districts are faced with really... ...it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Limón in my district accounts for one of the highest concentrations of nonprofits per capita
• And many of my, I have 11 counties in my district, very low-income, very rural.
• My district is plagued by fire, so unfortunately it's our normal.
• I'm going to make a point of doing that in my district as well at the Santa Maria.
• I'm going to make a point of doing that in my district as well, at the Santa Maria.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Select Committee hearing focused on the nonprofit sector’s mounting challenges in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance in California, the impact of federal funding disruptions and new federal tax policy, and the need for stronger public-private coordination, especially during disasters. Witnesses and members repeatedly pointed to nonprofits as essential providers of food, housing, health, education, environmental, and emergency services, while warning that sudden funding losses are forcing layoffs, service cuts, and operational instability. Testimony from community foundations and food bank leaders described how federal cuts, delayed reimbursements, and disaster-related demand are straining nonprofits. Monica White of Food Share Ventura County said H.R. 1 and USDA food cancellations are worsening hunger needs, while immigration enforcement fears are keeping some families from seeking help. Abby Browning of Cal OES outlined how the state coordinates with nonprofits, philanthropy, and businesses through VOADs and long-term recovery groups in wildfire response. Bruce Yerman of the Camp Fire Collaborative said recovery groups are effective but lack dedicated funding, and urged flexible spending, sustainable support, and streamlined partnerships. The second half of the hearing focused on institutional reforms, including a proposed Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, advance payments, prompt payment, and higher indirect cost coverage. Jeff Green of CalNonprofits argued for a central state office to coordinate policy, technical assistance, and interagency alignment. Annie Chang of Nonprofit Finance Fund cited survey data showing widespread late payments, low cash reserves, and indirect cost rates below federal guidance. Alfredo Cruz Jr. of Community Resource Project described how reimbursement-only contracts, delayed payments, and underfunded overhead create cash-flow crises and staffing problems. Members discussed possible interim steps, including expanding advance pay, improving payment timeliness, modeling best practices, and using state leadership to spotlight nonprofit needs. The hearing ended with public comment from nonprofit, labor, and advocacy representatives, and no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black health navigators, mental health navigators, will serve as trusted bridges trained in assessment
• They'll help reduce stigma and navigate complex systems.
• They'll help reduce stigma, navigate complex systems, and ensure care rather than waiting until there's
• I think Assembly Member Stephanie has several agencies as well in her district. Mono and Napa.
• I think Assembly Member Stephanie has several agencies as well in her district.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on March 25, 2025, with Chair Mia Bonta presiding and initially operating as a subcommittee until quorum was established. The committee heard several health-related bills, including AB 73 on creating a Black Mental Health Navigator certification, AB 499 on lowering the state reimbursement trigger for the Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan, AB 843 on aligning California health insurance language-access rules with federal standards, AB 257 on a specialty care network using telehealth and virtual services for Medi-Cal and underserved communities, AB 64 on allowing diacritical marks on vital records, AB 315 on the Home and Community-Based Alternatives waiver, and AB 40 on clarifying that emergency services include reproductive health services such as abortion. Testimony generally emphasized disparities in access, culturally competent care, language access, rural provider shortages, and the importance of preserving or expanding programs that help vulnerable populations. Supporters included authors, state and local health organizations, advocacy groups, and affected individuals. AB 73 was backed as a way to address stigma, mistrust, and culturally competent mental health access for Black Californians. AB 499 was described as helping keep a self-insured farmworker health plan operational while maintaining a low-cost, labor-management model. AB 843 was supported as a way to prevent children and families from having to translate sensitive medical and insurance information and to protect limited-English-proficient Californians. AB 257 drew support as a demonstration project to improve specialty care access through California-based clinicians and virtual care, with examples of reduced wait times and costs. AB 64 received emotional testimony from the author, a child and his family, and others about the importance of accurately recording names with accents and other marks. AB 315 was presented as a cost-neutral or cost-saving way to expand home- and community-based care for medically fragile people, with strong support from disability, health, and provider groups. AB 40 drew support from reproductive health and medical organizations, while one opposition witness argued it could conflict with emergency care standards and overburden emergency departments. The committee took roll-call votes and advanced AB 499, AB 73, AB 843, AB 257, AB 64, AB 315, and AB 40 to Appropriations, with AB 40 receiving some no votes. The committee also adopted its 2025-26 rules and approved a consent calendar that included AB 225, AB 304, AB 403, AB 688, and AB 951. Several measures were initially placed on call and later lifted and recorded as passing out of committee before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• District 3, Karen Lewis Young. District 4, William Fulen. District 5, Justin Rei.
• District 6, Johnny Ray Soling. District 7, JB Jennings. District 8, Carl Jackson.
• </c><00:05:59.120><c> District</c> District 27, Kevin M. Harris. District District 27, Kevin M.
• King. >> District 40, Antonio Hayes. >> District 41, Dalia Atar. >> District 42, Chris West. >> District
• King. >> District 40, Antonio Hayes. >> District 41, Dalia Atar. >> District 41, Dalia Atar. >> District

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I have a facility in my district that is now closed.
• There's something in the ACA called navigators.
• It doesn't limit the ability of navigators to provide that assistance.
• It does not say navigators can.
• And if you look at DiFi's website where it defines what a navigator does, it says a navigator both provides

Bills: HB2408 , HB2434 , HB2725 , HB2728 , HB2729 , HB2730 , HB2731 , HB2732 , HB2733 , SB1192 , SB1398 , SB1399 , SB1494 , SB1557 , SB1813 , SB1821

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Keywords: controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, developmental disabilities, Arizona Revised Statutes, occupational therapy, board regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• The districts need to take this seriously. Right, the districts need to take this seriously.
• Under current law, a school district or a community college district cannot use job order contracting
• every school and community college district in California.
• to maintain their schools, telling every district in California that they must adopt a district-wide
• Telling every district in California that they must adopt a district-wide PLA to access JOC is paternalism

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So we no longer have reentry navigators. The parole officers are tasked...
• So we no longer have reentry navigators.
• So we no longer have reentry navigators.
• And actually, we used to have more training on reentry when we had our reentry navigator.
• We used to have more training on reentry when we had our reentry navigators in place.

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on June 15 with co-chairs Senator Will Brownsberger and Representative Dan Hunt. After deciding not to approve prior meeting summary notes at this session, the commission heard testimony from the Massachusetts Parole Officers Association (Brian Lucier and Shauna Hawksley). They described parole officers’ work in both institutions and the community, including housing, mental health, substance use, employment, education, and benefits referrals, and argued that parole officers often know local service providers best. They also said the former reentry navigator positions were lost in 2025 and that regional reentry centers used in the past helped reduce duplication and improve information sharing; they urged more funding, staffing, and training, and said parole should be better integrated with MPTC/POST training and with community-based reentry resources. Commission members asked about the relationship between parole and Community Justice Support Centers, training and arrest authority, revocation practices, and coordination with sheriffs and the Department of Correction. The witnesses said CJSC access is limited by location, transportation, and scheduling, while parole’s older reentry centers were referral-based and did not require regular attendance. They also said parole officers are special state police officers with arrest authority, receive a parole-specific academy plus firearms/defensive tactics/first responder training, and would benefit from more formal reentry training. On revocations, they said they lacked data but believed parole now returns fewer people for mental health or first-time substance use issues and focuses more on public safety threats. They also said collaboration with sheriffs and DOC reentry staff is generally good but still suffers from duplicative referrals and last-minute changes that can undo work done inside facilities. After testimony, the commission discussed next steps, including extending its reporting deadline from September 30 to November 30 through the pending budget, finishing remaining DOC facility visits in the fall, and holding additional meetings on mental health and other unresolved issues. Members also discussed whether to seek more input from the judiciary and district attorneys, with agreement to continue outreach and document responses. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, and the commission indicated it would reconvene in the fall.