Transcript Highlights:

• But as I did research on this constituent, I just want to read what he did to earn his Distinguished
• </c> The researcher is here, and she and I met.
• The research includes quite a bit of involvement with the public, and they just need a little bit of
• The research includes quite a bit met.
• The research includes quite a bit of<01:08:51.080><c> involvement</c><01:08:51.719><c> with</c><01:08

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The change here is the research and development tax credit has been an aggregate limit of $7 million
• credit, my potential future clients, can literally stand up a manufacturing facility and do this research
• :25.680><c> regulatory</c><01:04:26.400><c> burden</c><01:04:27.080><c> for</c><01:04:27.280><c> research
• </c> and low regulatory burden for research. and low regulatory burden for research.
• </c><01:04:39.680><c> anywhere</c> facility and do this research anywhere facility and do this research

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you research it, there are other states out there that have unlimited, to be perfectly honest with
• If you research it, there are other states out there that have unlimited, to be perfectly honest with
• Um, historically the amount of the homestead exemption, based on my research, was well below what the
• So, for example, in 1977, uh, my research was that the homestead exemption was $2,500 per person and
• based on my research was well well<00:36:51.680><c> below</c><00:36:52.160><c> what</c><00:36:52.400

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> session and when I I did some research session and when I I did some research and<01:09:52.120><
• If you remember the testimony and research that I brought forward showed clearly that rifles are safer
• If you remember the testimony and research that I brought forward showed clearly that rifles are safer
• If you remember the testimony and research that I brought forward showed clearly that rifles are safer
• The research tells us is that rifles are actually safer to hunt with than a normal hunting situation.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what has been pretty well clarified by this research paper, that the 3 and 1/2-foot depth should
• 00:10:14.079><c> clarified</c><00:10:14.760><c> by</c><00:10:14.959><c> this</c><00:10:15.120><c> research
• </c><00:10:15.680><c> paper</c> well clarified by this research paper well clarified by this research
• that</c><00:16:39.240><c> they</c><00:16:39.399><c> have</c><00:16:39.680><c> already</c> of the research
• that they have already of the research that they have already have<00:16:40.399><c> out</c><00:16:40.680

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's probably some research out there that would look at that, but it's a great question.
• I think there's probably some research out there that would look at that, but it's a great question.
• I think there's probably some research out there that would look at that, but it's a great question.
• I think there's probably some research out there that would look at that, but it's a great question.
• </c><00:48:52.440><c> out</c> think there's probably some research out think there's probably some research

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Matt Burus with House Research.
• </c><00:01:48.200><c> uh</c><00:01:49.200><c> as</c><00:01:49.320><c> you</c> burus with house research
• uh as you burus with house research uh as you noted<00:01:49.880><c> I</c><00:01:50.000><c> was</c><
• Burus: House nonpartisan research, so he doesn't make the decisions.
• Burus: House nonpartisan research, so he doesn't make the decisions.

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He said they researched that thoroughly and noted that there had been concern about not being able to
• First, I'll just say, as Minnesota, we are very fortunate to have a world-renowned research institution
• and Outreach centers across the research and Outreach centers across the state<00:33:05.600><c> and<
• </c><00:43:39.079><c> that</c><00:43:39.280><c> is</c><00:43:39.440><c> making</c> and the research that
• is making and the research that is making Minnesota<00:43:40.880><c> the</c><00:43:41.119><c> state<

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• awards program that aligns with institutional support of community-engaged scholarship, tied to research
• awards program that aligns with institutional support of community-engaged scholarship, tied to research
• awards program that aligns with institutional support of community-engaged scholarship, tied to research
• awards program that aligns with institutional support of community-engaged scholarship, tied to research
• awards program that aligns with institutional support of community-engaged scholarship, tied to research

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what the research would uncover.
• </c><00:14:27.880><c> uh</c> that's what the research uh that's what the research uh would<00:14:30.000
• Um, so, there is research that nets are effective. >> Yeah.
• Um so, there is research<01:32:31.240><c> that</c><01:32:31.560><c> nets</c><01:32:31.920><c> are</c>
• </c><01:32:33.560><c> Um</c> research that nets are effective. Um research that nets are effective.

Bills: HB1736 , HB1620 , HB1695

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: animal control, spay and neuter, pet overpopulation, sterilization, counties funding, tax designation, veterinary care, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy policy, rebate program, environmental impact, renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1737, which clarifies allowable uses in agricultural districts for farm dwellings and farm employee housing, and HB 1604 HD2, which creates an agricultural workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Testimony on HB 1737 was overwhelmingly supportive, with county agriculture officials, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union backing the measure; one witness asked for a definition of “affordable” to guard against misuse of farm housing. For HB 1604, the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, with OHA requesting disaggregated data and a seat on the working group. Committee discussion focused on housing shortages, possible misuse, affordability, and whether innovative housing models such as modular, tiny, and container homes should be considered. The committee then took action on both measures. HB 1737 HD3 was recommended to pass with amendments that would limit farm employee housing to agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in the farm operation, add a grandfathering provision for existing permitted housing, preserve county zoning authority, clarify that ag tourism must be secondary and not occur in employee housing, delete a square-footage-per-acre ratio, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. HB 1604 HD2 was also recommended to pass with amendments adding OHA and a housing-shortage organization to the working group, expanding its scope to include modular, tiny, and container homes and permitting/zoning streamlining, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. Both motions were adopted unanimously by the members present. The joint hearing then moved to HB 1736, which would establish a spay and neuter special fund and require sterilization and declaration provisions for cats, with some discussion of dogs. DLNR and the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill, while Pacific Pet Alliance objected to the broader requirements and the inclusion of dogs; the Hawaiian Humane Society and American Bird Conservancy supported cat-focused sterilization and the special fund, while some testifiers opposed mandatory sterilization as too costly or intrusive. Members raised questions about toxoplasmosis, trap-neuter-release, enforcement, neighbor-island access, and funding needs, and DLNR indicated additional funding and third-party contracting would likely be needed. The transcript then began HB 1620 HD2 on energy, which would increase the environmental response energy and food security tax and shift funds from the hydrogen fueling subaccount to EV charging infrastructure; state agencies generally stood on written testimony in support, while the Tax Foundation objected to special fund earmarks and noted the bill raises only one part of the barrel tax structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to speculate on an exact number, but what I will say again is based upon the research and
• and that I've heard and and research and that I've heard and and looked<00:26:54.880><c> at</c><00:26
• And, you know, doing juvenile death penalty research for the last 20 some years, uh, the evidence has
• </c><00:40:19.760><c> for</c><00:40:20.000><c> the</c> juvenile death penalty research for the juvenile
• death penalty research for the last<00:40:20.800><c> 20ome</c><00:40:21.440><c> years</c><00:40:22.800

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 institution, provides a research-driven education where faculty members engage in investigation and
• He also conducts research on health care policy and the practice of medicine, specifically in neurology
• He also conducts research on health care policy and the practice of medicine, specifically in neurology
• Currently, Karen is a bilingual research assistant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where
• she assists with clinical research.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region. The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success. Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Research done by Human Rights for Kids has shown that nationally more than 70% of children tried
• As a health services researcher, I've spent the last four years studying patient outcomes related to
• And I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about research on this policy. professor in the
• ><c> the</c><00:56:53.839><c> last</c><00:56:54.000><c> four</c> researcher, I've spent the last four
• researcher, I've spent the last four years<00:56:54.559><c> studying</c><00:56:54.960><c> patient</c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And from my understanding of research that's been done at solid waste landfills, while PFOS has shown
• Your research on amoeba, plastic-eating amoebas, or amoeba-eating plastics. How's that coming?
• concerns what we would call the fuel health of nuclear reactor fuel elements for the annual core research
• It's a replacement for the annual core research reactor.
• It's a replacement for the annual core research reactor.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research shows that almost half of food-insecure families in California do not qualify for federal school
• Research shows that almost half of food-insecure families in California do not qualify for federal school
• would hit even more, with our food pantries being filled to capacity, K through 12 advocacy, and research
• This loss of research funding will have long-term adverse consequences, like preventing us from hiring
• And if so, what exactly is happening in terms of researching that or analyzing that as a potential new

Summary: The committee heard the May Revision presentation for the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, with public comment focused heavily on K-12 priorities such as universal school meals, kitchen infrastructure, food service and custodial support, youth leadership grants, Special Olympics funding, English learner support, universal pre-K, literacy investments, and concerns about community college funding shifts. Speakers also urged support for expanded learning, teacher recruitment and training, and maintaining or increasing funding for community colleges and student support programs. Finance and the LAO then reviewed the Proposition 98 outlook. Finance said the May Revision lowers the 2025-26 Prop. 98 guarantee to $114.6 billion, about $4.3 billion below January, due mainly to lower revenue estimates, with smaller effects from attendance and property tax changes. The administration also described rebenching for universal transitional kindergarten and a one-time rebench tied to Los Angeles fire-related property tax losses, along with changes to the Public School System Stabilization Account, deferrals, and updated COLA assumptions. The LAO said the budget relies too much on deferrals and one-time funds, creates a structural shortfall, and should instead align ongoing spending with the guarantee and preserve a reserve buffer. Members questioned the TK rebench and the shift of funding from community colleges to K-12, asking why it was being applied retroactively and how colleges would be held harmless. Finance said the changes align funding with where TK costs are being incurred and that reappropriation funding and other adjustments would offset impacts on community colleges. The LAO argued the historical split formula is outdated and should be abandoned in favor of budgeting around current priorities rather than fixed percentages. Members also raised concerns about draining the rainy day reserve and using deferrals, while the LAO said preserving reserves would better protect against future volatility. The committee then moved to specific K-12 and education proposals. Finance outlined May Revision changes including state operations adjustments for the Department of Education, technical trailer bill changes, a $100 million student teacher stipend program administered by Kern County, and updates to the charter school facility grant program. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed increases for expanded learning, literacy coaches, and the student teacher stipend as currently structured, while supporting the minimum grant increase for expanded learning. Members expressed support for teacher recruitment efforts but questioned whether one-time funding can sustain ongoing programs and whether the student teacher stipend should be targeted to shortage areas or low-income communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there was a miscommunication between our research staff and nonpartisan staff, and so the bill was
• </c> miscommunication between our um research miscommunication between our um research staff<00:32:46.760
• The Brennan Center's research has found that the single biggest predictor of whether a state has maps
• I would assume that you would have included that in your research, plus looking at the bill, where it
• plus looking at the bill of research plus looking at the bill of where<00:52:22.520><c> when</c><00:

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Institute of Texas contingent upon the... ...support the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute
• Moving to Health and Human Services, this subject area adds $3 billion for dementia research, fully funds
• , Medicaid, and $3 billion for dementia research, fully funds, Medicaid, and CHIP caseload growth.
• So we do some research for the Courts of Appeals, Supreme Court, and CCA, based on what other attorneys
• The library's online research guides are publicly available sources of legal information.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll turn it over to our advocate, Don Kuhman, to discuss his experience participating in research and
• These effects generally fall below clinically important thresholds, with not enough research on whether
• We probably need, well, what we need is more research. That's the bottom line.
• We probably need, well, what we need is more research. That's the bottom line.
• appear to have done your research and got your background.

Committee: Senate Health

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1377, a bill on medical exemptions for school immunizations. The author and supporters said the measure was a narrow reform to restore physician discretion and reduce what they described as chilling effects from audits and license discipline; opponents from pediatric, medical, public health, and school groups argued the current system already works, protects against fraudulent exemptions, and should not be weakened. Committee members debated the data, the number of exemptions reviewed or revoked, and the effect of the proposed amendments. The bill was amended in committee, but because there was no quorum it was not formally voted on at that time. The committee then heard SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, which would create a statewide inspection and compliance framework for large private detention facilities. The author and supporters described severe conditions in immigration detention, including denial of medication, unsafe food and water, and lack of oversight, and the bill was presented as a response to those abuses. The California Hospital Association raised concerns about duplicative regulation and overlapping standards, but said it was continuing to work on a solution. The committee discussed constitutional and jurisdictional issues, and the bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Judiciary with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Next, SB 1089 was heard, proposing expanded access through CalPERS and CalRX to GLP-1 medications for chronic weight disease and diabetes prevention. The author and supporters from the American Diabetes Association and medical groups argued the drugs are effective tools to prevent type 2 diabetes, reduce long-term costs, and improve health equity, while the author also shared personal experience with weight loss and medication access barriers. There was no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement with a 5-0 vote placed on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 1221, dealing with Murphy conservatorships for people found not guilty by reason of insanity or otherwise under criminal-mental health conservatorship. Supporters, including prosecutors and psychiatrists, said the bill addresses a gap created by a court decision and would improve public safety and placement decisions for a small population of high-risk individuals. Opponents from county behavioral health and disability rights groups warned it would turn a civil process into a quasi-criminal one, expand district attorney involvement, and disrupt bed prioritization and least-restrictive-placement principles. The discussion centered on the scope of the bill and its amendments, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in my research on America 250, I found something amazing.
• Because of this new and emerging research, about 19 states have done this.
• Because of this new and emerging research, about 19 states have done this, including Texas last year,
• It's not just a research paper to them. It's real life.
• You know, a lot of states are doing their research on this, listening to their local businesses.

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, approved the March 31 journal, and moved through committee reports, gubernatorial messages, and House messages before taking up several bills on final reading. Among the measures considered were House Bill 930 on campaign finance, House Bill 949 on consolidating the STEM Action Center with the Workforce Development Council, House Bill 950 providing a one-time appropriation for a consultant to support Medicaid review work, House Bill 952 revising the Secretary of State’s budget, Senate Bill 1444 for public school support, House Bill 940 revising Idaho Digital Learning Academy policy, Senate Bill 1438 funding the IDLA budget, House Bill 516 on parental rights and education, and House Bill 897 on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption. The chamber also received and referred additional bills, including House Bill 968 and several appropriations and committee reports. House Bill 930 passed after debate centered on campaign finance transparency, separate campaign accounts, limits on investments, and requiring self-loans over $1,000 to be deposited into campaign accounts. Supporters said it would improve accountability; opponents questioned enforcement and warned against weaponizing campaign reporting. House Bill 949 passed with discussion of consolidating STEM and workforce functions, shifting funds and staff, and reducing administrative costs. House Bill 950 passed as a one-time $200,000 appropriation for a consultant to assist the legislature’s Medicaid review panel. House Bill 952 passed with a small reduction to the Secretary of State’s ongoing general fund budget. Senate Bill 1444 passed despite objections that the school budget underfunds district health insurance and shifts costs to local districts; supporters emphasized federal fund authority and other budget adjustments. House Bill 940 passed after extensive debate on narrowing IDLA’s mission, ending state support for certain uses, limiting elementary and online participation, and reducing enrollments and costs. Senate Bill 1438, the companion IDLA appropriation bill, also passed after debate over the size of the cut, the use of the Public Education Stabilization Fund, and whether the budget should include a cap on enrollments; supporters said it matched the policy changes in House Bill 940, while opponents argued it was too restrictive and could harm students’ access to courses. House Bill 516, dealing with parental rights and education and teacher-union-related payroll and activity restrictions, passed after a lengthy and sharply divided debate over whether it protected taxpayer dollars or unfairly targeted educators and unions. House Bill 897, as amended, was then taken up for final consideration on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption, with the sponsor explaining that the bill narrows the exemption to internal server equipment and limits it to 20 years in response to changing data-center trends and water-use concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we know maybe LAO—I'm not sure if you know, or maybe in your research there, Dr.
• L.A.O., I'm not sure if you know, or maybe in your research there, Dr., the percentage of people losing
• So it's a little difficult to say that based on kind of research that's been done in other states where
• I researched it.
• I researched it.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extended briefing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, followed by testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and county officials. DHCS described major Medi-Cal changes in H.R. 1, including work/community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, reduced federal matching for some emergency services, narrower immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, and limits on provider taxes and directed payments. CDSS outlined CalFresh changes, especially the expanded able-bodied adults without dependents time limit, reduced exemptions and waivers, and the new federal-state-county administrative cost split. Both departments emphasized implementation plans, automation, outreach, and county coordination, while acknowledging significant expected coverage losses and administrative burden. The LAO and an independent policy expert discussed how H.R. 1 could increase demand on county indigent care systems and public hospitals as people lose Medi-Cal. They reviewed the history of county indigent care, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, explaining that counties already rely on a patchwork of funding and that current realignment revenues are often used for public health rather than indigent care. They warned that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents, with wide variation in how counties respond, and raised concerns about equity, financing, and whether a more standardized state-county program should be created. Committee members pressed witnesses on county funding, exemptions, homelessness, older adults, undocumented residents, and the effect of administrative burden versus true ineligibility. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described the expected local impacts and asked for additional state support. They said H.R. 1 would drive major losses in Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, increase uncompensated care, strain eligibility staff, and worsen homelessness and food insecurity. Several counties urged the Legislature to fund eligibility workers, preserve enrollment, and consider a CalFresh match waiver; Santa Clara and San Bernardino also cited local tax measures and staffing reductions already underway. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.