Transcript Highlights:

• Another item is the prepayment review and assessment of all claims.
• Um, so right now we're assessing the claims right now.
• </c> signature on the men choices assessment. signature on the men choices assessment.
• We don’t know if any other state has a shortened assessment.
• Um, and so yes, long story assessment.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you get a team of four qualified people going out and using the same criteria to assess the sample
• It's okay to have different amounts of support and to talk about the needs assessment.
• I'm not sure how much that could be done, right, in terms of assessing it, but I just wanted to bring
• I completely agree the needs assessment.
• </c> of um standardized approach to assessing of um standardized approach to assessing u<01:06:48.079

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee began its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion around broader questions about how school building aid should work, noting the state’s limited available funding, the existing debt service obligations, and whether the current formula should continue or be changed. He also raised concerns about the state’s overall revenue constraints and the need to consider renovation, new construction, and possibly leasing within any future program. Members and the Department of Education representative discussed whether school building aid is a state or local responsibility, the current backlog of projects, and the condition of school facilities statewide. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities described his background and answered technical questions about current programs. Representative Luno argued that under the ConVal decision the state has responsibility for school buildings, including construction and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property-tax capacity. Representative Papich urged the committee to focus on policy structure and fairness rather than just available dollars, saying the current system creates winners and losers and suggesting a simpler per-capita or similar allocation model, while acknowledging a possible transition for projects already in the pipeline. The discussion also covered CTE facilities and leasing. Carney explained that charter schools, and possibly CTE centers, can receive limited leasing aid, and that CTE capital requests are funded through a state capital process, while federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction. He and others described a separate rotational funding approach for CTE centers, but several members said that model can leave programs waiting too long and may not match changing workforce needs. The chair and others noted that a report from a related study group on CTE policy and funding was still pending, and that its absence could affect legislation for FY28. No votes were taken and no bill was acted on in the portion of the meeting provided; the discussion ended with interest in modeling alternatives, reviewing the waiting list, and examining the tradeoffs of reducing upfront state aid versus funding more projects overall.

Transcript Highlights:

• provider could post a surety bond in the amount of the withheld payments or in the amount of the risk assessed
• amount<00:30:57.840><c> of</c><00:30:58.000><c> the</c><00:30:58.160><c> risk</c><00:30:58.480><c> assessed
• </c><00:30:58.880><c> by</c><00:30:59.040><c> the</c> amount of the risk assessed by the amount of the
• risk assessed by the commissioner commissioner commissioner and<00:31:00.680><c> then</c><00:31:00.920
• Um, so I don't think there's a violation of the Health Records Act or the Data Practices Act.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:57:21.520><c> rates</c> be and based on that they assess rates be and based on that they assess
• That's going to be an assessment on the people who have the program, on those cities and towns who've
• </c><01:12:02.080><c> if</c> additional amount for assessments if additional amount for assessments if
• </c> problematic they have an assessment. problematic they have an assessment.
• </c> insurance that they have an assessment insurance that they have an assessment system.<01:21:36.239

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up several insurance-related bills. Senate Bill 47, concerning health insurance policies related to the birth of the mother, was moved ought to pass with no amendments and was approved on a 6-0 vote. Senate Bill 121, dealing with Medicare Advantage plan notice requirements, was amended to reduce the required notice from 120 days to 90 days and to remove a federal citation; the department said the change was to avoid conflict with federal notice rules. After discussion about the stress caused when carriers leave the Medicare Advantage market, the committee voted ought to pass as amended, 7-0. The committee then heard a detailed explanation of the continuing care retirement communities bill, described by the Insurance Department as a rewrite of a 1989 law to modernize oversight, require quarterly financial reporting as an early warning system, create a bill of rights for residents, and clarify issues such as entrance fees and removal of dangerous residents. A member recalled the bill’s original purpose as protecting solvency because residents pay substantial upfront fees. The bill was moved ought to pass and approved unanimously, 7-0. The final major discussion concerned a pooled risk organizations bill. Members debated whether oversight should remain with the Secretary of State or be moved to the Insurance Department. Supporters of moving it argued the issue is solvency, citing concerns about reserve levels, prior insolvencies, and the Insurance Department’s expertise. Opponents said the Secretary of State’s office had historically overseen the entities and that the bill would fundamentally change how they operate. A straw vote favored an amendment, but the committee ultimately voted to retain the bill for further work, with plans to revisit it later in the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• . practices. practices.
• </c> management practices. management practices.
• Best management practices that are also helpful to provide more species-specific practices for foragers
• </c> Development of best management practices Development of best management practices for<00:46:44.160
• </c> best management practices are out there. best management practices are out there.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• now move House Bill 1759, sponsored by Representative McGill, having to do with personal property assessments
• Substitute for House Bill 3035, sponsored by Representative Reedy, having to do with motor vehicle assessments
• Substitute for House Bill 3035, sponsored by Representative Reedy, having to do with motor vehicle assessments
• So currently, homeowners have, if your assessed value goes above 15%, the assessor has to do a physical

Committee: House Rules - Legislative

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The $22 million came from a bottom-up assessment of the funding needed for all SWCDs to deliver on their
• the $22 million came from<00:03:02.120><c> a</c><00:03:02.280><c> bottomup</c><00:03:02.800><c> assessment
• </c><00:03:03.280><c> of</c><00:03:03.480><c> the</c> from a bottomup assessment of the from a bottomup
• assessment of the funding<00:03:04.040><c> needed</c><00:03:04.480><c> for</c><00:03:04.680><c> all<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1066, a Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill. An author’s amendment, 66A1, was offered and adopted by voice vote, putting the bill in the form preferred by the author. The amendment and bill discussion centered on changing the state aid level for SWCDs, with the bill as amended described as eliminating a scheduled reduction in funding and instead increasing the annual appropriation to $22 million. Representative Ryer explained that SWCDs are long-standing, locally elected conservation entities that help preserve soil and water quality, support farmers and homeowners, and do not have levy authority. He said the funding level was based on a bottom-up assessment of district needs and was intended to help districts maintain staffing and address local problems early. Sheila Vany of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts testified in support, saying the aid has been a major improvement in SWCD funding and describing district work such as lakeshore stabilization, cover crops, nutrient management, lake monitoring, rain gardens, and irrigation guidance. The chair noted the voluntary nature of SWCD work with willing landowners and expressed support for the bill. No opposition testimony was presented, and no department testimony was offered. The committee then laid House File 1066, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• If passed, this bill would give municipalities the option to assess critical crosswalk locations and
• She was practically like my sister. Last year, I organized and officiated her funeral.
• She was practically like my sister. Last year, I organized and officiated her funeral.
• It means a lot, and I look forward to continuing practice. Thank you for your testimony, Dustin.
• just two years ago that was spoken to earlier and that required more trucks to comply with best practices

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment. Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing is intended to provide members and the public with a practical and balanced overview of
• have long-duty cycles, heavy loads, rapid refueling needs, or grid constraints can make hydrogen a practical
• Because sales and use taxes are assessed when buses are delivered, our next round of bus deliveries will
• about how California can continue leading in clean energy innovation while remaining focused on practical
• Energy innovation while remaining focused on practical outcomes and public benefits.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing is intended to provide members and the public with a practical and balanced overview of
• long-duty cycles, heavy loads, rapid refueling needs, or grid constraints, and hydrogen can be a practical
• Because sales and use taxes are assessed when buses are delivered, our next round of bus deliveries will
• about how California can continue leading in clean energy innovation while remaining focused on practical
• Energy innovation while remaining focused on practical outcomes and public benefits.

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy held an informational hearing on California’s hydrogen leadership, with the chair framing hydrogen as a complementary clean-energy pathway for hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy-duty trucking, transit, rail, ports, industrial uses, and backup power. The first panel of private-sector witnesses from the California Hydrogen Business Council, Bosch, Hyundai, and Sierra Northern Railway described existing deployments in California, including hydrogen buses, trucks, fueling infrastructure, and the nation’s first hydrogen fuel cell switcher locomotive. They emphasized that the technology is commercially ready but scaling is constrained by permitting delays, high fuel and equipment costs, infrastructure gaps, and uncertainty around federal support and incentives. Witnesses urged stable state policy, targeted investment, and concentrated deployment in high-impact corridors such as ports and freight hubs. Committee members also asked about labor standards, community engagement, and the current size of the hydrogen vehicle fleet in California and abroad. The second panel focused on air quality, climate, safety, and public health. Testimony from CAPCOA, the Coalition for Clean Air, the California State Building and Construction Trades Council, and a UC Berkeley researcher argued that hydrogen fuel cells can reduce diesel-related pollution and health harms when used in the right applications, especially in ports, rail yards, warehouse corridors, transit depots, and backup power for facilities like data centers. Witnesses cautioned that hydrogen should be used selectively, produced as cleanly as possible, and paired with early community engagement, safety planning, and environmental justice protections. The researcher cited projected reductions in NOx, particulate exposure, premature deaths, and health costs under broader hydrogen adoption. Committee members discussed workforce training, apprenticeship programs, and how to balance near-term costs with long-term infrastructure value. The final panel provided public-sector updates from SamTrans, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Port of Long Beach, and First Public Hydrogen Authority. SamTrans described its transition to a large hydrogen bus fleet and said the loss of expected ARCHES funding created a major infrastructure gap; it asked the state to protect transit funding, restore a sales tax exemption for zero-emission buses, and address axle-weight rules. GoBiz said the state should focus on creating demand, reducing costs, and streamlining permitting, while acknowledging the disruption caused by the federal cancellation of ARCHES funding. The Port of Long Beach reported hydrogen truck deployments, port incentives, and a planned public fueling station, but said high costs, fuel shortages, and uncertainty have slowed momentum. First Public Hydrogen Authority described efforts to aggregate municipal demand and support new green hydrogen production projects, stressing the need for long-term market signals and financing. Committee members repeatedly emphasized the need for state support, infrastructure investment, and a diversified fuel strategy to keep hydrogen deployment moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• narrative and the final financial expenditure detail report on Friday, November 7, 2025, and that after assessing
• that we're looking to build outreach to, and in those meetings with the nonprofits, as the best practices
• that we're looking to build outreach to, and in those meetings with the nonprofits, as the best practices
• We were actually working with their best practices and engaging with them and collaborating with them
• our many, many volunteer hours of everyone here sitting at this table, to try to look back at best practices

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• narrative and the final financial expenditure detail report on Friday, November 7, 2025, and that after assessing
• that we’re looking to build outreach to, and in those meetings with the nonprofits, as the best practices
• that we're looking to build outreach to, and in those meetings with the nonprofits, as the best practices
• We were actually working with their best practices and engaging with them and collaborating with them
• our many, many volunteer hours of everyone here sitting at this table, to try to look back at best practices

Summary: The follow-up informational hearing focused on the State Library’s oversight of the statewide Imagination Library and the Strong Reader Partnership (SRP), including how the original $68.2 million state investment was spent, why funds were not redirected sooner to the Dollywood Foundation, and whether spending complied with AB 157 and later SB 105. Committee members repeatedly raised concerns that SRP and the State Library had been slow to provide documents, that quarterly reporting and other contract requirements were not met on time, and that the State Library did not escalate issues earlier. State Librarian Greg Lucas said the library sent one demand letter, relied on counsel’s view that SRP could continue spending its $4.8 million so long as it furthered the program, and later redirected about $55 million to the Dollywood Foundation after paperwork was submitted. He also acknowledged the library should have shared SRP’s final report with the committee sooner and said the materials eventually received appeared satisfactory, though the chair and Senator Grove remained concerned that there was still no clear accounting of books delivered by SRP. A major portion of the hearing examined SRP’s expenditures and vendor contracts, including Shipyard for marketing and web services, SAGE Strategies for management consulting, Lotus Financial Solutions and other financial vendors, and United Way California Capital Region for a small marketing grant. Committee members questioned whether some spending, especially Changecraft’s work during the AB 157 period, amounted to lobbying or attempts to influence legislation, which the grant agreement prohibited. SRP representatives said the work was communications and stakeholder outreach, not lobbying, and that invoices reflected the board’s oversight and the nonprofit’s startup and closeout phases. They also said some work continued during the rescission and closeout period to unwind contracts and return funds, and that any reporting delays were due to transition, lack of a reporting mechanism from the State Library, and the need to collect records after vendors were canceled. Members of SRP said the nonprofit was created to build the infrastructure for a self-sustaining statewide program, expand local partnerships, and support multilingual outreach in underserved counties. They described a working board that met regularly, selected vendors collectively, and used multiple financial and administrative contractors to maintain checks and balances. However, committee members pressed them on the lack of detailed invoices, the absence of clear metrics showing how many books SRP actually delivered, and the limited apparent return on spending such as the $581,708 Shipyard contract, the $125,000 website work, and the $5,000 United Way grant. No formal vote or legislative action was taken during the hearing; it was an oversight session aimed at obtaining explanations and additional documentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there concepts or practices in place that are doing that, or that are showing that, so that we can
• mandatorily detained pursuant to certain provisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and actually assess
• County to teach them how to practice self-care and be advocates in their community, but also learn to
• practice stillness and stuff like that.
• I feel like growing up, I wasn't able to practice being soft, you know, like being in juvenile hall and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• implementation, involves the star ratings, which we modified last year again to return to historical practice
• are some pretty glaring concerns about the quality and whether or not we are adhering to the best practices
• are some pretty glaring concerns about the quality and whether or not we are adhering to the best practices
• We are adhering to all best practices and the law.
• And every year when bills pass, we have to assess whether we need employees or not.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget presentations and questions from several health and human services agencies, with members repeatedly emphasizing that agency numbers had been posted since October and that questioning should stay focused and brief. The Office of Juvenile Affairs said its $5.45 million request would support 162 employees receiving a pay adjustment, and members asked about juvenile care conditions and staffing. The Department of Human Services discussed major changes to child care subsidy funding, including a reduced subsidy request, a $11.5 million child care teacher recruitment/retention request, and planned eligibility and reimbursement changes; it also reviewed SNAP administrative cost shifts under federal law, the state’s SNAP error rate, and the risk of large future state costs if the error rate is not reduced. DHS also addressed TANF reserves, the DDS waiver wait list, the Greer Center buildout, the Advantage waiver supplemental, and meal service options for waiver members. OCCY described a largely personnel-driven budget, requests for more oversight staff, and workload pressures in juvenile competency evaluations. The Office of Disability Concerns reported a flat budget and said it relies mainly on mediation and informal resolution rather than enforcement. OSU Medical Authority said its Tulsa expansion, VA skybridge, and c-section suites remain on schedule, that psychiatric residency funding is being phased in over several years, and that it is working to reduce contract labor and evaluate service lines. J.D. McCarty Center reported its new ABA outpatient clinic is on time and on budget and is nearing full capacity. OMMA said its lab is following required standards, its FTE count is below budgeted levels because hiring depends on lab accreditation and other unknowns, and dispensary numbers continue to decline as the market matures. Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services said it needs about $1.4 million to avoid a maintenance-of-effort penalty and discussed aging campus capital needs and staffing vacancies. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority then outlined a very large budget requirement driven by utilization growth and the shift to value-based care, saying FY26 is currently stable but FY27 would likely require additional appropriations if the request is not fully funded.

Transcript Highlights:

• In practice, small jurisdictions hesitate to use it due to the definitional ambiguity, and nonprofits
• It gives smaller jurisdictions a practical tool and opens the door for community land trusts to preserve
• individual RHNA numbers to be counted, you've got to make sure it's actually going to happen or that it's practical
• individual RHNA numbers to be counted, you've got to make sure it's actually going to happen or that it's practical
• In an initial assessment of the eight California counties covered by SB 79, we have identified approximately

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's based on best practices, both nationally and locally here in New Mexico.
• Of those funds, in practice, a standard 2% is withheld.
• That was the assessment from NMFA.
• it's about innovation, it's about choice within that space, and it's about having complementary practice
• we're really grateful to be able to speak in front of all of you today, and with regards to best practices

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• develop this, but keeping rural counties in mind, the ones that just don't, it just doesn't, it's not practical
• develop this, but keeping rural counties in mind, the ones that just don't, it just doesn't, it's not practical
• It's not open enough to innovation and to new practices.
• body would be the appropriate forum to have this type of robust discussion, analysis, and needs assessment
• There's no practical effect of this bill.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• But by practice, those orders that a judge enters are immediately sent to the clerk's office, and this
• And others, House Bill 649 entitled an act relating to autonomous practice by a certified registered
• Read the bill a third time by title. >> House Bill 649 entitled an act relating to autonomous practice
• in a deeper level in their democracy. want to amend the Constitution and have an opportunity to practice
• In my assessment, this bill threatens our constitution because its requirements threaten the rights of

Bills: HB 9 , HB 22 , HB 908 , HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• tasks; authorizes institutions to establish a pilot program to offer an alternative pathway for assessing
• the competency of prospective teachers using alternative assessment methods; and makes other amendments
• Assembly Bill 386, introduced by Assembly Members Goulding and Hunt, revises provisions relating to assessments
• administered to pupils to assess reading proficiency.
• administered to pupils to assess reading proficiency.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WHICH IS SJR 174 ON ASSESSMENT OF HOMESTEAD PROPERTY BY SENATOR DICEGLIE.
• Passidomo: REPORTED FAVORABLY SO NOW WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AN EXPLANATION OR TAKE-UP TAB 2 SB 176 ON ASSESSMENT
• SQUARE FEET MAY BE INCREASED IN SIZE TO 110 PERCENT OF THE SQUARE FOOTAGE WITHOUT INCREASING THE ASSESSED
• SQUARE FEET MAY BE INCREASED UP TO 2000 SQUARE FEET THERE AND AS ELEVATION WITHOUT INCREASING THE ASSESSED
• ADDITIONAL SQUARE FOOTAGE PROPORTIONS OF PROPERTY EXCEEDING 110 PERCENT OR 2000 SQUARE FEET WILL BE ASSESSED

Keywords: 999, senate, all