Transcript Highlights:

• My question is in the area I serve, and I'm pretty well acquainted with the DHS workers. in my area,
• Was the chair set up 1555 as a DHS requests bill modifying the definition of intellectual disability

Bills: SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555

Keywords: SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions, foster parent recruitment, foster parent retention, private child-placing agency, Title 10A, Oklahoma

Transcript Highlights:

• They did notify me that they did give the information on bed cost to DHS on Friday.
• DHS has those bed costs, but that's all I've heard.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DHS intends to eventually provide waiver services through managed care, and this will likely happen in
• that these HCBA waivers and services are available statewide through local waiver agencies or through DHS

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:

• of these will show, and when you look them up, you'll see a Glock switch that's presently on sale at DH
• You'll see an Autoser being sold by DH Gate for $30.56.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIRTY DAYS TO PAY GENERALLY SPEAKING THEN DHS WILL SEND THEM A LETTER.
• WE HAVE TO NOTIFY DHS AND THEN THEY WILL SEND THEM A LETTER THAT SAYS WITHIN 15 DAYS IT GIVES THEM A

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DHS respectfully requests further amendments in section one to clarify the purpose of this bill, and
• in section two and three um DHS in section two and three um DHS respectfully<04:08:58.600> requests
• Krie Moay, Director's Office, DHS, on behalf of Director Yan.
• Krie Moay, Director's Office, DHS, on behalf of Director Yan.
• DHS defers to the Office of Youth Services regarding its resource needs and offers comments.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Higgins, the legislative liaison for behavioral health at DHS, and I'm here today with my colleague.
• So DHS is here to oppose House Bill 446.
• They can remove questions, and at the Vermont level they work with their DHS to help include questions
• :08.880> their in Vermont, they work with their their in Vermont, they work with their their DHS
• , their department of education to DHS, their department of education to provide<02:46:13.120> more

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a new category of people required to have a DHS background search.
• And then you can deal with any new language in DHS.
• And then you can deal with any new language in DHS.
• And then you can deal with any new language in DHS.
• Um, I think it would make DHS issue.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:40:01.240> isn't<01:40:01.520> really the idea except that DHS isn't really the
• idea except that DHS isn't really good<01:40:02.000> at<01:40:02.480> doing<01:40:02.720
• of<01:40:31.440> the<01:40:31.520> staff<01:40:31.880> at<01:40:32.000> DHS
• c><01:40:32.480> I<01:40:32.560> said,<01:40:33.160> "Why some of the staff at DHS
• , I said, "Why some of the staff at DHS, I said, "Why don't<01:40:33.440> you<01:40:33.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the ministries support, of course, the DHS process, right, to improve the lives and the quality of
• So perhaps also consider an amendment to include DHS. Thank you. Yes. Thank you.
• <01:03:33.839> process<01:03:34.559> right<01:03:34.799> to of course the DHS
• process right to of course the DHS process right to improve<01:03:35.839> the<01:03:36.079>
• DHS. DHS. >> Thank<01:03:42.799> you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1552, which would make the attorney general the interim chief election officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying it could create a conflict of interest if the attorney general were both the state’s lawyer and the chief elections officer in any related litigation. The League of Women Voters supported having some interim backup for the office, but said it was not necessarily advocating that the attorney general fill the role. Several other testifiers, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, opposed the bill, arguing the current law already provides for a prompt commission appointment and warning about partisan bias and concentration of power. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said an interim mechanism is needed to ensure election certification in a crisis. The chair also asked whether any statutory acting capacity already exists, and the attorney general said none was known. The committee then took up House Bill 2125, which would bar corporations operating under state law from engaging in election activity. The attorney general opposed the bill, citing Citizens United and arguing that corporations have First Amendment-protected political speech rights and that the bill would likely be unconstitutional. Indivisible Hawaii supported the measure, saying it would keep elections focused on the will of the people rather than corporate influence. Libertarian Party testimony was mixed: one witness supported the goal of reducing corruption but warned the bill could suppress organized dissent and sweep too broadly by treating many associations as corporations. The bill’s introducer asked whether the legislature could still enact it as a policy matter, but the attorney general maintained federal constitutional law would control. No vote was taken on either bill during the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment, which would set procedures and compensation for people whose convictions are reversed or vacated on grounds consistent with innocence and whose charges are dismissed. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the bill’s intent but objected to language assigning it responsibility for helping released individuals secure housing, identification, health coverage, and other reentry needs, saying it no longer has jurisdiction after release and suggesting the courts or a community-based contractor handle that role. The Office of the Public Defender strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the harm of wrongful conviction and the need for compensation, case management, and medical coverage after release. No action or vote was reported on this measure in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, if you could consider an amendment to work with DHS, Department of Human Services, because
• And DHS also operates a SNAP food program, which covers comprehensive low-income benefits for low-income
• DHS operates the Quest integration DHS operates the Quest integration program,<01:11:55.120> the
• And DHS also operates a SNAP society.
• And DHS also operates a SNAP food<01:12:09.679> program<01:12:10.800> um<01:12:11.040><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• two-plus years, we realized that we weren't going to need to purchase more outright because... ...because DHS
• You know, we agree with that, but I would also acknowledge CDPH is working in collaboration with DHS
• We are also working with DHS, DDS, and other data sources to potentially add a larger number.
• DHS and other data sources could potentially add a larger number who will be exempt based on data that
• But prior to including that DHS-DDS data match, that leaves roughly 806,000 adults whose exemption status

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The hearing opened with Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office remarks on the May Revision, which both described efforts to reduce large out-year operating deficits through a mix of revenue increases, spending reductions, and reserve use. Finance said the May Revision more than halves projected deficits in later years, while LAO stressed that revenues are at unprecedented levels yet the state still faces a significant structural deficit and is drawing down reserves; LAO urged maintaining at least the administration’s level of budget solutions and adding to reserves rather than new ongoing commitments. The chair echoed concern about cuts to vulnerable populations and noted the tension between service reductions and requests for additional administrative positions. The committee then heard a series of California Health and Human Services and HCAI proposals, including additional legal support for CalHHS to respond to federal HR1 changes; a net-zero transfer of positions for a centralized eligibility/data-sharing platform; 988 crisis line implementation funding and continued work with the Trevor Project to train crisis centers to better serve LGBTQ youth; EMS data system maintenance funding; HCAI implementation of AB 1312 hospital charity care screening; SB 660 data exchange framework funding; CalRx biosimilar insulin reappropriation; and a diaper access initiative that would provide free diapers to newborns in participating hospitals and support a future direct-to-consumer purchasing option. Members questioned the diaper program’s universal design, the use of a Public Contract Code exemption, and the selection of Baby2Baby, with the chair expressing concern about optics and the lack of an income threshold. The committee also discussed distressed hospital funding, with HCAI requesting up to $50 million for another round of grants to hospitals in immediate financial distress. HCAI said it receives annual and quarterly financial reports but the data lag limits real-time monitoring, and the LAO recommended stronger program parameters and turnaround plans. Members argued the repeated need for distressed hospital aid reflects a structural problem, not a short-term gap, and raised broader concerns about hospital reimbursement and patient flow. Other items included reverting $19.6 million in unused opioid settlement funds from HCAI to DHCS for General Fund offset, and a Rural Health Transformation Program request to increase HCAI spending authority to cover the full federal award. Later, DMHC presented funding requests to implement PBM licensing and financial review requirements under AB 116, modernize the managed care complaint system, and build an electronic claims settlement data system under AB 3275. The final major discussion focused on the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, which opposed the May Revision’s proposed reduction of its Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and a $6.7 million cut to community advocacy grants. The Commission argued these programs are core to Proposition 1’s goals of statewide innovation and community accountability, while Finance said the proposal is consistent with Proposition 1’s maximum funding levels and reflects a broader effort to prioritize direct services and use unspent prior-year funds; members pressed for more information and questioned whether the cuts would undermine the new behavioral health framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• We went to DHS back in 2023 and asked them to do an in-person training for both families and providers
• We were told by DHS they don't want to do any compliance training for families nor agencies.
• the Minnesota House Human Services Committee, who told us, "Well, no, we can't do anything because DHS
• Minnesota Statute 15, MNSure is required to report each interagency agreement, including those with DHS
• , MDH, and Commerce those with Minute DHS, MDH, and Commerce to<00:24:57.160> the<00:24:57.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DHS contracted with a third party for the review and has established an ongoing prepayment review process
• DHS<00:46:45.280> contracted<00:46:45.960> with<00:46:46.080> a<00:46:46.160>
• third<00:46:46.480> party<00:46:46.960> for DHS contracted with a third party for
• DHS contracted with a third party for the<00:46:47.200> review<00:46:47.600> and<00:46:
• Based on early data, DHS projects an increase in denials, which reduces state spending by $5 million

Bills: HF3425

Keywords: supportive housing, grants, housing assistance, funding, Minnesota Statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• require the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, in consultation with Metro Transit, MnDOT, DHS
• require the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, in consultation with Metro Transit, MnDOT, DHS
• require the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, in consultation with Metro Transit, MnDOT, DHS
• Youth, and Families in consultation with Metrotransit,<00:43:33.839> Mindot,<00:43:34.560> DHS
• <00:43:35.359> and<00:43:35.680> Minute<00:43:36.240> to Metrotransit, Mindot, DHS

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:17:58.000> control<00:17:58.400> tower<00:17:58.720> at<00:17:59.160> DH
• <00:18:00.160> We<00:18:00.400> are air traffic control tower at DH.
• We are air traffic control tower at DH.
• air traffic control facility<00:18:23.120> will<00:18:23.360> ensure<00:18:23.679> DH
• will ensure DH will support safe<00:18:25.679> air<00:18:26.000> travel<00:18:26.240><

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• with<00:28:38.799> SSA<00:28:39.799> with<00:28:40.320> um<00:28:40.840> DH
• <00:28:41.519> DHS<00:28:42.320> at<00:28:42.440> the to work with SSA with
• um DH DHS at the to work with SSA with um DH DHS at the federal<00:28:42.919> level<00:28:43.200

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DH. me, for their GLP1 meds by 71% in 2027. me, for their GLP1 meds by 71% in 2027.
• <01:53:55.440> DH. Hello, Mr. Chair. Hello, committee. I'm Dr. Sarah Finn.
• as<04:23:21.199> a<04:23:21.439> priority<04:23:21.840> at<04:23:22.080> DH
• at DH HHS with expansion<04:23:23.920> of<04:23:24.319> child<04:23:24.640> care,
• is here to be, right direction and DHS is here to be, you<04:24:10.399> know,<04:24:10.560>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The six-year plan, we anticipate, we've talked with DHS, our human services secretary, they feel very
• DHS, correctional facilities, you'll see improvements for those.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wembley, I understand there have been federal staffing changes at DHS.
• Wembley, I understand there have been federal staffing changes at DHS.

Summary: The Senate and Assembly Human Services Committees held a special oversight hearing on California’s 2026-27 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state plan, a federal anti-poverty funding stream. Committee members opened by citing statewide poverty and homelessness data and said the hearing was meant to review how CSBG dollars are used, how local agencies respond to community needs, and how the state is preparing for possible federal funding cuts. Jason Wimbley of the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) explained that California’s CSBG network works through 60 organizations in 58 counties, serving about 1.5 million low-income Californians in 2023, and that the state received $68.4 million in federal CSBG funds in fiscal year 2025. He described the program as flexible funding used for housing, employment, education, food, health, transportation, and emergency response, and noted that the federal administration had proposed eliminating CSBG, though the Senate Appropriations Committee had voted to fully fund it for the coming year. Representatives from the California Community Action Partnership Association and several CSBG-funded agencies described how the program supports local anti-poverty work and leverages other funding. CalCAPA emphasized local flexibility, workforce development, partnerships, and data systems such as ROMA, while also warning that agencies are preparing for possible reductions by tightening budgets, planning staffing contingencies, and seeking private foundation support. Agency witnesses from Contra Costa County, Northern California Indian Development Council, Proteus, and Sacred Heart Community Service described services including housing assistance, food distribution, utility help, employment training, youth programs, and culturally specific services for Native communities and migrant farmworkers. They repeatedly said CSBG is essential because it funds staffing and infrastructure that allow them to braid other grants and serve people who do not qualify for standard safety-net programs. Members also asked about the impact of federal staffing changes and the Los Angeles fires. Wimbley said federal layoffs had affected some CSD programs but not CSBG administration, and that the department coordinated disaster response with state agencies and used CSBG-funded supply distribution, food, water, clothing, and documentation support during the fires. Witnesses said they were preparing for possible future cuts by diversifying funding, reducing expenses, and considering service changes, while county officials warned that state and federal reductions could not be backfilled locally. During public comment, one speaker urged stronger oversight of community action agencies and raised concerns about transparency and compliance with state law. The chair then thanked the witnesses, emphasized the importance of CSBG for low-income seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, and adjourned the hearing without any votes or formal action taken.