Transcript Highlights:

• This has nothing to do with setbacks on facilities, but this bill does.
• that has medical facilities and a mental health facility that is against this bill.
• This would give you an idea ahead of time which facility to call first.
• The medical facilities.
• beds Available in that facility.

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:

• I believe it's close to 60% of our district is students of color at Intermediate School District 916.
• <00:04:42.160> school students of color at intermediate school students of color at intermediate
• Speaking on behalf of a lot of the intermediate districts that serve level four in the Twin Cities area
• >> So, my experience in intermediate district 287 was with CPI, >> Um, Miss Winship, thank you
• So, my experience in intermediate<00:49:02.400> district<00:49:02.800> 287<00:49:03.520

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Seclusion Working Group approved the minutes from its previous meeting by motion and vote. Members then began discussing a set of proposed recommendations submitted by Woodward, Havman, and Hull aimed at addressing concerns about the use of seclusion in special education settings. The recommendations focused on several areas: requiring a mental health professional on the IEP team before seclusion is added to a student’s plan; replacing passive parental consent with explicit written consent in the parent’s native language; limiting seclusion to students receiving setting 3 or setting 4 services; requiring annual review of seclusion frequency and duration data by the IEP team; and creating stronger monitoring and accountability through a reporting system modeled on Minnesota’s existing disproportionality process. The group also proposed mandatory annual staff training, more preventive crisis-intervention supports such as CPI and Ukeru, direct funding and technical assistance for districts, and incorporating restraint/seclusion data into disproportionality calculations. Members discussed how the proposed accountability system might work in practice, including whether a third party or parent reporting mechanism should be added. Woodward explained Minnesota’s current disproportionality framework, including year 1, year 2, and year 3 notifications and the possibility of required coordinated early intervening services if problems persist. Participants also raised concerns about whether schools should track law-enforcement involvement as an alternative or related response to student behavior; some noted that such data is already collected in certain district reporting systems and could be useful to monitor alongside seclusion data. The discussion remained ongoing, with no final action taken on the recommendations during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 444 alters the certificate of need requirement for an intermediate care facility that offers
• , need, immediate healthc care facilities, need, immediate healthc care facilities, favorable. favorable
• So, this would alter that facilities.
• <00:47:43.359> And around the state-owned facilities.
• And around the state-owned facilities.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Reverend Jod Gun, whose prayer was journalized by unanimous consent. The chamber then recognized several guests, including representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, who were present for a resolution honoring Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, as well as former Delegate and physician Dan Moheim, Towson University students, a veteran guest, and parents and young children visiting for Maryland Family Network’s Day in Annapolis. The Senate adopted a resolution recognizing the National Alliance on Mental Illness for its advocacy on tardive dyskinesia screening, early detection, and treatment, and designated May 5–9 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The resolution was read and adopted without objection. The chamber also unanimously welcomed the guest groups and thanked them for their service and advocacy. In second-reader action, the Senate advanced several bills with committee amendments adopted without objection. Senate Bill 113, the Longevity Ready Maryland Act, was amended to refine aging-related planning, website reporting, and Commission on Aging membership, then ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 123 updated the membership of the Oversight Committee on Quality of Care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and was also sent to third reading. Senate Bill 336 extended the Task Force on the Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for one year and added an HBCU representative. Senate Bill 394 expanded expedited partner therapy to bacterial vaginosis and added licensed certified midwives as authorized practitioners. Senate Bill 444 changed certificate-of-need requirements for certain intermediate care facilities, and Senate Bill 461 conformed the SNAP Heat and Eat Program to federal eligibility rules; both were advanced to third reading. The Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee then took up Senate Bill 108, which would authorize the Maryland Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for certain water, wetlands, dam, and riparian-rights violations and expand administrative enforcement tools. Several senators raised concerns about the scope of the bill, its effect on shoreline restoration, dams, stormwater and wetlands enforcement, and whether it could allow penalties without adequate process or encourage payment instead of correction. The floor leader responded that the amendment requires notice, an informal meeting, and consideration of good-faith efforts before penalties are imposed in certain cases, and said the bill does not change permit requirements. The debate continued as members sought clarification on how the bill would apply to private dams, HOAs, farmers, and shoreline projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• This section was amended by the author's amendment to include intermediate schools and tribally controlled
• This section was amended by the author's amendment to include intermediate schools and tribally controlled
• This section was amended by the author's amendment to include intermediate schools and tribally controlled
• This section was amended by the author's amendment to include intermediate schools and tribally controlled

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we are in sort of an intermediate period there, those impacts are also not reflected in the forecast
• That um because we are in sort<00:29:05.120> of<00:29:05.240> an<00:29:05.600> intermediate
• <00:29:06.120> period<00:29:06.520> there, sort of an intermediate period there, sort
• of an intermediate period there, those<00:29:07.480> impacts<00:29:07.920> are<00:29:08.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not limit judicial discretion for placement in congregate residential facilities, and it does
• And if anyone had any experience with drug rehabilitation facilities, substance use disorder programs
• Increase the period of license revocation for repeat DUI offenders.
• Postpone license revocations while a person is incarcerated.
• Postpone license revocations while a person is incarcerated, and ensure the application of points to

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think badges don't work on your side, but our facilities are right out that door.
• Um but our facilities<00:04:16.400> are<00:04:16.639> right<00:04:16.799> out<00
• <00:04:17.440> So facilities are right out that door.
• So facilities are right out that door.
• license revocation and that's an<00:20:42.240> ongoing<00:20:42.640> amount<00:20:42.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a historic facility, as the mayor mentioned.
• We talked a little bit about our facilities.
• Uh, full facility assessment. The last one, real full facility assessment was done in 2006.
• And then a limited assessment to single facility or areas.
• Um, but we are looking at the facility issues, aging facility issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, does the county facility have enough employees? So we try to avoid...
• Number one, does the county facility have enough employees?
• These are really purpose-built, different facilities.
• These are really purpose built different facilities.
• We had power to build out infrastructure in our facility.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions. The chair opened by emphasizing California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing challenges with affordability, access, interoperability, heavy-duty electrification, and federal headwinds. She highlighted interest in technologies such as inductive charging and thanked host organizations and staff before moving to the first panel. State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described current programs and priorities. Go-Biz outlined its role in coordinating agencies, supporting permitting, and advancing the state’s ZEV market development strategy and equity action plan. CARB discussed federal attacks on its clean vehicle regulations, litigation to defend waiver authority, and the importance of incentives and regulatory programs such as Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, Clean Truck Check, HVIP, and Clean Cars for All. The CEC detailed its funding and regulatory work on charging and fueling infrastructure, charger reliability, payment methods, roaming, and statewide planning, while stressing the need for more charging in multifamily housing and more public DC fast charging. All three agencies said federal rollbacks and permitting delays are major obstacles, but that California remains committed to expanding ZEV adoption. The second panel featured advocates, local government, utility, and research perspectives. CalETC urged continuous state funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and emphasized the low-carbon fuel standard, multifamily charging, and managed charging. An EV advocacy group proposed a conquest-style state incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily housing is a major untapped market, while also favoring Level 2 charging over Level 1 for most home and apartment settings. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale local deployment of chargers, fleet electrification, workforce training, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and streamlined permitting and grid interconnection. UCS recommended prioritizing replacement of older high-emitting vehicles, using fuel policy revenues to support cleaner cars, and expanding bidirectional charging. The chair closed by asking for more discussion on Level 1 versus Level 2 charging and noted the importance of education, affordability, and practical deployment strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• nursing and health science education programs by authorizing expenditures for student recruitment and facility
• The bill will have an intermediate fiscal impact on DEP for the cost of erecting the markers, and the

Bills: S0086, S0554, S0760, S0774, S0778, S0844, S1022, S1230, S1246, S1594, S1630

Keywords: unauthorized aliens, commercial motor vehicles, safety regulations, civil penalties, law enforcement, nonprofit, corporation, Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act, membership, articles of incorporation, governance, pretrial release, bond conditions, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention

Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first reported favorably SB 774, which extends enhanced workers’ compensation benefits to 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries, after adopting a late-filed amendment declaring an important state interest. The committee also heard supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County dispatcher. SB 770, which updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents in secure forensic settings, was reported favorably as well. Members then approved CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized operation of a commercial vehicle by an unauthorized alien an imminent safety hazard and imposes driver, carrier, and enforcement consequences, despite questions about vehicle impoundment and cargo handling and one appearance in opposition. SB 1594, which protects veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth from being used as reimbursement and instead sets them aside for education and transition services, was reported favorably after supportive testimony. The committee also approved CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in certain violent crime cases, though the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about expanded warrantless arrest authority in one section. The committee next reported favorably CS/SB 554, a complete rewrite of Chapter 617 governing nonprofit corporations, after a technical delete-all amendment. It also approved CS/SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care for certain health care professionals; the bill drew extensive supportive testimony from advocates and patients describing pain management gaps and health disparities. SB 1022, expanding Florida Children’s Initiatives by adding programs in Bay County and Broward County, and CS/SB 1246, broadening the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science workforce programs and related uses, were both reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230, which restricts the use, sale, and distribution of aqueous film-forming foam containing intentionally added PFAS and requires inventory and disposal reporting, after adopting amendments that removed airports from one provision. It also approved CS/CS/SB 128, directing DEP to erect markers for the Andrew Red Harris Spoil Island water body designation. Several senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, our, our programs are all done with a, with a, a, a registered host facility, whether it's a church
• It is called Intermediate Temporary accommodation Plan or ITAPP.

Transcript Highlights:

• through a licensing revocation action. through a licensing revocation action.
• <00:03:32.080> or the juvenile detention facilities or the juvenile detention facilities or
• and facility staff while holding<00:03:59.120> account<00:03:59.519> facilities<00:04:
• <00:04:13.120> types, to all DOC license facility types, to all DOC license facility types
• though they apply to all facilities though they apply to all facilities which<00:04:33.040> is

Bills: HF3405, HF3413, HF3769, HF3768, HF3771, HF3465

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• take pride in the school, and fifth grade is because they're at that age they're going to go to intermediate
• take pride in the school, and fifth grade is because they're at that age they're going to go to intermediate
• take pride in the school, and fifth grade is because they're at that age they're going to go to intermediate
• education, establishes a civic education grant program to provide support to public middle and intermediate
• across the street from our intermediate across the street from our intermediate school<01:32:39.800

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 3263, which would create a state-supported endowment for University of Hawaii athletics NIL (name, image, and likeness) funding. University of Hawaii Athletics Director Matt Eliott supported the bill, saying NIL requires both immediate funding and a longer-term sustainable solution. He asked for several changes: lowering the initial endowment target from $10 million to $2 million so the fund could start sooner, allowing NIL reporting by team rather than by individual student-athlete, and clarifying that athletes may choose whether to use an agent, while still allowing certified agents or a parent/guardian if desired. Committee members raised concerns about using taxpayer dollars for athlete compensation, the burden on a small-state budget, and whether the university could realistically raise the required matching funds. Several senators questioned whether the university had a concrete fundraising plan and whether the endowment would meaningfully help UH compete with larger programs. Eliott said UH is already fundraising privately for current NIL obligations, had raised more than $1.6 million toward a $3 million annual goal, and would continue fundraising for both short-term needs and the endowment match. He also said the university is not trying to compete with Power Five schools on the same scale, but to be successful at its own conference level. Members also discussed transparency and privacy, with some senators arguing that if state money is used, the public should know how it is spent, while Eliott said individual student-athlete NIL information should remain private and team-level reporting would be preferable. He confirmed international student-athletes are eligible for NIL and said about 60 to 70 UH athletes are currently participating, with more than 100 expected next year. The discussion also touched on UH’s Mountain West media rights and local TV rights, with Eliott explaining that the conference distribution is expected to remain around $3.5 million and that local TV rights would be negotiated separately. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• today we have visitors from the west side of Oahu, from the beautiful Golden Hawks at Nanakuli H Intermediate
• today we have visitors from the west side of Oahu, from the beautiful Golden Hawks at Nanakuli H Intermediate

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a roll call showing 48 members present and three excused, then deferred reading of the journal. There were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications. The session featured numerous introductions recognizing the annual secondary student conference, with members welcoming more than 150 students from 28 public schools, along with teachers, advisers, and other visitors from schools across the state. Under reports of standing committees, Representative Todd moved to adopt standing committee reports Nos. 23 through 29 and advance the accompanying House bills to second reading and referral to the designated committees; Representative Moriwaki seconded, and the motion carried. Members then offered brief positions on several bills, including one dealing with evidence preservation and parental notification, and another prohibiting fines, fees, or court costs against people adjudicated for offenses committed as minors. Testimony and comments reflected both support and opposition, with some members reserving their position and others opposing the measures; concerns raised included the need for clearer parental-notification standards and objections to eliminating penalties for juvenile offenses. The House also considered a bill limiting court-ordered community service for minors to no more than 72 hours, with some members reserving and others opposing. After discussion, the motion on the committee reports was carried by voice vote. There were no resolutions for action, and all other resolutions were referred to print. The House then adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:08.800> and through the intermediate districts. and through the intermediate districts
• On line 152, begin the appropriations in the facilities, health, and safety article.
• On line 158, begin changes to the long-term facilities maintenance equalization aid.
• Chair, article 8 is the facilities Chair, article 8 is the facilities health<01:32:13.920> and
• <01:47:00.080> maintenance the long-term facilities maintenance the long-term facilities maintenance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• brightland facility brightland facility so so so um<00:35:48.320> I<00:35:48.400> do
• specialize in gangs at every facility specialize in gangs at every facility we'll<00:36:43.800><
• They visit the facilities.
• They visit the facilities.
• <00:57:26.880> and definitely needing School facilities and definitely needing School facilities

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro. Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons. Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Yvonne Chung, with the California Association of Health Facilities.
• We represent skilled nursing facility providers, as well as intermediate care providers for intermediate
• care facilities for the developmentally disabled.
• It's a rehab facility. It's a national rehab facility.
• It's a national rehab facility that services all populations.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• classroom site fund allocation is reduced by 25% per year of noncompliance, culminating in a complete revocation
• This includes nurses, transportation expenses, facility maintenance, administration, and more.
• have sufficient funding for those classroom expenses, for the desks, for the textbooks, for the facilities
• at the amounts that is needed and succeeded in the courts because we have underfunded the school facilities

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the journal, and a recess for a performance honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Members then introduced guests and proclamations, including Hispanic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol and a Children’s Health Day advocacy group focused on immunizations. Additional personal privileges recognized the doctor of the day, a senator’s husband on an upcoming anniversary, and other visitors and community groups. The main legislative item was SCR 1032, a referral to the voters concerning school district budgets and classroom spending. After a Government Committee amendment and a floor amendment were adopted, the measure would require larger school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses, with penalties that phase in reductions to classroom site fund allocations for noncompliance. Supporters argued the measure would push more money into classrooms and teacher pay and give voters a say in how district funds are used; opponents said it would micromanage local school boards, cut funding for important services such as nurses, counselors, transportation, and maintenance, and unfairly target district schools while excluding charters. SCR 1032 passed the Senate 16-12, with two not voting, and was transmitted to the House. The Senate also passed SB 1071 by a vote of 17-11, with two not voting. Discussion centered on an amendment related to the Arizona Rangers; supporters said the bill was not a full repeal but would create external oversight, improve background checks, and require better training documentation and accountability. The chamber also announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• charter school, authorizing the New Mexico Finance Authority to make loans from the charter school facility
• charter school, authorizing the New Mexico Finance Authority to make loans from the charter school facility
• amendments, and making a transfer from the public school capital outlay fund to the charter school facility
• continues: providing that a violation of an order issued by the State Fire Marshal may result in the revocation

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:10:18.079> uh to an eating treatment disorder uh to an eating treatment disorder uh facility
• <00:10:18.959> a<00:10:19.120> mental<00:10:19.360> health<00:10:19.600> facility
• <00:10:20.000> for facility or a mental health facility for facility or a mental health facility
• <00:37:30.720> Organization<00:37:31.359> Vice<00:37:31.680> Chair, Intermediate
• Organization Vice Chair, Intermediate Organization Vice Chair, Education<00:37:32.400> Minnesota<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all