Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that our DOC does have a 287 agreement.
• And I know that our DOC does have a 287 agreement.
• They run the gamut: financial final decisions, suspension orders, some orders and agreements.
• Sometimes those cases are resolved by agreement, but many times they also go into a hearing, and that
• They run the gamut: financial final decisions, suspension orders, some orders and agreements.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s FY27 H-2 budget proposal, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard testimony from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who described the $1.72 billion budget as a 4% increase over FY26 and emphasized readiness, local partnerships, and support for core operations rather than expansion. She highlighted ongoing work on firearms-law implementation, State Police academy reforms, DOC’s new strategic plan, disaster response, hate-crime prevention, and planning for major 2026 events including the World Cup, Marathon, and America’s 250th anniversary. Members also raised concerns about State Police capacity, DNA backlog reporting, academy boxing/training reforms after a trooper’s death, ICE coordination, diversity in public safety leadership, the disaster relief fund, crime lab funding, reentry programming, and whether OEMS should move from DPH to EOPSS; Kwan said she would keep an open mind on some issues but was not ready to commit to an OEMS transfer. The committee then questioned EOPSS officials and the State Police colonel on several operational matters. The colonel said the academy boxing program remains suspended and likely will not return in its prior form, pending an IACP review, and that future training will likely emphasize jujitsu-style control techniques. He also said the State Police uses the civil service exam, with current advancement scores ranging from 83.72 to 98.78 for the most recent class, and acknowledged the need to improve recruitment, preparation, and diversity. On the DNA and sexual assault kit backlog, EOPSS said it supports extending the statute of limitations and is working with the courts and crime lab to identify and collect lawfully owed DNA. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, is currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, and should be designed to respond flexibly to different regional needs. They also said the crime lab increase is largely to cover core operations and a structural deficiency rather than expansion. Several members focused on public safety coordination and staffing. Questions from legislators from Bristol, Plymouth, Cape Cod, and elsewhere stressed the need for State Police to absorb additional forensic work if county resources shift, and to maintain strong communication with local chiefs and federal partners. Rep. Holmes pressed EOPSS on racial and gender diversity in the department and State Police; Kwan and Colonel Noble said diversity has improved but will take time to show up in senior leadership, and they pointed to internships and hiring practices as ways to broaden the pipeline. The hearing also included discussion of the World Cup security plan, with Kwan saying planning has been underway for about 18 months through 14 working groups and that current staffing and overtime resources appear sufficient for now. After EOPSS concluded, the committee recessed briefly and then began testimony from district attorneys, led by Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden, who said prosecutors are seeking a 10% budget increase to address staffing and salary pressures, especially the widening pay gap between assistant district attorneys and newly hired public defenders after recent CPCS funding increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:00.400><c> though</c><00:49:00.680><c> once</c> tossed in a plea agreement though once tossed
• in a plea agreement though once again<00:49:01.280><c> we</c><00:49:01.440><c> lack</c><00:49:01.839
• </c><01:37:44.960><c> thank</c><01:37:45.119><c> you</c> thank you forent agreement thank you thank you
• forent agreement thank you chair<01:37:45.560><c> witty</c><01:37:46.199><c> um</c><01:37:46.760><c>
• so the way I'm question repr agreement so the way I'm reading<01:39:10.400><c> it</c><01:39:10.560><

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, really looking at that data, making sure that we have coordinated data-sharing agreements, all those
• all those pieces in sharing agreements all those pieces in place<00:50:46.359><c> to</c><00:50:46.559
• It's a sort of three-way agreement between the PACE organization or organizations that are selected,
• Then there would be a formal application, and then reaching that agreement that would be based on the
• that would be based on the agreement that would be based on the approval<01:25:18.440><c> that</c><01

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, carryover coverall, like it has been said, everyone is in agreement with it.
• So, we're all in agreement with the carryover.
• agreement with the in agreement with the carryover.<00:55:09.920><c> Um,</c><00:55:10.319><c> as</c>
• Um, so there is universal agreement on the 49 numbers.
• the 49 is universal agreement on on the 49 numbers. numbers. numbers.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 50 of the SCFD-funded partners, including Butterfly Pavilion, Central City Opera, and Colorado Environmental
• SCFD-funded partners include Butterfly Pavilion, Central City Opera, and Colorado Environmental Film

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused. The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended. The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a combination of strategies and environmental supports that are going to motivate and facilitate
• but also, you see in the bottom corner, 80 sites throughout the state where policy, systems, and environmental

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” work from Kentucky Hospital Association and Kentucky Department of Agriculture leaders, including Jim Muser, Holly Harris, and Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The chair framed the discussion around personal wellness, injury prevention, and the broader goal of improving health through better sleep, nutrition, and activity, then asked the presenters to describe current initiatives and any policy changes needed. The witnesses described a partnership linking hospitals and Kentucky farmers to improve health outcomes while supporting rural agriculture. They said the effort has moved beyond the pilot stage and now includes more than 40 hospitals statewide, with programs such as healthier hospital cafeterias, grab-and-go options, farmers markets at hospital sites, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and medically tailored meals or groceries for patients with chronic conditions. ARH was highlighted as a leading model, with local food procurement, employee wellness efforts, and measurable outcome pilots, including a Russell County Hospital project focused on diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They also emphasized barriers to scaling the model, including fragmented short-term funding, lack of reimbursement for food-as-medicine programs, and burdensome procurement and testing requirements that can make it difficult for small farmers to participate. The presenters said hospitals are using their own funds or temporary grants to sustain programs and argued that policy changes are needed to simplify sourcing, expand reimbursement pathways, and support clinical measurement of outcomes. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• university meteorologist at Western Kentucky University, vice chair of the Department of Earth, Environmental
• There's environmental aspects, and it's a very diverse research project, but as far as the weather and

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from the previous meeting, and heard a presentation from Western Kentucky University’s Disaster Science Operations Center. WKU described its multidisciplinary disaster science effort, including meteorology, emergency management, the Kentucky State Climate Center, the Kentucky Mesonet, and the Disaster Science Operations Center, which was created in 2021 and serves as an operational hub for forecasting, emergency planning, crisis management, training, and decision support. Speakers emphasized applied learning, student field work, partnerships with industry and event venues, and a five-year NSF/UK-led research project focused on weather hazards, disaster preparedness, and building a statewide disaster database to improve mitigation and resilience. Members asked about flooding, the relationship to EKU’s program, Tennessee’s capabilities, and the timeline and goals for the research project; WKU said the data collection is underway and that the evidence suggests tornado risk is shifting east and occurring more at night. A WKU graduate student also described the value of hands-on storm-chasing and operational forecasting experience, saying it helped prepare her for work in forecasting and emergency management. Members asked about her motivation for joining the program and about the practical realities of storm chasing. The discussion also touched on whether Kentucky’s tornado risk is shifting east; WKU said the evidence from tornado observations and other studies points in that direction, with added concern about nighttime events and communicating warnings to vulnerable communities. The task force then heard from Amy Shaquinn of the Mayfield Graves County Long-Term Recovery Group, who outlined the county-level recovery process after the 2021 tornadoes. She said Kentucky ranks among the top states for federally declared disasters, has seen a high number of tornadoes in recent years, and also faces major flood risk and earthquake concerns along the New Madrid fault. Shaquinn stressed the distinction between immediate response and long-term recovery, explaining that response covers rescue, cleanup, temporary housing, and short-term assistance, while recovery is the longer effort to restore survivors to safe, sanitary, and secure housing through local long-term recovery groups. She said community-led recovery is essential and that preparedness and mitigation follow once immediate recovery needs are addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• drivers of health are addressable, and many are even preventable by addressing key social and environmental
• drivers of health are addressable, and many are even preventable by addressing key social and environmental

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be environmental rules that keep...
• So it could be rule, environmental rules, right? I don't know what the answer is.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, item number seven, the TRD thing, is what they described as an operator agreement that they have
• There's an agreement money would come to the state.
• as some House Bill 2 language restricting the revenue the department receives under that operator agreement
• to be separate only for the purpose of that agreement.
• and language that supports it agreement and language that supports it so<04:14:08.439><c> we've</c><

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Well,<00:07:34.560><c> I'm</c><00:07:34.880><c> in</c><00:07:35.120><c> agreement</c><00:07:
• with Senator from &gt;&gt; Well, I'm in agreement with Senator from the<00:07:36.800><c> Big</c><00:
• But there's not like another rental agreement or whatever contract agreement other than the assessment
• or whatever contract &gt;&gt; rental agreement or whatever contract agreement<01:57:09.920><c> other
• other than the assessment for agreement other than the assessment for a<01:57:11.920><c> child.

Bills: SB2003

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict. Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose. The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1. The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he agrees with Representative Celli right and appreciates the 100% agreement with him.
• More importantly, many of these tuition agreements have a requirement that the sending school district
• statewide open enrollment system would interfere with dozens, if not scores, of existing tuition agreements
• More importantly, many of these tuition agreements have a requirement that the sending school district
• More importantly, many of these tuition agreements have a requirement that the sending school district

Summary: The committee first took up HB 662, which would require discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of certain videos in public school health education. Members argued the bill went too far by naming specific videos and involving the Attorney General in enforcement, and they said curriculum decisions should be left to educators. The committee voted ITL on HB 662 by a unanimous 18-0. The committee then considered HCR 6, a resolution calling for the removal of the superintendent of District 67. Members said the resolution targeted an individual and that the underlying dispute was already in court, so the matter should be left to the legal process. The motion to ITL passed 18-0. Next, HR 9, urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education, received broad support as a nonpartisan statement of priorities, and it also passed 18-0. HB 440, concerning educator licensing and shortages in Career and Technical Education, was amended to clarify that the bill applies to initial licensure only. After discussion about whether the amendment was necessary, the committee adopted Amendment 0188 unanimously and then voted OTPA on the bill as amended, 18-0. HB 222, which repealed the requirement for an MOU between charter schools and districts on services for students with disabilities, drew testimony that districts already provide substantial oversight through IEP processes and that the MOU requirement was burdensome and largely unenforced; the committee voted OTP 18-0. The committee then took up HB 719, which would repeal the right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease unused district facilities. Supporters said the existing law had not generated complaints and could impede charter expansion, while opponents said the issue had not proven to be a problem and local control should be preserved. The committee voted ITL 17-1, with one member opposed and no minority report. The chair then postponed HB 184, a study committee bill on school start times, because it was scheduled for the next day, and the committee moved into a work session on bullying-related bills, discussing HB 108, HB 384, and HB 673 without taking final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have had conversations, and we are pretty close to an agreement.
• So, I encourage the parties to come to some kind of agreement.
• If they can't come to an agreement<02:42:26.399><c> um</c><02:42:26.720><c> between</c><02:42:27.040>
• <c> now</c><02:42:27.200><c> and</c><02:42:27.359><c> then,</c><02:42:27.600><c> we're</c> agreement
• I tend to um at this point agreement.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• , and we make sure that in the grant agreement that the state interest is first in line should there
• </c><00:52:19.760><c> and</c><00:52:20.000><c> we</c> have you know granted agreements and we have you
• know granted agreements and we make<00:52:20.559><c> sure</c><00:52:20.720><c> that</c><00:52:20.960
• that in the grant agreement make sure that in the grant agreement that<00:52:22.960><c> the</c><00:52
• Can I just, um, on the if it was sold, we have a 10-year agreement that would follow with the business

Bills: HF2103 , HF4508

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, millions of dollars, assuming that that power purchase agreement, which was approved by the PUC
• And basically, they denied the super expensive power purchase agreement.
• The power purchase agreement, though, remained the same. It was super high and super expensive.
• </c><00:58:53.920><c> though</c> &gt;&gt; The the power purchase agreement though &gt;&gt; The the power
• purchase agreement though remained<00:58:54.560><c> the</c><00:58:54.680><c> same.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Scott, I neglected to clarify that yes, we would have a contractually enforceable data use agreement
• Chair, and I would just like to thank both of you co-chairs for including the no lift, no touch agreement
• co-chairs for including the no lift, no co-chairs for including the no lift, no touch<00:59:26.320><c> agreement
• </c><00:59:27.200><c> It's</c><00:59:27.600><c> really</c><00:59:27.880><c> an</c> touch agreement.
• It's really an touch agreement.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the work that you've done making sure that both parties are in agreement with all of the
• try to find somebody to sell it to for $230,000, and what they do is they transfer that purchase agreement
• there, a window that will allow, The seller to hopefully seek legal counsel before entering into any agreement
• trying to put a little clarity in this just to make sure that everybody knows, you know, what kind of agreement
• routine cases where both banks and credit unions are pulled into litigation simply for enforcing loan agreements

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 104-0 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the session offering personal remarks and introducing guests, including the family of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, school groups, a Boy Scout troop, a Highway Patrol commander, and community figures such as Corey Johnson and boxer Devin Alexander. There was also a moment of silence for a member’s mentor and a personal privilege statement recognizing Autism Month and the work of teachers and therapists serving autistic children. The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2481, which would tighten Missouri rules for SNAP and related public benefits by requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, using the federal SAVE system throughout eligibility checks, and directing the Department of Social Services to seek a waiver to steer SNAP purchases toward healthier foods. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of accountability, taxpayer stewardship, fraud prevention, and improved nutrition, while opponents argued it was unnecessary because federal law already limits eligibility, could add administrative costs, and could harm children, families in food deserts, and pregnant women who rely on programs such as Show Me Healthy Babies. An amendment offered by the gentleman from Johnson to extend the bill to MoHealthNet was adopted, and after extended debate the House invoked the previous question 91-46, then adopted and perfected the bill as amended. The House also advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1869, which creates a process and fund to repair damaged veterans’ headstones in public and private cemeteries, with support from members who emphasized honoring veterans and preserving gravesites; the bill was adopted and perfected without opposition. House Bill 2927 was also moved forward; it would require settlement demands tied to extra-contractual or bad-faith insurance claims to be written, held open for 90 days, and reference the relevant statute. Supporters said it gives insurers reasonable time to evaluate large claims, while opponents said it could delay compensation for injured Missourians; it too was adopted and perfected. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including House Bills 2387 and 2480, as the session continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• production simulation phase now to allow counties, the state, and tribes with a California Title IV-E agreement
• Mendocino County, the loss of BFH would halt the progress we've made with establishing a cooperative agreement
• First Prevention Services Block Grant allocated funds to counties and tribes with California 4-E agreements
• goes live in October of 2026, these tribes and any others that become tribes with California 4-E agreements
• My staff ended up striking agreements with about 17 counties, including L.A.

Transcript Highlights:

• production simulation phase now to allow counties, the state, and tribes with a California Title IV-E agreement
• Mendocino County, the loss of BFH would halt the progress we've made with establishing a cooperative agreement
• First Prevention Services Block Grant allocated funds to counties and tribes with California 4-E agreements
• goes live in October of 2026, these tribes and any others that become tribes with California 4-E agreements
• present, one of the things we ended up doing, just in terms of context, is my staff ended up striking agreements

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, community care licensing, child support, and related budget issues. CDSS described the Governor’s proposed child and family services budget, emphasized a family-centered and kin-first approach, and reported that foster care entries and congregate care placements have declined over the past decade. Witnesses also highlighted the importance of extended foster care to age 21, while noting persistent racial disparities for Native American and Black children and the need for stronger prevention, family finding, and community-based supports. A major focus was the proposed tiered rate structure (TRS), which CDSS said would shift funding from placement-based rates to child-centered supports, including care and supervision, strength-building dollars, and immediate needs funding paired with high-fidelity wraparound services. CDSS and county representatives said implementation is on track, with foundational policy guidance expected by the end of the year, CANS/CFT timeliness targeted by year-end, and the CWS CARES system nearing go-live in October 2026. Counties and providers raised concerns about whether the rate model and wraparound capacity will be sufficient, especially for higher-acuity youth, and asked for more data, clearer guidance, and continued collaboration. County Welfare Directors Association representatives also requested continued emergency response funding and an extension of flexible family supports, arguing both are needed to stabilize front-end child welfare work and bridge to TRS. Providers from FFAs and STRTPs warned that insurance costs, provider closures, and the transition to TRS could threaten service capacity unless the state addresses long-term insurance and reimbursement issues. LAO noted the Governor’s budget contains no new child welfare augmentations and said the main General Fund change reflects the expiration of one-time funding. No votes were taken; members instead asked for follow-up data, technical assistance, and possible future legislative or trailer bill solutions, including on insurance and implementation timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• local units of government from expenditures for transit, with exceptions for operations under an agreement
• c><00:08:06.600><c> an</c> exceptions for operations under an exceptions for operations under an agreement
• 08:08.440><c> also</c><00:08:08.760><c> sets</c><00:08:09.120><c> out</c><00:08:09.520><c> a</c> agreement
• This section also sets out a agreement.
• We're not even a part of the joint powers agreement that governs Southwest Transit.