Transcript Highlights:

• We've gone with CMS approval and we are ready to implement. There's 100 slots.
• </c><00:16:06.000><c> I</c> ready to implement. There's 100 slots. I ready to implement.
• </c><00:16:12.000><c> to</c><00:16:12.080><c> move</c> >> Yeah, so we're ready to move forward.
• Um, for me personally, um, in our role here, I'm not at the point where I'm ready to make call for a
• Um, for me personally, um, in our role here, I'm not at the point where I'm ready to make call for a

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present, approved the minutes without objection, and then reviewed a series of administrative regulations from multiple agencies. Most of the regulations received staff-suggested amendments and were approved without objection, including fish and wildlife rules on fishing limits and deer hunting on local government property, veterinary board changes to responsible party and veterinary manager requirements, election procedures for safe-at-home voters, attorney general regulatory relief rules, emergency gasoline tax pricing, public pensions updates, controller fraud-prevention policies, physical therapy licensure and English proficiency standards, school nutrition and fee-waiver rules, public health conference procedures, and Medicaid waiver regulations. Several agencies briefly identified themselves and answered procedural questions, but most items drew no substantive opposition. The Board of Veterinary Examiners regulation included an agency amendment that removed a proposed limit on the number of facilities a veterinary manager could oversee. The Department of Education regulations updated fee waiver and meal program procedures, while the Department of Public Health regulation clarified notification and conference-request procedures. The Department of Revenue and Kentucky Public Pensions Authority items were largely technical or conforming changes, including a special-needs trust definition added for consistency with Senate Bill 85. The most extensive discussion involved the Department for Medicaid Services’ 1915C child waiver regulations. Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified in opposition to the waiver’s lack of participant-directed services, arguing that consumer-driven services such as respite and community living support are required and especially important in rural areas and for higher-acuity children. Cabinet representatives responded that the waiver is intended to provide wraparound services to keep children in homes and communities, that it has CMS approval, and that the program is limited to 100 slots with about 21 participants already enrolled. Members did not move a deficiency motion, and the chair indicated the regulations would continue through the process. The meeting adjourned after setting the next meeting for Tuesday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're ready when you are. Thank you. We're ready when you are. Thank you. Thank you.
• Senator Cervantes, you're ready? Are you ready?
• Senator Cervantes, you're ready? Are you ready? Thank you.
• The Chair's ready, so whenever the Chair's ready, you can open.
• The Chair's ready, so whenever the Chair's ready, you can open.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills, with testimony focused on transportation safety, enforcement, privacy, curb management, rail service, and high-speed rail. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would require two DMV points to be applied in misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even if the criminal case is dismissed through diversion; supporters, including a victim’s mother and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would prevent serious fatal crashes from disappearing from driving records, while no opposition was presented. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would authorize selected cities to use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations and a pilot-style, optional local framework; supporters argued it would improve safety, turnover, and compliance, while privacy concerns were noted but softened by amendments, and the bill drew neutral or conditional support from some groups. The committee also heard SB 1228 by Senator Rubio, which would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era outdoor advertising displays. Supporters said the bill would preserve local revenue and avoid penalties for legally established signs, while the California State Outdoor Advertising Association opposed it over federal highway beautification compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten safeguards for automated license plate reader systems by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, limits on data retention, and restrictions on hot lists and queries; privacy advocates supported the bill as a response to documented misuse, while sheriffs and narcotics officers opposed it as an unnecessary restriction on a valuable law-enforcement tool. The committee voted to move SB 1013, but the roll call was 4-1 and the bill remained on call. Other measures discussed included SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín, which would block vehicle registration renewal for owners with unpaid illegal dumping fines, using a process similar to unpaid parking citations; Oakland officials and several local government and waste-management groups supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill passed committee on an 8-0 vote and remained on call. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events and intercity/regional rail connections; supporters said it could boost ridership and make rail more useful for major venues, and it also passed 8-0 and remained on call. The committee also advanced the chair’s SB 1425, which would create a permitting program for new encroachments along the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect the project and manage utilities and other uses, while some utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns, and the bill passed 8-1 and remained on call. Finally, SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, remove a project cap, and support bookend investments; it drew broad support from transit, labor, and rail groups, with some local agencies noting amended concerns, and the discussion continued as the hearing moved toward the final bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd move a due pass as amended when you're ready for the motion. When you're ready. Thank you.
• I'd move a due pass as amended when you're ready for the motion. When you're ready. Thank you.
• Are you ready, and are your witnesses ready?
• When they're not ready for prime time and they're not ready for the House floor, then we make subcommittees
• When they're not ready for prime time and they're not ready for the House floor, then we make subcommittees

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, as amended, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor explained that the amendment removed a proposed 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales, while leaving the broader financing structure in place, including a $400 million seed appropriation and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenues into the new funds and related road accounts. Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill on a do-pass vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for certain public works projects, while preserving a zero contribution rate where no approved program exists for a classification. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, and building trades representatives, argued the bill would close loopholes, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the workforce. Opponents, including utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico, argued it would raise project costs, duplicate existing federally approved training programs such as TTCP, and unfairly require payments from contractors who already train workers in-house or cannot access approved programs. Members debated whether the bill would affect existing in-house programs, rural access to training, and whether the language conflicted with existing law. An amendment to limit the bill to projects of $50 million or less was tabled, and the committee then passed HB 270 on a 6-5 do-pass vote. After the bill vote, the committee received a District 3 New Mexico Department of Transportation presentation covering project status, funding, and equipment needs in Bernalillo, Valencia, and parts of Sandoval and Socorro counties. DOT staff reviewed completed and upcoming maintenance and STIP projects, local government and school district cooperative projects, and equipment requests. Members asked about delays on the Rio Bravo Bridge project, which DOT said were caused by utility coordination issues, and about the I-25/Gibson interchange, which remains in design and development with later-year funding anticipated. The presentation also addressed specific local projects such as Paseo del Norte and Paseo del Volcán.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says things like, "Oh, this isn't quite ready." And that's what we're hearing. But it is ready.
• Ready right now is absolutely incorrect.
• Someday it may be ready for it, but today it's not ready. Vote no.
• We're not ready for flying cars. We don't have an EV. We're not ready for teleportation.
• So, MnDOT, this is ready to be implemented.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you may commence when ready. Thank you so much, Mr. Chair and members.
• Please proceed when ready. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Please proceed when ready. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Okay, you may proceed when ready. No? Okay, you may proceed when ready. Good afternoon, Mr.
• And when you're ready, Mr. Vice Chair, please proceed.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you ready for the amendment. Are you ready for the question?
• Are you ready to the House forth with.
• Are you ready for the question? Roll call.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Are you ready for the question? &gt;&gt; Are you ready for the question?
• </c><00:51:46.880><c> The</c> Are you ready for the question? The Are you ready for the question?

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye.
• </c> Are you ready for the question? Are you ready for the question?
• Are you ready for that third time? Are you ready for that question? question? question?
• Are you ready You have heard the motion.
• Are you ready for<00:43:05.920><c> the</c><00:43:06.000><c> question?

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, now if you're ready, I would move on. Mr.
• sites, qualifying them for site readiness funds that could do phase one, phase two.
• Then we get back to the site readiness.
• We're ready for it. We're going to deal with this. But Mr.
• And that's why I think we continue to work directly with around site readiness.

Bills: SB241 , SB145 , SB241 , SB145 , HB2

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• ESSER funds. $1 million on this ESSER-ready to replace the ESSER funds.
• So write that down and be ready to roll. Mr.
• I mean, Would you be ready with Trust Lands if we'd take it up this morning?
• And we will work on budgets that are ready.
• And when they're ready, we'll come back and act.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent. Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions. After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, welcome, and you may start when ready. Thank you, Chair Gibson. Vice Chair Sanchez.
• Senator, thank you very much, and you may begin opening up SB 661 whenever you're ready.
• Your witnesses may come and have a seat with you, and you may start when ready.
• Witnesses have two minutes, and you may begin when ready. Great. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Your witness, you have two minutes for your witness, and you may begin when ready.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee held a final hearing on a series of Senate bills, with the chair explaining the committee’s suspense-file process and then taking up measures in regular order and later from suspense. SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment drew the most extensive testimony: the author and industry supporters said it would create statewide assessment standards, exclude intangibles, and provide certainty for solar development, while county assessors and county representatives opposed it as a statutory formula that would undercut fair market value and reduce local revenue. The bill was sent to suspense during the first portion of the hearing and later passed suspense 5-2 after amendments. SB 661, dealing with airport funding and aviation fuel tax revenues, also generated support from airport and local government representatives but opposition from airlines over the proposed distribution formula; it was referred to suspense and later passed 7-0 with amendments. SB 1172, which places guardrails on tax-sharing agreements, was supported by local governments and retailers; after the author accepted committee amendments, opposition was withdrawn and the bill passed 4-2 to the floor. SB 9-1-1, a wildfire safety measure using the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report to notify fire agencies about defensible-space compliance, was supported by fire chiefs and wildfire-safety advocates but opposed by assessors; it passed 5-2 to Appropriations. SB 1408, authorizing Contra Costa County to place a transportation sales tax on the ballot, passed 4-2 to the floor. SB 1072, the housing omnibus bill, passed 7-0, and SB 1424, expanding a sales tax exemption for zero-emission vehicle fueling equipment, was held in committee after support from hydrogen and electric transportation advocates and no opposition. In suspense-file action, the committee also passed SB 1435, SB 288, SB 296, SB 420, SB 881, SB 888, SB 1053, SB 1406, and SB 1407, while SB 353 and SB 1249 were held. The chair closed by thanking members, staff, stakeholders, and a retiring consultant, and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please come forward and begin when ready, Representative. So, Jeff Coe.
• Make sure your witness sheets are filled out and proceed when ready.
• Make sure you get your witness sheet filled out and begin when ready.
• Proceed when ready. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman.
• Come forward and begin when ready. Good afternoon. Mr.

Committee: House Insurance and Banking

Summary: The Insurance Committee held public hearings on House Bill 3328 and House Bill 2324. HB 3328, sponsored by Rep. Castile, is a broad homeowners insurance package that would redirect insurance dedicated fund money into a Missouri Stronger Homes Fund, create a Missouri Disaster Mediation Act for disaster-related claims, update public adjuster regulation, strengthen fraud provisions, add consumer notices, and establish roof-hardening grant programs. The sponsor and the Department of Commerce and Insurance said the bill is still being revised in a committee substitute, especially on public adjuster language and fortified roof standards. Committee members asked about the dedicated fund, mediation benchmarks, the role of public adjusters, and how the program would affect disaster recovery in places like St. Louis. Testimony on HB 3328 was mixed. The Department of Commerce and Insurance and several insurance industry groups supported the bill’s consumer protections, mitigation funding, mediation process, fraud language, and assignment-of-benefits ban, but said the public adjuster fee cap would likely be removed and that the bill needs technical changes for mutual insurers and roofing standards. Public adjusters testified in opposition to the cap as written, saying their fees are typically 10-15% and are disclosed in contracts, and that they were working with the sponsor on revisions. A shingle manufacturer also opposed the fortified roof language as drafted because some of its products may not fit the current standard. The committee then closed the hearing on HB 3328. The committee next heard HB 2324, sponsored by Rep. Lucas, which would restrict the sharing or sale of vehicle driving data and was described by the sponsor as a privacy bill aimed at stopping companies like OnStar from selling driving data to insurers. Opponents from the Missouri Insurance Coalition and NAMIC said the bill would not actually target OnStar, but would instead interfere with voluntary telematics-based discount programs used by insurers, potentially raising premiums and creating administrative burdens. They also noted existing federal and state rules already govern insurer data use and that the bill could create a mismatch between risk and pricing. The hearing on HB 2324 was then closed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once you come up, while you get ready, we'll just vote on the consent calendar, which has been moved
• And you may proceed when ready. Thank you very much. Chair, members.
• You may proceed when ready. This is AB 2518. I'm looking for my... Hi. All right.
• You may perceive one ready. This is AB 2518. I'm looking for my. Hi. All right.
• Category 1 gives 40 days for the connection once the project is actually deemed construction-ready and

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• Begin when you're ready. Good morning, Chair Reyes and members. My name is J.P.
• On the wildfire readiness, and we need the people and program to use it.
• And leaving ready for a career.
• How do you manage having enough seedlings ready to go in the aftermath of a catastrophe?
• So our pilots can be fire-ready whenever needed. Anything else from LAO? Okay.

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss several California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire budget proposals, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The CCC overview highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its statewide conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development work, and its funding mix of General Fund and fee-for-service reimbursements. Members praised the program’s impact on young adults and communities, and asked about revenue sources, partnerships, recruitment, and outcomes for Corps members after service. A major CCC item was reopening and staffing the Greenwood Residential Center in El Dorado County. The department said the center is needed to restore local wildfire and fuel-break capacity, especially when winter road closures limit access to other facilities. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives, such as using fewer new Corps members or delaying opening, given the budget condition. The committee also discussed a proposal to move CCC hand crews to a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule; the department argued this is needed to match Cal Fire’s year-round operations and reduce chronic staffing gaps, while the LAO recommended considering partial funding or other cost-saving options. Cal Fire’s department overview focused on year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Members asked about contract counties, federal partnerships, reforestation capacity, and the use of cap-and-invest and General Fund dollars amid structural deficits. Cal Fire said its nursery capacity is far below reforestation needs and relies on public-private partnerships, and it described reimbursements for work on federal lands. The committee also discussed defensible space inspections, with Cal Fire seeking permanent staffing to replace temporary positions and maintain its goal of 250,000 inspections annually; the LAO suggested alternatives such as different funding mixes, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding. Finally, the committee heard a request to increase Cal Fire’s fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contract. Cal Fire said the larger, more complex aircraft fleet and year-round fire season require more pilots and maintainers, and that contracting provides flexibility and avoids some benefit costs. The LAO said the proposal addresses significant health and safety concerns and merits consideration, while members questioned whether in-house staffing or longer contract terms might be more cost-effective. Throughout the hearing, members emphasized wildfire risk, budget pressures, and the need to balance public safety with fiscal discipline.

Transcript Highlights:

• The problem is not individual readiness. It's system delay.
• I want to make one point about readiness.
• , you're dangerous, you're not ready.
• We think things are ready, like shorten it up.
• Get your translator ready because I’m going to talk to you in Spanish. I’m ready, baby. All right.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now we can give money to go get ready versus you have to be all the way ready to even come in and
• So now the statutes do allow for you to go get ready.
• You design a project, make sure it's ready.
• You design a project, make sure it's ready.
• The criteria that we go to is the project must be shovel-ready; it's got to be ready to bid.

Summary: The committee met for an informational hearing focused largely on the state capital outlay process and House Bill 2. Roger Husser and Matt Baker of the Division of Administration/Facility Planning and Control described how the office prepares and administers the capital outlay bill, said the bill has grown substantially over five years, and argued that recent changes in culture, staffing, project management, cash-flow analysis, and use of third-party support have more than doubled project expenditures and improved delivery. Members asked about the use and cost of third-party project managers, delegation of smaller projects to agencies, hiring difficulties, and whether the changes represented better interpretation of existing law versus statutory changes. Husser said some statutes were amended, some internal customs were removed, and the office would provide a list of those changes. He also explained that the office is trying to move away from overly rigid practices and toward faster project completion while still following public-bid and oversight rules. A major portion of the discussion centered on the size and structure of the capital outlay bill, especially the gap between Priority 1 cash capacity and the much larger Priority 5 backlog. Husser said the current annual Priority 1 limit is tied to construction inflation and is about $574 million, with additional surplus funds also available, but that the bill contains far more Priority 5 funding than can realistically move in a five-year plan. He and members discussed dormant projects, scope creep, legacy projects that have sat in the bill for years, and the problem of false expectations for non-state entities. Proposed solutions included limiting Priority 5 to five times Priority 1, requiring annual re-endorsement by members, setting district or project caps for non-state projects, requiring time limits and reporting for grant-like non-state projects, placing matches in escrow, requiring design readiness before submission, and consolidating the many existing reporting requirements into one clearer report. Members also discussed bundling multiple projects under one agency project, which the House had begun piloting for LSU, UL Lafayette, Southern, and DOTD, and which Husser said could improve flexibility, reduce overappropriation, and better reflect actual spending. Baker then explained cash-flow management and the commitment process, saying FPC now analyzes projects annually to estimate what can actually be spent in the next fiscal year and uses commitments to allow projects to proceed when future-year funding is expected. He said overappropriations can result from poor cash-flow estimates, delays, dormant projects, or projects coming in under budget, and that the office is already reworking cash-flow assumptions and reappropriating savings where possible. Members also raised concerns about change orders and low bids; staff said project managers review change orders closely, require concurrence on non-state projects, and sometimes reduce scope to keep projects within budget. After FPC’s presentation, the committee heard the beginning of Louisiana Economic Development’s capital outlay discussion, where LED explained that its projects generally fall into three categories, including the Economic Development Awards Program and Site Readiness Program, both used to support targeted economic development and job creation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I assume we've got the program ready where it's about ready to launch, correct, sir?
• I assume we've got the program ready where it's about ready to launch, correct, sir?
• So it was an objective review and scoring of what was shovel ready, what was ready, what was ready, So
• Okay, looks like we're ready to go. Proceed when you're ready, ma'am. All right.
• Okay, looks like we're ready to go. Proceed when you're ready, ma'am. All right. Mr.

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative, step forward, identify yourself, and please begin when you're ready. Thank you, Mr.
• Representative, please begin when you're ready. All right.
• Representative, please begin when you are ready and identify yourself for the public record.
• Make sure you have filled out a witness form and begin whenever you're ready.
• Make sure you identify yourself for the public record and proceed when you're ready.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so CCDF is what is, maybe you all have heard it as SRA or school readiness assistance or sometimes
• The summary of the survey responses for school readiness assistant providers.
• The summary of the survey responses for school readiness assistant providers.
• , they're ready for school.
• I promise you we're going to see an increase in kindergarten readiness.

Summary: The committee met to review the minutes and then held a workshop-style discussion with Arkansas Department of Education early childhood officials about the state’s early learning programs, funding, and access. Officials explained that the state-funded ABC program has been largely flat for years, rising from $11 million to about $14 million in 2018, while the federally funded SRA/CCDF side is much larger. They described differences between the programs, including ABC’s 10-month school-year structure, current enrollment of about 23,000 children in ABC and about 14,871 in SRA, and a SRA wait list that has grown to roughly 2,971 children. Members raised concerns about rural access, school-based versus community-based providers, reimbursement rates, and the need to align early childhood funding with K-12 and kindergarten readiness goals. A major topic was the recent $14.741 million PDG B-5 competitive grant. Officials said it is a one-year systems-building grant, not a direct services grant, and will support local leads, CLASS observations, workforce efforts, and data systems while helping offset some costs that otherwise would have been paid through CCDF. Members also discussed the end of a federal pre-K funding stream in June, with children either moving into ABC slots or requalifying for SRA, and the state’s new enrollment-based payment approach, which officials said saved about $576,000. The committee also heard that the current cost-of-care study is about three years old and that a new market-rate survey is being planned. Several members questioned dual enrollment in home visiting/HIPPY and ABC, with officials saying about 1,200 children are enrolled in both and that limiting double enrollment could save about $2.4 million and affect roughly 470 children. Members also asked about provider closures after rate changes; officials said eight providers cited funding as a reason for closing, while 26 new providers have been added under the new rates. The discussion ended with broad agreement that the committee should continue regular updates, keep providers and families informed, and explore policy changes, waivers, and possible state investments to improve stability, access, and quality in early childhood education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looks like we are ready to move on to our file item number two.
• We are ready to try to resolve this problem.
• Begin when you're ready. Thank you very much.
• Begin when you're ready. Thank you very much.
• We're ready for you. That is Assembly Member Valencia, Berman.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• You may begin when you're ready. On time, clock, as always.
• You may begin when you're ready. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• You may begin when you're ready. Great. Thank you. Item number 13. You may begin when you're ready.
• You may begin when you're ready. Great. Thank you. Good afternoon.
• Yes, whenever you're ready. Okay. Thank you. Hello again.

Committee: House Human Services

Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills focused largely on child care, developmental services, immigrant support, language access, and safety-net policy. Measures discussed included AB 450 on a task force for aging undocumented adults, AB 593 on CDSS data-sharing to improve CalFresh participation, AB 904 on preserving child care eligibility during leave or job search, AB 617 on respite care licensing and registry changes, AB 1220 on documenting regional center service denials and appeals, AB 752 on allowing child care centers by right when co-located with housing or institutional uses, AB 1242 on creating a CalHHS language access director and review of machine translation, AB 548 on continuing the asylum/vulnerable non-citizen case management program, AB 495 on family preparedness and temporary guardianship tools, AB 1357 on excluding guaranteed income from state benefit calculations, and AB 1201 on reunification services for parents with prior violent felony convictions. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of these bills, often from advocates, service providers, parents, and impacted community members who emphasized access, equity, family stability, and reducing administrative barriers. Opposition was heard most clearly on AB 617, where respite providers and disability service groups argued the bill would add costly licensing and oversight burdens and could reduce access to services; the author said she was willing to continue working with them. AB 450, AB 593, AB 904, AB 617, AB 1220, AB 752, AB 1242, AB 548, AB 495, and AB 1357 all advanced on committee votes, generally along party lines or with broad support, and several were left on call for absent members. The transcript ends as AB 1201 is introduced, with testimony from a formerly impacted parent describing the need for individualized reunification decisions, but no vote is shown for that bill in the excerpt.