Transcript Highlights:

• Private capital at risk, right? But you acknowledge that it's apples and oranges, right?
• And we are making historic capital investments in this state.
• We can update for the capital response.
• All of our capital is provided by either private debt or equity holders. I'm sorry.
• So, I think at minimum we ought to move forward on the things that we agree on.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• And, sir, I'm interested in the fact that in your comments, we didn't talk about minimum aid.
• The University of Massachusetts capital planning process is comprehensive, professional, and reviewed
• We capitalized on our—and I think a lot of cities and towns did this as well—they capitalized on their
• Amesbury would be a minimum aid district under House 2 proposal, the House 2 proposal.
• Second, minimum aid. We strongly urge maintaining at least $150 per pupil.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you think a minimum mandatory doesn't work, you don't want to fix this problem.
• <01:12:57.520> mandatory you think that a minimum mandatory you think that a minimum mandatory
• <01:14:13.800> have convicted of mandatory minimums have convicted of mandatory minimums have
• You're going to scare them with mandatory minimums.
• You're going to scare them with mandatory minimums.'

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we have $2 million for capital Then we have $2 million for capital asset<00:12:33.360> needs
• You know, you have minimum and market and then you have maximum.
• You know, you have minimum and market and then you have maximum.
• You know, you have minimum and market and then you have maximum.
• You know, you have minimum and market and then you have maximum.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 8:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Department of Mental Health presented its FY27 budget request and described its statewide responsibilities, including more than 600 grants totaling about $140 million, 11 community mental health centers, and state-operated programs for mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The request included $291.2 million in general funds, about $33.4 million above the current year, plus spending authority tied to ID regional programs and the IDD waiver. Major components included funding to enroll 250 additional people in the IDD home- and community-based waiver, a projected waiver rate increase, and added support for state-operated 24/7 programs facing staffing and operational shortfalls. The agency also asked to continue selected ARPA-funded services before those dollars expire, including 988 call center support, peer respite sites, court liaison positions, intensive community services for children and youth, and adolescent offender programs. Other requests covered salary adjustments and longevity increases for hard-to-fill positions, electronic health record support, IT security upgrades, a Jackson County crisis stabilization unit expansion from 8 to 16 beds, capital needs such as generator and boiler/chiller replacements, inflation-related increases for community mental health center grants, and restoration of general funds under a Joint Legislative Budget Committee recommendation. Officials emphasized that community-based care now accounts for 58% of funding and that the goal is to keep people out of institutions unless they need the highest level of care. Committee members asked about ARPA balances, forensic referrals, Jackson County’s request, and county support for community mental health centers. The department said about $25 million in ARPA funds remained and should be spent by September 30, with some delays due to reimbursement revisions. On forensic services, officials reported the new 81-bed maximum-security unit at State Hospital has cut the wait list roughly in half, but admission orders are up 51%, and some referrals may be unnecessary or used to delay proceedings. Members also discussed county contributions to community mental health centers, which the department said total about $9–10 million statewide, with most counties now meeting their obligations and only a few using small in-kind contributions.

Transcript Highlights:

• costs<00:04:32.000> to five acres. uh have capital costs to five acres. uh have capital costs
• Minimum lots been proposed in Kentucky. Minimum lots size<00:26:25.520> reform.
• <00:26:31.919> lots sessions, had starter home minimum lots sessions, had starter home minimum
• <00:26:48.480> which uh reduction of parking minimums which uh reduction of parking minimums
• One of the Minimum lot sizes are key.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:05 Roll Call 00:00:12 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:03:12 Discussion of Housing and Land Use 00:21:58 Discussion of Short Term Rental Policies 01:03:17 Adjournment 01:15:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 4, 2025 meeting and then heard a series of presentations focused largely on housing and land-use policy. Senator Robbie Mills and Representative Josh Bray discussed two 2025 housing measures: Senate Bill 50, which would create residential infrastructure development districts to help local governments finance infrastructure for new housing developments through special assessments and local debt, and House Bill 7, which would let local governments identify development areas and rebate new property tax revenue to developers as an incentive for housing growth. They said Kentucky faces a statewide housing shortage of roughly 210,000 units, projected to grow if building patterns do not change, and argued that regulatory relief and financing tools are needed to increase supply. Representative Rebecca Rymer presented House Bill 371, which would require local permitting when an industry’s residual waste landfill is located in a different county from the industry itself. She said current law lets such landfills bypass local review, leaving host counties with no say despite road impacts and other local burdens. She said the bill would preserve the existing exemption when the landfill and industry are co-located, and noted support from KLC and KO. Representative Steve Doan also described House Bill 806, a statewide backyard chicken bill that would allow domesticated hens, prohibit roosters, set a minimum of six hens that local governments could not go below, and preserve local authority over setbacks, sanitation, maintenance standards, and egg sales. He said it would override outright local bans but not HOA restrictions, and cited a current Northern Kentucky dispute and ADA litigation as reasons for the proposal. The committee then heard a broader discussion on housing and land use from Charlie Gardner of the Mercatus Center and Nolan Gray of California YIMBY and the Bluegrass Institute. They outlined categories of land-use regulation, described the recent growth of state-level housing reforms nationwide, and cited examples such as ADU legalization, smaller lot sizes, reduced parking minimums, streamlined permitting, and single-stair or other building-code reforms. They argued that housing shortages are a statewide concern, that localities often have incentives to block growth, and that state intervention can reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising health and safety. Members asked about the housing shortage estimate, the effect of red tape on safety and local authority, and how state reforms could be phased in; the presenters said reforms often include lead time, can be targeted to larger jurisdictions, and should focus on reducing time and cost while maintaining basic standards.

Bills: HR153, HR154, HR155, HR156, HR157, HR158, HCR57, HCR58, HCR59, HR133, HR134, HR135, HR136, HR137, HR138, HR139, HR140, HR141, HR142, HR144, HR145, HR146, HR147, HR148, HR149, HR150, HR151, HR152, SCR28, SB141, SB169, SB206, SB233, SB417, SB421, SB429, SB437, SB477, SB510, SB521, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HB55, HB385, HB394, HB396, HB406, HB608, HB622, HB676, HB772, HB897, HB902, HB943, HB1030, HB1035, HB1038, HB1045, HB1049, HB1056, HB1058, HB1059, HB1092, HB1100, HB1117, HB1160, HB1161, HB1162, HB1177, HB1180, HB1189, HB1216, HB1239, HB1240, SB127, HB284, HB1, HB2, HB3, HB312, HB313, HB383, HB314, HCR3, HB983, HB1126, HB21, HB24, HB29, HB31, HB39, HB45, HB77, HB136, HB150, HB263, HB273, HB299, HB315, HB376, HB377, HB431, HB444, HB450, HB519, HB533, HB538, HB559, HB562, HB663, HB664, HB715, HB717, HB805, HB822, HB823, HB834, HB864, HB867, HB1017, HB1018, HB1068, HB1134, HB1137, HB1234, HB1235, HB1236, HB211, HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB241, HB244, HB306, HB345, HB366, HB446, HB511, HB514, HB655, HB730, HB743, HB1027, HB1037, HB1043, HB1082, HB1091, HB1096, HB1103, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175, HB1230, HB1237, HB1238, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, HB401, HB51, HB58, HB140, HB982, HB1010, HB132, HB193, HB635, HB690, HB1003, HB750, HB911, HB151, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB961, HB1146, HB977, HB181, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB9, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB615, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB996, HB1113

Keywords: commendation, robotics, high school, competition, education, Tomato Festival, community celebration, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, fundraising, local heritage, Holocaust, remembrance, Yom HaShoah, Jewish history, condolences, community service, law enforcement, legacy, Shreveport, D.A.R.E. Program

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendations uh for uh Capital recommendations uh for uh Capital investments<00:01:39.320>
• AR trial bus Rapid Transit Capital AR trial bus Rapid Transit Capital Improvement<00:02:28.120><
• just jump through this busway Capital just jump through this busway Capital Improvement<00:02:48.640
• Thank you. million from Capital million from Capital Investments<00:07:50.599> uh<00:07:50.720
• planned on where the initial Capital planned on where the initial Capital costs<00:08:55.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would propose a minimum limit of $2 million.
• And they have to change technologies, build, so they're very capital-intensive.
• Capital-intensive industry, is that correct? Yes. Yes.
• Where do we get the capital to be able to serve this capital-intensive industry?
• I agree with you that these are capital-intensive. This is a capital-intensive industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are long-term capital-intensive efforts that require policy certainty.
• Senate Bill 1453 does permit a taxing entity to adopt an INS rate higher. than the minimum tax rate,
• if there's a motion that states what the minimum INS tax rate would be, states the proposed rate, states
• This bill does that by redefining debt service as only the minimum debt service and using that in the
• The minimum debt service definition will help restrain INS tax rates that never seem to go down as values

Transcript Highlights:

• allocation and not come to committees or look to the legislative process to burden that process, but to capitalize
• We all know the feeling of being in the dark and sometimes capitalizing on having lost everything and
• retrofits that an existing building has that we can provide, that will then make that building meet the minimum
• We try to capitalize on anything existing before we go to build anything additional.
• Minimum criteria to serve as a shelter, or is it need to be built to serve as a medical facility, or

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that 20% of Californians are earning less than minimum wage.
• So we think that in L.A., more than half of Latinas in L.A. are earning less than the minimum wage.
• And an immigrant worker, for example, is twice as likely to make less than the minimum wage as his or
• And an immigrant worker, for example, is twice as likely to make less than the minimum wage as his or
• There were times when I was paid less than minimum wage.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment held a review hearing on SB 588, the 2015 wage theft enforcement law, focusing on whether its tools are working and what additional authority or resources may be needed. Committee members emphasized that wage theft is a major and under-enforced form of theft in California, citing large backlogs in wage claims and long delays that often leave workers unpaid even after winning judgments. Panelists from UCLA, worker advocacy organizations, and legal aid described SB 588’s enforcement tools, including liens, levies, stop orders, successor and individual liability, and priority in bankruptcy. They said the law has improved collections and settlement leverage, especially in industries like janitorial services and property services, where client companies and contractors can be held jointly responsible. Several examples were discussed, including cases involving Tesla, Cheesecake Factory, Optum, and Winko Foods, where the law helped secure payments or settlements for workers. At the same time, advocates argued that the prejudgment lien provisions are too limited, that care home cases remain especially difficult, and that more staffing and broader authority would improve recovery. Workers testified about unpaid wages, long delays, retaliation fears, and the difficulty of collecting even after obtaining judgments. A home care worker described waiting years for a hearing and still not recovering money because assets had been moved or hidden. A residential care worker said caregivers are often underpaid, denied breaks, and left with little practical recourse. The Labor Commissioner reported that the agency has recovered more wages since SB 588, including through mail levies, liens, and stop orders, but said many cases involve judgment-proof employers and require intensive investigation. Public comment from a SEIU representative supported SB 588 and urged continued focus on bad actors and targeted enforcement. No vote or formal action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, there should be a minimum threshold of where coaches are Yes, there should be a minimum threshold
• As I stated earlier, minimum wage would set the floor, not the ceiling. There's a quick chart.
• Everyone can go back to just basically showing what minimum wage would be on a four-tier system.
• Just basically showing what minimum wage would be on a four-tier system based on the survey we did.
• I don’t know if it’s the capitalism semantics that we’re speaking of, but I think that the ability to

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football. The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, there should be a minimum threshold of where coaches are...
• Yes, there should be a minimum threshold of where coaches across the state should be, but they should
• As I stated earlier, minimum wage would set the floor, not the ceiling. There's a quick chart.
• Everyone can go back to just basically showing what minimum wage would be on a four-tier system.
• Just basically showing what minimum wage would be on a four-tier system based on our survey we did.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White, on current issues in high school sports. Damon said the association received more than 309 allegations this year, including 113 recruiting complaints, but only two coaches were suspended for recruiting violations, and those were self-reported. He focused on rising sportsmanship problems, violent incidents, and ejections, saying the association is working with coaches and athletic administrators on prevention and positive-behavior campaigns. He also discussed mental health pressures on student athletes, the effects of frequent transfers and school choice on team stability and community pride, and the need for more qualified coaches on campus who understand interscholastic rules and student support responsibilities. Senators asked about the transfer system, violent conduct, and whether the association would propose changes; Damon said he would support guardrails that protect school choice while limiting midseason athletic transfers. The committee then took up a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, often amounting to very low hourly pay despite year-round duties, and said Florida’s system has not kept pace with increased responsibilities, inflation, or neighboring states. He also criticized restrictions on booster-club support, minimal coaching certification requirements, and turnover among coaches, and urged changes that would allow coaches to negotiate fairer compensation and receive external funding. Hickman and Ward emphasized the long hours, family strain, and mentoring role of coaches, while the superintendents said districts face finite budgets and must balance coach pay against teacher, bus driver, and other staffing needs; they also warned that booster-funded pay could create inequities between wealthy and less affluent communities. Senators discussed whether booster-club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should vary by performance, and whether any new funding should be categorical. Public comment followed from Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, both of whom stressed the broader educational and safety impact of coaches and asked lawmakers to support the next generation of coaches. After the presentations, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, by a single roll-call vote, recommended all appointees favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, turning to page six, listed are the amounts for the agency's various capital budget projects
• Our performance measure is a minimum of two departments every three years. Thank you.
• Our performance measure is a minimum of two departments every three years.
• All capital projects are continued with a net decrease of $3.6 million in the capital budget.
• Turning to page 5, the first item is the capital budget rider.”

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard budget presentations for the Texas Historical Commission, the Pension Review Board, the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Social Security and benefit replacement pay, the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESSRS), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Legislative Budget Board outlined recommendations and major changes for each agency, including reductions tied to one-time projects at the Historical Commission, continued funding for courthouse grants, heritage trails, and Holocaust/genocide education, as well as new or modified riders and capital items. For the pension-related items, LBB described funding changes for PRB, ERS, Social Security, and TESSRS, including ERS health plan cost growth driven largely by pharmacy costs, the status of pension funding reforms, and TESSRS’s request for additional state support to address its unfunded liability and staffing needs. Members asked extensive questions about the Historical Commission’s one-time funding, unexpended balance authority, courthouse preservation, the Presidio La Bahia and National Museum of the Pacific War projects, and coordination of Texas history messaging across sites such as the Alamo, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, and other heritage locations. The Historical Commission chair emphasized heritage tourism, economic development, and the need for continued investment in historic sites, staffing, IT modernization, and vehicles. On the pension items, senators discussed PRB oversight of local systems, including the Dallas police and fire pension situation, and ERS investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health costs. ERS officials said the plan remains well funded overall, noted a 2021 cash balance reform and a planned supplemental legacy payment, and explained that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are a major driver of pharmacy spending; they also said the agency is working with the Texas Pharmacy Initiative and that rebates are contractually returned to ERS. For TESSRS, LBB and agency staff said the system serves volunteer and part-paid emergency personnel, is facing an infinite amortization period, and is requesting additional appropriations, staffing, and IT funding, along with a statutory change to allow an actuarially determined state contribution. The agency said it may otherwise need to cut benefits for volunteer firefighters. For CPRIT, LBB reported about $600 million in recommended funding for the biennium and a 10-FTE increase, while the agency described its $6 billion voter-approved program, $3.75 billion in grants awarded to date, and $10.4 million in revenue sharing since 2011. CPRIT’s only exceptional item was a request for a 10% salary increase for two exempt positions. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is something, though, that will require a substantial bit of capital investment to make this wish
• It is something, though, that will require a substantial bit of capital investment to make this wish
• require a substantial bit of capital require a substantial bit of capital investment<00:10:20.920
• That's $5,000 minimum per person.
• That's $5,000 minimum per coverage. That's $5,000 minimum per person. person. person.

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• department to maintain operations, delivery of services, and provide for state hospital facility capital
• which is an increase of $3.4 million from the 2024 Budget Act, which includes both the support and capital
• department to maintain operations, delivery of services, and provide for state hospital facility capital
• And then for capital outlay, for the NAPA electrical infrastructure upgrade project—which is a mouthful—DSH
• putting a facility in the area of another federally recognized tribe in that area, there should at minimum

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives. The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure. DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities. Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• These involve service reductions, delayed capital improvements, and diminished emergency response.
• And it gives them a minimum of six months to fix it.
• And it gives them a minimum of six months to fix any problems because, again, 30 days to tear down and
• At a minimum, there's going to be $3 million in just an overhead operating expense, and we know that
• At a minimum, there's going to be $3 million in just an overhead operating expense, and we know that

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda of local government, housing, transportation, and public safety bills. Early items included SB 762, which would give certain local governments a voter-approved path to seek additional local sales tax authority to address fiscal pressures; SB 1400, which would modernize Alameda Health System governance and give Alameda County more flexibility and oversight; and SB 1408, which would authorize Contra Costa County to place a renewal of its transportation sales tax on the ballot. Supporters for those bills included local officials, county representatives, labor groups, fire and police organizations, and transit advocates, while no organized opposition was presented on those measures in committee. The committee also heard SB 1272, which would give homeowners more time to correct certain inherited code violations and allow an affidavit process for buyers who did not know about the violation at purchase. The bill drew support from the California Apartment Association and opposition from code enforcement and county groups, who argued it would reduce local enforcement discretion and create health and safety risks. After questions about disclosure and enforcement, the committee approved SB 1272 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1055, dealing with procurement flexibility for Pajaro flood control and levee repairs, also passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee approved SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner and create an independent medical examiner system. The author and supporters argued the change was needed for transparency and independence in in-custody death investigations, while opponents raised labor, cost, and governance concerns; some opposition was softened after the author agreed to employee-protection amendments. The committee also passed SB 1172, limiting consultant compensation and adding transparency rules for local tax-sharing agreements, and several housing bills from Senator Grayson: SB 1003 on pro-housing infrastructure financing districts, SB 1014 on early disclosure of infrastructure requirements for housing projects, and SB 1169 on extending tentative vesting map validity. The committee took votes on consent items and later add-ons, with most measures passing on bipartisan or unanimous votes and several being re-referred to Appropriations or Housing and Community Development as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's great that we work on the capital budget and the 10-year Highway plan.
• It's great that we work on the capital budget and the 10-year Highway plan.
• I think Steve will be on your Capital Overview Committee, yes.
• process that's how we plan our capital process that's how we plan our capital projects<00:46:36.119
• Tuesdays and maybe Thursdays once we get in the capital budget, but that's the plan. Okay, good.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee held an orientation meeting focused on introducing members, outlining committee norms, and hearing an overview from the Department of Transportation. Chair David Mills emphasized the committee’s long-standing bipartisan working style, asked members to share contact information for short-notice scheduling, and noted that the committee would need to complete as much work as possible before the building is vacated later in the year. Members introduced themselves and described backgrounds in engineering, construction, planning, local government, military service, education, and business. Several members highlighted prior service on planning boards, school boards, zoning boards, or in transportation-related fields as relevant to the committee’s work. Members repeatedly described the committee as collegial and nonpartisan, with most bills going to the consent calendar. The chair also noted that the committee’s work centers on state infrastructure, including roads, bridges, highways, and buildings. Representative Cluder, the ranking member, and others echoed that the committee is effective because it talks issues through and resolves disagreements collaboratively. One member mentioned a recent trip that reinforced the importance of infrastructure resilience after storms and rebuilding efforts in other states. Department of Transportation officials, led by Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer David Rodrig, gave a detailed organizational and operational overview. They described DOT’s structure, mission of “transportation excellence,” and major responsibilities across highways, bridges, rail, transit, aeronautics, maintenance, and administration. Rodrig reported 1,651 permanent positions and 404 vacancies, 2,160 state bridges with 115 on the Red List, 4,600 centerline miles of roadway, 25 public airports, 11 transit systems, and 194 active state-owned rail lines. He also outlined FY 2024 spending, project development activity, highway maintenance operations, fleet and fuel systems, and the distinction between the highway fund and DOT’s budget, including the role of federal funds and the turnpike enterprise fund. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this orientation meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4156 and Senate Bill 1849 are mirror capital outlay bills for FY 2027.
• Individual capital projects and approximately $29 million from the State Aviation Fund to ADOT to plan
• It increases the minimum capital investment made by a manufacturing facility for a municipality or county
• So it has to be minimum 80%, but it could be higher.
• So it has to be minimum 80%, but it could be higher. Hans, I see you're shaking your head.

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would say at a minimum Bill 99.
• But I would say at a minimum looking<00:12:26.160> at<00:12:26.399> the<00:12:26.639>
• We didn't put any money in capital construction this year for CTE. Well, yeah, we did. We put $1...
• We didn't put any money in capital construction this year for CTE. Well, yeah, we did. We put $1...
• We didn't put any money in capital construction this year for CTE. Well, yeah, we did. We put $1...

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 771, the open enrollment bill, which had returned from the Senate with language clarifying that districts should list both tuition expenses and offsetting revenue estimates from sending districts. The chair and Representative McGuire supported concurring with the Senate changes, while Representative Luno raised broader concerns about the bill’s structure and equity, arguing that tuition based on 80% of the sending district’s average cost could be unfair and could create problems for receiving districts with different cost structures. After a show of hands, the committee voted to concur and send that recommendation to the House floor, with Luno indicating he would speak against it there. The committee then took up SB 9 in executive session. An amendment, 1920H, was offered to clarify that the tuition calculation should use the sending district’s average cost and to support access to CTE programs, including allowing students to take academic courses at the receiving school and, in some cases, attend the nearest CTE center. Supporters said the bill would help more students participate in career and technical education and noted bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate. Opponents argued the amendment would increase district costs, strain property taxpayers, and could reduce CTE participation or create logistical problems. The committee adopted the amendment 10-8, then voted 10-8 to recommend OTPA as amended; Representative Lad was assigned the majority report and Representative Luno the minority ITL report. After closing the SB 9 executive session, the chair reminded members that committee reports were due immediately and announced retained-bill subcommittees. One subcommittee will address adequacy and school funding issues arising from HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 434, chaired by Representative Spillsbury. Another will address school building aid issues from HB 295 and HB 366, including whether to keep the current formula or revise it, and how to handle renovations, new construction, and lease arrangements.