Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of San Diego County, Contra Costa County, Lake County, Imperial County, and Yolo County
• , 655 in Santa Barbara County, and 127 in San Luis Obispo County.
• The cost to counties.
• with counties on their county admin costs.
• And for counties?

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 and related federal actions on Covered California, Medi-Cal, and immigrant access to care. The chair framed the discussion around three main issues: expected losses in marketplace coverage as enhanced federal premium subsidies expire, new federal work and renewal requirements that would add administrative burden to Medi-Cal, and the loss of eligibility for certain lawfully present immigrants. Covered California testified that H.R. 1 and new federal rules, combined with the end of enhanced premium tax credits, are driving higher premiums, lower new enrollment, and more cancellations, especially among middle-income, Latino, and Black enrollees. The agency said California’s $190 million state subsidy program is helping lower-income enrollees but cannot replace the lost federal assistance, and it noted that roughly 120,000 lawfully present immigrants in Covered California will lose federal tax credits in 2027. On Medi-Cal, the Department of Health Care Services said H.R. 1 will require work and community engagement verification, six-month renewals for certain adults, and other changes that the department expects will reduce enrollment substantially. DHCS estimated 233,000 members could lose coverage by June 2027 from the work requirement and 289,000 from six-month renewals, with losses rising much higher by 2028; it also said it is using automation, outreach, clinic navigators, coverage ambassadors, community health workers, and street medicine providers to reduce procedural disenrollments. The department described a two-phase outreach plan and said it is working with counties on implementation, while the Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget maintains $190 million for the state subsidy program and does not propose additional changes at this time. The LAO said its independent forecast is somewhat higher than the administration’s, estimating about 2.1 million fewer Medi-Cal enrollees by June 2028, and urged the Legislature to review county administrative workload and readiness. Public testimony and member comments focused on the human and fiscal consequences of coverage losses. A representative from the Sacramento Native American Health Center warned that reduced reimbursement and coverage losses would destabilize community health centers, increase uncompensated care, and worsen outcomes by pushing patients into emergency care. Members raised concerns about paperwork burdens, county capacity, outreach effectiveness, and whether the state should do more to preserve coverage, including possible modeling of additional H-CARF spending and support for middle-income consumers and immigrant enrollees. The hearing did not take any votes or formal actions, but it ended with public comment and continued discussion of implementation and budget options.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in effect, the county governments just serve as a pass-through of funds from the federal government
• I'm the county attorney for Otero County.
• It would spark litigation from the affected counties, bond investors, and potentially the federal government
• And this affects my county directly because I am in Otero County. I pay taxes in Otero County.
• Because if they're going to target Otero County, Torrance County, and Cibola County.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• First up is the audit of Baker County, submitted by the Baker County Board of County Commissioners and
• First up is the audit of Baker County, submitted by the Baker County Board of County Commissioners and
• So these are two governments, two units of government subdivision of the state.
• I'm from Miami-Dade County. It's the 11th Circuit. It's only one county.
• Hillsborough County, Pasco County—I can show you the list.

Summary: The Legislative Auditing Committee heard several local-government audit requests and unanimously approved each one. The first item was Baker County, where county commissioners asked for an operational and financial audit because of repeated late audits, concerns about the finance office, and lack of confidence in county financial reporting. The county clerk supported an audit but argued it should be countywide and include all constitutional officers; she also described a dispute over access to the county finance system and pending litigation. After brief questions, the committee adopted a 9-0 motion directing the Auditor General to perform an operational audit of Baker County’s financial operations and records, with scope to be finalized during the audit. The committee then approved an audit request for the Concord Estates Community Development District in Osceola County. Senator Arrington said residents alleged excessive board compensation, large unexplained spending, missing financial reports, and refusal to provide records or hold open meetings. Residents and a board member testified about rising assessments, deteriorating amenities, and lack of transparency. The committee voted 10-0 to direct an operational audit of the CDD. It also approved, by 10-0 votes, operational audits of the town of Melbourne Beach, based on allegations of fiscal and operational improprieties and lawsuits that had cost the town more than $150,000, and the city of Apalachicola, where Senator Simon said longstanding water utility failures, grant issues, and consent-order problems warranted review. The final request was for a financial and operational audit of Cape Coral’s Building Department. Representative G. Lombardo said building-fee revenues appeared to be transferred for non-building purposes, permit processing was inconsistent, and the department relied heavily on a private firm while the building official had prior ties to that firm. Industry representatives testified that building funds were being diverted, service levels were suffering, and private-provider inspections were not always reflected in fee reductions. The committee adopted the motion 10-0. After completing all agenda items, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that many of our counties—I hope that many of our counties are doing this through the GMA process
• I think that many of our counties—I hope that many of our counties are doing this through the GMA process
• I think that many of our counties—I hope that many of our counties are doing this through the GMA process
• counties.
• counties.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Being a lifelong local government employee, I tend to think that local government is where... whether
• Being a lifelong local government employee, I tend to think that local government is where Local government
• We, as the local government of Marin County, are the trusted information source for our communities,
• The eight Southern California counties, not the counties that are in the current pilot.
• The eight Southern California counties. Not the counties that are in the current pilot.

Transcript Highlights:

• County for a total of $5 million.
• Matt Robinson, on behalf of the San Mateo City/County Association of Governments.
• to county.
• During the sixth cycle, local governments experienced various challenges. ...to local governments.
• Matt Robinson from the hopefully still beloved City-County Association of Governments of San Mateo County

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 1892 on HOA/Davis-Stirling Act cleanup provisions. The author and sponsor said the bill would clarify HOA responsibilities for utility service repairs in common areas, align election notice timelines, and require electronic voting ballots to be sent at least 30 days before an election. No opposition was presented, and the bill was set aside to be taken up later when a quorum was available. The committee then heard AB 1708, which would revise the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program to give smaller cities a clearer role in regional homelessness planning and access to funding. Mayors and city representatives from Bellflower, Paramount, and other cities testified that smaller jurisdictions are spending significant local funds on shelters and services but lack direct access to HHAP dollars. Some larger-city and housing advocates opposed or were opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could add administrative burden, but committee members broadly supported the goal of including smaller cities in regional responses. Members also heard AB 2058 on factory-built housing, AB 2576 on historic-resource protections under SB 79, AB 1751 on missing-middle townhomes, AB 1924 on homelessness prevention, AB 2626 on waiving certain monitoring fees for at-risk affordable housing developments, and AB 2089 on welfare-exemption and recertification procedures for affordable housing. Testimony generally emphasized reducing duplicative local permitting for factory-built housing, protecting state and national historic resources while still allowing housing near transit, expanding ministerial approval for townhomes, creating a statewide homelessness-prevention strategy with accountability measures, giving HCD flexibility to waive fees to preserve financially stressed affordable housing, and streamlining property-tax exemption recertification. Several bills were voted out of committee, including AB 1751 and AB 2626, both passing on 8-0 and 7-0 votes respectively, while other measures were discussed with motions pending or held open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:20.080><c> Public</c><00:03:20.400><c> Schools</c> County Public Schools County Public Schools
• </c> governance for us to work with. governance for us to work with.
• There's some hand-wringing in my County.
• And this is an undemocratic County.
• </c><00:09:10.600><c> way</c> represents part of Jefferson County way represents part of Jefferson County

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• ALL 67 COUNTIES. TO THAT END OUR MEMBERS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
• VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS FOR AT&T.
• TODAY'S AT&T HAS BEEN AWARDED 12 GRANTS THROUGH THE CPF AND PROGRAMS IN 16 COUNTIES.
• THERE'S ORANGE COUNTY.
• THEN INTO THE RURAL AREAS AS WELL OVER IN CALHOUN COUNTY.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Santa Clara County for showing up here.
• Darby Kernan, on behalf of 4Cs of Alameda County, First 5 of Alameda County, Eden Area Communities Collaborative
• Counties like Contra Costa County face growing challenges in delivering timely services.
• These include requiring a statement of support from the County Child Welfare Agency in each county in
• A statement of support from the County Child Welfare Agency is required in each county in which the organization

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• This board includes representatives from several executive agencies, labor, business, county government
• This board includes representatives from several executive agencies, labor, business, county government
• Chair, thanks, the Minority Chair of Local Government.
• Chair, thanks, the Minority Chair of Local Government.
• Government needs to operate in the light of day.

Summary: The House began with ceremonial recognitions, including guests of Representatives Benham and Warren and a farewell acknowledgment for longtime floor staffer Michelle Martin, who is leaving House service for a role in the Senate. The chamber then took up caucus and committee announcements, recessed several times, and later returned to consider a series of committee reports and bills. House and Senate bills were reported from Rules, Appropriations, and Judiciary, including referrals of several measures to committees. The House adopted House Resolution 515 unanimously, urging Congress to review Major Richard D. Winner’s actions for possible Medal of Honor recognition. It also adopted House Resolution 208, directing a performance audit of services, wait times, and processes in the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services; supporters said it would help improve services for Pennsylvanians with vision impairment, while the vote was 201-1. The chamber then passed several bills with amendments, including measures on foster care youth benefits, AI companion safeguards, prison industry enhancement program administration, memorial bridge designations, firefighter and EMS donation options through PennDOT renewals, horse-racing background checks, and fertility preservation coverage. Several bills reached final passage. House Bill 1239, limiting homeowners associations from restricting rooftop solar installations, passed 109-93. House Bill 2146, amending the Sunshine Act to tighten the 24-hour agenda notice rule while preserving limited exceptions, passed 193-9 after debate over transparency and local-government flexibility. House Bill 2558, banning non-compete agreements for broadcast workers, passed narrowly 103-99 amid objections from Republicans and concerns about impacts on local broadcasters and contract rights. Senate Bills 971 and 972 also passed finally, dealing with township audit deadlines and municipal memorials for first responders. The House also approved House Bill 2412, funding state-related universities for fiscal year 2026-27, by 155-47 after debate over Penn State’s campus closures, accountability, and per-student funding differences; House Bill 2413, appropriating funds to the University of Pennsylvania, passed 195-7. The chamber then moved several bills back to Appropriations, signed Senate Bills 971 and 972, and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each county needs to have their own program and to work with growers in their county.
• So, for example, for a county, if certain counties wanted to be able to work together, they could.
• So, for example, for a county, if certain counties want to. a different entity.
• So for example, for a county, if certain counties wanted to be able to work together, they could.
• I mean, I know some of the county focus on me, we don't think we'll get anything here in Napa County.

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision proposals from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board, with public comment to come later and all items held open. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program implementing Proposition 12, including a one-time $5.2 million General Fund transfer to the Ag Fund and $2.8 million ongoing, and the LAO recommended approval while noting the Legislature should revisit the funding once litigation and federal preemption questions are resolved. CDFA also proposed ending state oversight of industrial hemp and moving to the federal USDA program by January 1, 2028, with an $8.3 million General Fund transfer to cover startup and transition costs; the LAO supported the transition. Additional CDFA items included $204,000 ongoing and one position to preserve agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to clarify the department’s 5% indirect cost cap; both drew no objections from Finance or LAO. The Government Operations Agency and Cradle to Career items focused on implementing the new federal Workforce Pell program. Finance described trailer bill language establishing state eligibility processes, with the California Student Aid Commission as the authorizing entity in consultation with the Workforce Development Board, and proposed $1.3 million one-time General Fund for Cradle to Career to build data linkages. The LAO urged caution because federal rules were just finalized and said more information was needed on workload, costs, and whether existing data systems could support the work. Senators raised policy concerns about limiting the program to public institutions and about aligning the proposal with broader workforce and labor goals. The committee also briefly discussed SB 53/Cal Compute, with GovOps saying no appropriation had been provided for its consortium work, and Finance saying the administration was not proposing funding at this time. The Department of Technology presented a $30 million operational backstop for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, intended to cover any shortfall if expected revenues from the Golden State Net third-party administrator do not materialize in time. The LAO initially recommended rejection over broad spending authority, then suggested amendments with stronger reporting and legislative review; committee members questioned the revenue assumptions, oversight, and whether the request could recur. CDT also sought $1 million for Poppy, the state’s GenAI digital assistant, to expand secure statewide use; the LAO had no concerns, and members asked about data security, model bias, training restrictions, and possible local-government use. Finally, FTB proposed realigning CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, retaining three ongoing positions and returning the rest of the funding and positions to the General Fund; the LAO said the reduced scope was reasonable, and members discussed keeping the free filing system user-friendly and ready for future federal changes. The committee also heard the administration’s digital pre-written software tax proposal, which would extend sales tax to electronically delivered software and SaaS beginning January 1, 2027, generating an estimated $450 million General Fund in 2026-27 and $900 million ongoing, plus local revenue. The LAO supported modernizing the tax base but recommended broadening the proposal to include more digital products while considering a business-use exemption or reduced rate, and flagged a newly added video game exemption as a revenue downside. Senators generally supported the goal of raising revenue and aligning California with other states, but questioned the local revenue distribution and equity effects, and one senator said they would not support expanding the tax to books, music streaming, and similar consumer products. All items were left open without votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• County. County.
• Balt from Prince George's County. Balt from Prince George's County.
• Recognizing the chair of Health and Government Operations Committee from Howard County.
• </c> from Montgomery County. from Montgomery County.
• </c> gentleman from Carol County. gentleman from Carol County.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the poorest counties in the state.
• Um, speaking of districts, government.
• </c> the poorest counties in the state. the poorest counties in the state.
• </c> on a local level for that whole county. on a local level for that whole county.
• </c> down without mandates, these counties down without mandates, these counties are<00:03:49.120><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• And one example really stood out to me in the largest county in Minnesota, Hennepin County, with one
• Louis County.
• Minnesotans can go engage with their county government and not have to go through any security screening
• 12 counties that got it.
• 12 counties that got it.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:04:50.480><c> like</c> employees of local government, like employees of local government, like
• ><c> choose</c><00:04:52.520><c> to</c> cities and counties, that choose to cities and counties, that
• state</c><00:05:23.640><c> legislators</c> But city, county, and state legislators But city, county,
• Um the these state government.
• </c><00:44:52.560><c> and</c> now between the state governments and now between the state governments

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• which is the county this library will most likely go.
• That is a major concern within our area of Palm Beach County.
• poor counties.
• Not just because almost every county you represent is rural.
• Senator Hooper: The county that Senator Burgess and I reside in, we are blessed to have a wonderful County

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:04:22.479><c> and</c><00:04:22.600><c> then</c> County most of maer County and then County most
• </c> maker County and a of of hanpen County maker County and a of of hanpen County where<00:05:02.600
• any other government or federal government benefit.
• Federal Government benefit Government Federal Government benefit Social<01:30:39.960><c> Security</c
• have in that county but the government<01:42:26.159><c> uh</c><01:42:26.360><c> the</c><01:42:26.520>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Um these are things that rely on government to deliver and um HR1 is devastating to our counties and
• Um these are things that rely on government to deliver and um HR1 is devastating to our counties and
• Um these are things that rely on government to deliver and um HR1 is devastating to our counties and
• Um these are things that rely on government to deliver and um HR1 is devastating to our counties and
• Um these are things that rely on government to deliver and um HR1 is devastating to our counties and

Bills: HF4119 , HF3959 , HF3792 , HF3913 , HF3752

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Let that county EM share it with the other counties in that region.
• But it tells us the risk associated with a certain county or a certain process within that county.
• It tells us the risk associated with a certain county or a certain process within that county and lets
• , having the county...
• You know, 67 counties varying degrees of experience specifically, and I'll say with our county EMs.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The committee received a program review from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and FEMA reimbursement process. Deputy Director Keith Pruitt described the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including major storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, debris removal, power restoration, flood-control deployments, sheltering, and logistics missions. He emphasized that Florida’s approach is “federally funded, state managed, locally executed,” and said the division has already obligated large amounts of public assistance funding and mitigation dollars while continuing to work on remaining missions and reimbursements. A major focus of the discussion was how local governments can better document and vet debris-removal and other disaster costs so they are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Chair DiCeglie and other senators raised concerns about local planning, commercial debris collection, and whether counties and municipalities that spend money up front will be reimbursed. Pruitt explained that eligibility depends on documentation, scope of work, insurance, and FEMA rules, and that the state’s FROC process is intended to help counties identify eligible work before costs are incurred. He also said commercial debris may be eligible in some cases but is not guaranteed, and that counties should coordinate early with FDEM and FEMA. Senators also asked about possible FEMA reforms, the age of outstanding reimbursement claims, and a proposed state fund to advance money to fiscally constrained counties while they wait for FEMA payments. Pruitt said Florida’s system is a national best practice, but that more county-level training and clearer coordination would help reduce de-obligations and audit problems. He said the reimbursement-advance idea is still being developed, and that the state continues to look at ways to streamline mitigation through programs like Elevate Florida. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after closing comments from senators praising FDEM’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is due in large part to the preemption, which is paralyzed governing bodies and local governments
• Also, Bay County, Florida, some of the concerns could capture another recreational... ...county, Florida
• Also, Bay County, Florida, some of the concerns could capture another recreational County, Florida, some
• Robert Reyes, Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, waiving in support.
• Robert Reyes, Monroe County, Board of County Commissioners, waiving and support.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably. SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.