Transcript Highlights:

• It all depends how we do it, right?
• We have 13,000 retirees depending on that pension.
• on, and currently depend on, insolvent.
• So it's a need for just compensation and a mechanism that will allow that.
• So depending on the area, it's not going to be the same issue for every area, but depending on where

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• There are justices of the peace in it, depending on where you're at.
• Chair, Representative Call it in, I suppose, yeah, it depends.
• It depends upon the contract you entered when you entered that service.
• It depends upon the contract you, are treated equally when it comes to benefits.
• It depends upon the contract you entered when you entered that service.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which expands military leave protections by aligning state law language with federal military orders and clarifying that state and non-state employees called to service or training are covered. Representative Pena said the bill was intended to remove confusion and had no material impact on benefits. After brief supportive discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2663 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill establishing due process requirements before state or county entities can alter a justice of the peace’s statutory authority and clarifying the limits of administrative control over justice courts. Representative Hernandez and two Pima County justices of the peace testified in support, describing administrative orders that had removed local control without notice, findings, or a clear path to restoration. Leanna Garcia of the Arizona Supreme Court opposed the bill, arguing it conflicted with the Constitution’s grant of administrative supervision to the Supreme Court and that the court already uses complaint-driven oversight, education, and intervention when needed. After extensive debate over constitutional authority, due process, and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to recommend HB 2976 do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 2406, which directs the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study veterans’ awareness of available state, local, and federal benefits and report recommendations to improve outreach. Supporters said many veterans do not know the full range of benefits and that the study could identify gaps in awareness and help guide future outreach. Members questioned what exactly would be studied and whether a study was necessary, but several said the testimony clarified the bill’s purpose. The committee approved HB 2406 with a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance to ask whether a defendant is a veteran so eligible cases can be referred to veterans programs or treatment/diversion options. Testimony in support said the inquiry would help identify veterans early and connect them to services at no cost. A member raised a Fifth Amendment concern that veteran status could be incriminating in some cases; the bill’s supporter agreed to an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The transcript ends during discussion of that proposed amendment, before a final committee vote on HB 2226 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The required FDM, or foundation data model, codes depend on the different transaction types.
• So, depending upon perspective, it could either be mission creep or reality adjustment as to original
• That is still roughly going to higher ed programs, operations, compensation, other initiatives.
• We also, for the first time, saw a pretty significant reliance on WIA to fund faculty compensation and
• And the second call that I wanted to mention was, again, around compensation.

Committee: Joint Joint Higher Education Committee

Summary: The Joint Higher Education Committee met with introductions from members and then held a work session on higher education and statewide accounting practices. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state and university accounting/reporting differ, including current AFRS/SAM requirements and the transition to Workday/WAM, and described what higher education data are currently included in state reporting versus what will remain excluded, such as transaction-level detail and vendor payment information. University of Washington and Washington State University officials then described the complexity of their institutions’ financial structures, including multiple campuses, auxiliary enterprises, component units, hospitals, clinics, bonds, and other reporting obligations, and how they submit summarized data to the state while maintaining more detailed local accounting systems. The Education Research and Data Center also presented the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512, emphasizing that the metrics are best used to examine trends within institutions rather than direct comparisons across schools; members asked about data availability and federal reporting delays, and ERDC said it was on track to update the dashboard with newer data and additional metrics. The committee then heard a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended purpose of supporting postsecondary attainment, high-demand fields, student aid, and workforce education. He said WIA revenue has grown substantially, especially after recent tax changes, and noted that most current appropriations go to higher education, including the Washington College Grant, community and four-year institutions, and some workforce-related programs. Members asked whether WIA supports apprenticeships and trades, and Anderson said it has in some cases, though nearly all current appropriations are now within higher education. Anderson also highlighted a major policy shift in the 2025-27 budget: WIA is now being used to supplant some general-fund higher education spending, especially a large transfer for University of Washington general operations. He said this has reduced the general fund share of higher education funding and increased the share from WIA, raising concerns about whether the account is still being used as originally intended. He also described how WIA is increasingly covering Washington College Grant caseload growth and faculty compensation costs, and said WSAC is working to improve public documentation of ongoing and carry-forward appropriations. The committee did not take any substantive votes on the presentation topics and then moved toward executive session and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans must be disabled to qualify for the exemption, yet the very disability compensation they are
• Disability compensation is not a source of wealth.
• 100% disability by the VA with a spouse is awarded around $50,000 annually before any additional dependents
• or housing instability by ensuring the tax code does not punish them for receiving disability compensation
• SB 888 simply excludes VA service-connected disability compensation from the calculation of household

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard SB 1053 by Senator Nilo, which would let county boards of supervisors in counties affected by a governor-declared disaster on or after January 1, 2026, extend by up to three years the five-year deadline for transferring a property tax base-year value to replacement property. The author said the bill is needed because recent wildfires and other disasters make the current five-year rebuilding window too short, and several members supported the measure as a common-sense local-control response to disaster recovery. There was no opposition, and the committee voted 5-0 to send SB 1053 to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 888 by Senator Seyarto, as amended in committee, which would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the current law creates a catch-22 for disabled veterans whose benefits can push them over the income limit despite fixed incomes and high medical costs. Members from both parties praised the bill as fair and supportive of veterans, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 888 as amended to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. Afterward, the committee adopted a consent calendar containing SB 999, SB 1073, and SB 881. The roll was called on the consent items and the calendar was adopted. The meeting concluded with SB 1053 being called again for final action, where it was reported out on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our digital economy depends on trusted data and resilient networks.
• Okay, Senators, finally, tab number three, CS for Senate Bill 694, on compensation of the descendants
• Okay, Senators, finally, tab number three, CS for Senate Bill 694, on compensation of the descendants
• This bill provides compensation to the next of kin of the Groveland Four, consistent with the state's
• But compensation is the remedy the law provides, and it is the remedy the state owes.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. First, SB 214 by Senator McLean, described as a targeted rural access bill, would allow special districts in rural communities and areas of opportunity to receive certain state and federal financial assistance payments by invoice rather than reimbursement. An amendment expanding the benefit to independent special districts in those rural areas, including water and wastewater projects, was adopted, and the bill then passed favorably. Support was noted from representatives of water and sewer cooperatives, a water and sewer district, Resiliency Florida, and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee then took up CS for SB 1266 by Senator Kalata on cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment creating a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, working with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida and participating institutions to provide certification and clearance-related training. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS for SB 694 by Senator Bracey Davis, which would provide compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for wrongful convictions and related harms. Senator Bracey Davis and a supporter testified about the history of the case, prior legislative apologies, pardons, and exonerations, and the need for compensation as a final step. Members spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:51.720><c> pay</c> compensation pay compensation pay up<00:14:53.680><c> representative</c><00
• > it</c><02:58:02.040><c> could</c> structured uh would depend so it could structured uh would depend
• If they’re seeing an even more increased demand, that is compensated.
• It would depend.
• </c><03:35:22.920><c> on</c> uh two three times a year depending on uh two three times a year depending

Summary: The House Finance Committee’s Division 3 held a public work session on the Behavioral Health budget on February 27, 2025. The chair opened by explaining the schedule, materials, and deadlines for the budget process, and noted there would be no motions or votes in the division that day. Division of Behavioral Health Director Ktia Fox and DHHS CFO Nathan White then walked the committee through the division’s mission, structure, and budget materials, describing the division’s four bureaus: Mental Health Services, Children’s Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, and Homeless Services, along with the policy unit. They emphasized the division’s role in oversight, technical assistance, quality assurance, contracting, and the continuum of care from prevention and early intervention through crisis and residential services. Much of the discussion focused on major programs and funding lines, including the 988 Lifeline contract with Headrest, a technical assistance contract with UNH, Medicaid pass-through payments to New Hampshire Hospital and Glencliff, crisis response services, cold-weather homeless responses, housing supports, and the children’s system of care. Members asked about the UNH contract, the 988 program, crisis stabilization centers, and the peer certification program; Fox explained that the peer certification is a training-and-credentialing pathway for people with lived experience to enter community-based behavioral health work, not a volunteer program. The committee also discussed the “Choose Love” program, which Fox said was created after the Sandy Hook tragedy to build resilience and strength-based emotional regulation in schools and communities. On the children’s side, Fox described the system of care account as the place where many contracted services are budgeted, including community mental health centers, care management entities, rapid response services, and residential programs. Members asked about temporary staffing, and Fox said roughly $500,000 in temporary staff costs shown in the current year would not be spent next year because the money came from a nonlapsing appropriation in HB 1573 for oversight of children’s residential services. She also said provider rate increases were a prioritized need but were not funded in the governor’s current budget, and that the Children’s Behavioral Health Resource Center was not funded, resulting in about a $1 million reduction. The session ended while the division was still moving through the children’s behavioral health slides, including questions about the Fast Forward high-fidelity wraparound program and medication management.

Transcript Highlights:

• But also because the ride share marketplace depends.
• hundreds of thousands of medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability without meaningful compensation
• A lot of key issues around the worker rights or driver rights and compensation in the right share of
• Doesn't get workers' compensation, is out of work for a while.
• , which we, that's a state-run workers' compensation program.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• depending upon what attorney<00:19:15.600><c> general's</c><00:19:16.080><c> in</c><00:19:16.400><c>
• </c> have no ability to obtain compensation have no ability to obtain compensation for<00:42:46.400><
• So, we really do depend on your appropriation to fund the vital work of our judiciary.
• So, we really do depend on your appropriation to fund the vital work of our judiciary.
• . compensated. compensated.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1216, a bill to be entitled an act relating to public school personnel compensation.
• Senate Bill 1216, a bill to be entitled an act relating to public school personnel compensation.
• Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast.
• But compensation is the remedy the law provides, and it is the remedy the state owes.
• It is not lost on me that my first bill is the Groveland Four compensation bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Witness: So the answer is, it depends. Witness: So the answer is, it depends.
• I'm here to provide your overview of our May Revise proposal for employee compensation.
• Compensation area.
• And I reject not only the employee compensation, but also the return to office.
• With that, Employee compensation, but also the return to office.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets. The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan. Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029. Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:03.040><c> to</c> talking about making compensation to talking about making compensation to
• </c><01:03:57.119><c> on</c> generation from becoming dependent on generation from becoming dependent
• </c><01:16:28.239><c> they</c> um determined how much compensation they um determined how much compensation
• </c><01:16:58.280><c> and</c><01:16:59.280><c> the</c> get more compensation and the get more compensation
• 01:17:01.280><c> was</c><01:17:01.480><c> so</c> compensation for each person was so compensation for

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So have you compensated for that somehow? People in rural or underserved areas.
• So have you compensated for that somehow in what you're doing? So, a couple of things with that.
• And so we are compensating by expanding our funding to food banks.
• They remain fragile, underfunded, and dependent on short-term resources.
• So it sort of depends on what the allegation is, and a complaint can contain multiple allegations.

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBT Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support needs of older LGBTQ Californians, including older adults living with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Committee members and state officials discussed the California Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, and the need to address discrimination, social isolation, housing insecurity, economic instability, and gaps in culturally competent care. Several speakers emphasized that older LGBTQ adults often lack traditional family caregiving supports and may face vulnerability in nursing homes or other institutional settings. Testimony from advocates and people with lived experience highlighted the impact of federal actions, including H.R. 1, on Medi-Cal, housing, and benefits, and called for stronger state action, outreach, and navigation services. Justice in Aging urged more investment in home- and community-based services and warned that Medicaid cuts could increase institutionalization. The Department of Aging described its survey findings and said it had convened a lived-experience advisory board, updated data tools, and incorporated HIV as a factor in local aging plans under SB 258, though members pressed for clearer implementation and accountability. CalHHS described coordination across departments, Medi-Cal coverage of gender-affirming care, PACE, and other services, while the Department of Public Health outlined Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP programs serving older adults with HIV. The hearing also featured extensive testimony from people aging with HIV, who described fragmented systems, benefits cliffs, housing costs, and the need for legal and case-management support. One witness urged funding for HIV-specific housing and navigation services, while another described how case management and safety-net programs help clients manage medication, food, transportation, and housing needs. In the final panel, the Department of Social Services reviewed protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219, nondiscrimination notices, resident rights postings, required staff training, and complaint investigations. No formal votes were taken; the chair repeatedly asked departments to follow up on implementation gaps, data visibility, and possible budget or policy responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the real compensation you get for owning a Treasury security, and that compensation has gone up
• Credit spreads are the compensation for default on investment grade securities.
• And then I might have to hand it off to Scott, depending on the question.
• It just changes when we would deploy that cash out, depending on when DOT needed it.
• It just changes when we would deploy that cash out, depending on when DOT needed it.

Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, fully fund our compensation, keep our Running Start at 1.4.
• She just depends on these services to be able to live on her own and someday hold a job.
• They depend on their equipment for mobility, access to communication, and community.
• I don't want to depend on others. I want to earn my own money.
• I depend on my job coach to be able to keep my dream job with the City of Seattle.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process. The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a bit of a selection risk factor for dependents because the state covers 50% for dependents
• We do have a bit of a selection risk factor for dependents because the state covers 50% for dependents
• Yeah, I mean, it kind of depends.
• Yeah, I mean, it kind of depends.
• So it depends.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:12.399><c> um</c><00:09:12.560><c> fund</c> workers compensation um fund workers compensation
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026
• This would revive the 2025 compensation council to make those judicial salary recommendations in 2026

Transcript Highlights:

• And depending upon the curriculum at the university, being a math major or a physics major while taking
• They may cut courses, increase class sizes, depending upon the requirements that are allowed, or they
• This is essentially compensation for folks who are... In the education world under Proposition 98?
• I mean, this could essentially be seen as a form of compensation.
• The first is ensuring just and equitable compensation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those people don't really get adequate training, much less adequate compensation.
• Those people don't really get adequate training, much less adequate compensation.
• This bill does not do enough to address workers' compensation fraud.
• The licensing requirements include a requirement to file workers' compensation coverage.
• I would just add existing law requires that they have workers' compensation.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on labor standards, worker safety, and public transparency. SB 954 by Senator Blakespear would revise last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing by adding worker protections such as prevailing wage, a skilled and trained workforce, high-road employment standards, and environmental guardrails. Supporters from labor, environmental justice, and conservation groups said the bill restores promised safeguards after SB 131, while business groups argued the added requirements would undermine the exemption and discourage investment. The committee voted 5-0 to do pass and re-refer SB 954 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open for absent members. The committee then considered SB 966 by Senator Gonzalez, which would codify refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire. Supporters, including United Steelworkers and a former refinery worker, said the bill would preserve workers’ ability to report hazards, select representatives, and stop unsafe work, preventing future disasters. The Western States Petroleum Association opposed the bill, arguing it could be preempted by federal labor law and would add regulatory uncertainty. The committee passed SB 966 3-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations, with the roll left open. Next, SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas sought to modernize private security guard training, expand de-escalation instruction, strengthen accountability, and create a clearer professional pathway for the industry. The author and many security workers testified that guards are often first responders in volatile situations and need more practical training and better standards; opponents from industry and business groups warned the bill would raise costs, worsen staffing shortages, and create implementation problems, especially around third-party training and a new wage order. The committee voted 4-1 to do pass and re-refer SB 1203 to Public Safety, with one no vote and the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 1284 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a transparency bill requiring DHCS to publish the names of large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and the estimated taxpayer cost. Supporters said the measure would show how low wages and unaffordable coverage shift health costs to the public, while opponents argued Medi-Cal enrollment depends on many factors and that naming employers would be misleading and amount to public shaming. After discussion, the committee voted 4-2 to do pass and re-refer SB 1284 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would improve workforce data collection and sharing to better evaluate job-training pathways, but the excerpt cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the on-call list is a separate thing where they are compensated for having to wait and be ready to
• As it healed, the joint fused, leaving me in constant pain, headaches, nausea, vertigo, and dependent
• As it healed, the joint fused, leaving me in constant pain, headaches, nausea, vertigo, and dependent
• Does the insurance, wherever the person gets the insurance from, have to cover all of the dependents
• new dependents, but if you've lost it for yourself along with your dependents based on your employment

Committee: House Health

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, staffing, and coverage. A major special order was SB 306 by Senator Becker, which would reduce prior authorization requirements for services and drugs that are routinely approved. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association, California Hospital Association, Health Access, Planned Parenthood, and others, argued prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. Opponents from health plans, insurers, the Chamber of Commerce, and physician groups raised concerns about preserving utilization management, the bill’s 90% approval threshold, drug coverage, and how “modifications” are counted. After late amendments and discussion with the Department of Managed Health Care, Local Health Plans of California withdrew opposition, while the bill remained opposed by some groups. Committee members discussed patient stories, cost concerns, and the bill’s amended structure, and the author asked for an aye vote. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities and counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if the Department of Health Care Services does not act on complaints within set timelines. Supporters, including the League of California Cities and several local governments, said the bill responds to inadequate state enforcement and growing problems with unlicensed facilities. One county behavioral health group opposed unless amended. Members largely supported the bill, citing community impacts and the need for stronger oversight. SB 62, also by Senator Becker, would codify California’s proposed essential health benefits update if approved federally, adding hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility/IVF coverage. Health Access California and several advocacy groups supported the measure, while the California Family Council opposed. The committee then heard SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the definition and use of hospital on-call lists in the nurse staffing ratio enforcement process. Nurses and labor groups supported the bill as closing a loophole, while the California Hospital Association and other hospital groups opposed, arguing it would reduce staffing flexibility and increase costs. Finally, SB 40 by Senator Wiener would cap insulin copays at $35 per month and limit step therapy for insulin; it drew broad support from medical, patient, labor, and student witnesses, with no opposition testimony heard. The committee ended with discussion of SB 363, which would address health care coverage and independent medical reviews, but the transcript cuts off before that item was fully taken up.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:14.159><c> So</c><00:04:14.239><c> it's</c> depending on the area.
• So it's depending on the area.
• in Wheatland and compensation in Jackson.
• in Wheatland and between compensation in Wheatland and compensation<00:44:17.760><c> in</c><00:44:18.079
• </c> compensation in Jackson. compensation in Jackson.

Bills: HB0004

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services