Transcript Highlights:

• I've got a quote from Mark Twain, which my wife uses on me all the time.
• I've got a quote from Mark Twain, which my wife uses on me all the time.
• For the first time in American history, a continuous band of states stretched from Maine to California
• It's time that they help us cover these expenses.
• And looking at the U.S. debt clock, we're currently sitting...

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:09:10.720><c> our</c> fact, in this last period of time, our fact, in this last period of time
• And what that means in real terms, it gives providers more time to treat patients.
• That was on their clock. But this is on your watch.
• That was on their clock. But this is on your watch.
• That was on their clock. these chairs. That was on their clock.

Transcript Highlights:

• We switched our clocks a couple of weeks ago, and I think I might be used to the time change somewhere
• or standard time our year-round time.'
• daylight saving time for a limited time during the year. ...recognize daylight saving time for a limited
• time during the year.
• They're retired, and they golf a few times a week, and they are frustrated when we change the clocks

Summary: The committee heard several energy, telecommunications, and regulatory bills. SB 929 would require the California Energy Commission chair to appear annually and report to the Legislature on the commission’s activities, plans, and outreach; the author said it would improve oversight without raising rates or fees. SB 1138 would let load-serving entities trade hourly resource adequacy obligations to reduce overprocurement and lower ratepayer costs; supporters said it could save hundreds of millions, while questions focused on CPUC concerns, grid reliability, and whether savings would reach customers. SB 913 would expand participation of customer-sited distributed energy resources, such as home batteries and smart thermostats, in the resource adequacy market; supporters said it would unlock existing clean capacity and reduce costs, and members asked about reliability, opt-in participation, compensation, and how to handle partially charged batteries. SB 1197 would move California to permanent standard time, with the author and a sleep medicine witness arguing it would improve health and safety, while opponents from the golf industry raised concerns about economic, recreational, and public safety impacts and whether voter approval would be required. SB 1191 would extend the California High Cost Fund A and B programs for rural telephone service through 2033, with supporters emphasizing affordability and emergency access in rural areas. SB 1265 would codify and expand the Go Green financing program under the Treasurer and CAFA, and SB 1337 would create a working group to coordinate fuel-transition policy and refinery-related issues across state and local agencies. Members generally supported the bills, though several raised implementation and coordination questions. Concerns included whether SB 1197 would require another vote of the people, whether SB 1138 could create unintended market or reliability problems, whether SB 913 could affect local generation needs or depend on customer readiness, and whether SB 1337 would duplicate existing fuel-transition bodies. Authors and witnesses responded that amendments and existing safeguards would address many of those issues, and that the measures were intended to improve efficiency, affordability, and coordination. The committee ultimately voted to advance all seven bills, with each receiving a do pass recommendation, some as amended and some to different policy committees or Appropriations. Final recorded votes were overwhelmingly in favor, with SB 1197 receiving one no vote and SB 1265 receiving one no vote; the other measures passed unanimously or near-unanimously. All bills were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I asked for your aye vote at the appropriate time.
• Thank you for your time. Thank you, sir.
• of peak demand by shifting their usage times to times when renewable and low-carbon resources, again
• We really don't have time to wait anymore. These smart meters have been used for a long time.
• We think the time to act is now.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members. AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote. AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we did purchase Easy Time Clock and some software that we understood was supposed to rectify.
• The time clock and some software that we understood was supposed to rectify the problem.
• I quit my full-time job and the security I had to focus on my hometown.
• They just don't have the time to fall out.
• King, time is of the essence.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee first approved the February 12 minutes and received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, noting continued progress in bringing systems into compliance. Staff reported that the number of delinquent 2022 water and sewer reports had fallen from 43 to 22 compliant entities, and the older delinquent 2021/2023 reports had been reduced from 64 to four remaining. The committee then deferred the Fargo municipal accounting-code report and the Jericho street-funds misuse report to the June 4 meeting at the request of local officials. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on the City of Strong’s repeat audit findings, including undeposited garbage-bag receipts, improper use of solid waste funds, unsupported spending, late payroll tax payments, accounting-control problems, and budget overruns. Mayor Howell described corrective steps such as new internal controls, revised billing practices, CPA assistance, fixed-asset updates, and repayment of restricted funds. After questions and supportive comments, the committee voted to file the report. The committee also filed or deferred several private water and sewer reports, including filing the Thornton Waterworks report and deferring a group of other private reports pending proper responses. The committee reviewed several other public reports with findings. Calhoun County’s report involved county spending for an appreciation banquet and altered undeposited receipts in the sheriff/collector’s office; members discussed the constitutional limits on using public funds for private benefits and the need for more training, then filed the report. A six-district regional solid waste management review found no issues in several districts but significant findings in Pulaski, Faulkner, and Benton counties, including unapproved payroll actions, missing documentation, vehicle and cell phone issues, bid problems, and weak controls; the committee deferred that report to June and asked Pulaski County representatives to appear. Additional reports from Nevada County, Salem, Briarcliffe, Compton Water Association, Montgomery County Regional Public Water Authority, Camden, Johnson County, Gilmore, Grubbs, Sparkman, and Cross County Rural Water System were either filed, deferred, or discussed with local officials responding to findings such as unauthorized withdrawals, unapproved payments, deficit fund balances, IRS debts, missing documentation, and overdue audit postings. The meeting ended with the Cross County Rural Water System operator explaining water-quality and infrastructure problems and the committee filing that report before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a particularly thorny problem that we've been spending a lot of time on.
• I will say also the fund— The tuition recovery fund at this time.
• And sometimes that is something that happens over time.
• But over time, we learn more about the institution.
• And it was true at the time for the Bureau.

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, with committee chairs and members emphasizing the Bureau’s role in protecting students, overseeing private postsecondary schools, and responding to a changing federal higher education landscape. BPPE and the Department of Consumer Affairs reported that the Bureau has modernized data systems, improved enforcement, increased citations and inspections, reduced pending complaints, and is now meeting its statutory inspection mandate. They also said the Bureau faces a structural budget deficit and has reduced costs through staffing cuts, streamlined inspections, and shifting some student-relief functions to the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF).

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a particularly thorny problem that we've been spending a lot of time on.
• The fund balance at this time is over $25 million, so assessments have been set at zero.
• I will say also the fund... ...tuition recovery fund at this time.
• And sometimes that is something that happens over time.
• But over time... ...it didn't necessarily look super high risk or super high priority, but over time,

Transcript Highlights:

• Next time moves to a reconsideration of the objection.
• Senate's time with final passes of House Bill 861.
• Next time, moves to a re-connected objection.
• on state highways for the purpose of taking up the resolution at this time.
• on state highways for the purpose of taking up the resolution at this time.

Bills: SR113 , SR114 , SCR64 , SCR65 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SCR12 , HB59 , HB66 , HB79 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB455 , HB513 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB895 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1011 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1057 , HB1080 , HB1084 , HB1155 , HB1215 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1234 , HB1251 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB1256 , HB221 , HCR11 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR60 , HCR64 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR58 , SB25 , SB250 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , HB22 , HB28 , HB33 , HB41 , HB47 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB195 , HB214 , HB217 , HB233 , HB283 , HB290 , HB316 , HB319 , HB324 , HB345 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB511 , HB514 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB636 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB896 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1236 , HB1243 , SB29 , SB30 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB47 , SB84 , SB93 , SB113 , SB192 , SB199 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB241 , SB253 , SB255 , SB289 , SB292 , SB306 , SB314 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB424 , SCR9 , SB132 , SB35 , SB65 , SB135 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HCR31 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB17 , HB21 , HB51 , HB55 , HB74 , HB106 , HB108 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB168 , HB215 , HB226 , HB263 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1237 , HB1239 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB210 , HB220 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB36 , HB73 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB166 , HB211 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB677 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB728 , HB759

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, sympathy, tribute, Martha Elizabeth Odom, Louisiana Senate, bereavement, obituary, student recognition, ballet, dance, softball, soccer, tennis, creative writing, theater, high school honors, Ascension Episcopal School, University of the South, Sewanee

Transcript Highlights:

• drugs at the time.
• They clock in, they clock out, they go home.
• Thank you for your time.
• Thank you for your time, and members of the committee. Thank you for your time.
• We’re saying the same thing time and time again.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders. The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking for the second time. Thank you.
• dedicated a lot of time to this.
• Well, I don't clock in in the morning. I don't clock out at night. Thank you.
• Well, I don't clock in in the morning. I don't clock out at night. I have a year-long contract.
• That's one time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I would have presented this to you sometime soon or at any other time. I had no time.
• Very little time.
• And to the point of the timing.
• This bill's on a tight time frame. All three bills are on tight time frame.
• in time.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• To be seated at the witness table at a time.
• I also will reserve some time.
• Yes, a number of times. I have too.
• This is a time for courage.
• and time again.

Transcript Highlights:

• time.
• We heard this on the floor time and time again, over and over.
• Future time. Can you speak to what the future time may be?
• and time again.
• That would be your time frame on the clock. I'm sorry.

Transcript Highlights:

• 250 times to be able to place... and we discharged them approximately 250 times to be able to place
• I think it's one time, isn't it? Yeah, it's one time. But... If it's not automatic.
• I think it's one time, isn't it? Yeah, it's one time.
• Thank you for your time. Members, any questions? Thank you for your time. Members, any questions?
• them, it's time to retire.

Committee: Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee approved the February 4 minutes and announced several bills would be held, including SB 1317, SB 1416, SB 1419, SB 1490, and SB 1493. It then heard SB 1579, which would appropriate about $4.7 million from the general fund to expand a law enforcement data-sharing pilot through the Department of Administration, with funding for DPS, county sheriffs, university police, city/town police, and an amendment adding $125,900 for Scottsdale Police. Supporters, including the Flagstaff mayor, the Eloy police chief, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office staff, said the system improves real-time information sharing, officer safety, and efficiency. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1579 a do pass as amended recommendation by a 6-0 vote with one not voting. The committee next heard SB 1581, which would use the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund for pepper ball equipment and public safety training simulators. The amendment increased the Nogales Police Department’s pepper ball appropriation and expanded simulator funding so Yavapai County could buy two simulators with a three-year warranty. Testimony from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Phoenix Police, Glendale Police, Flagstaff, and Cochise County emphasized pepper ball’s de-escalation value and the simulators’ role in crisis-response and scenario-based training, including interactions involving autism, mental illness, and hearing impairments. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1581 as amended on a 7-0 vote. SB 1673 was then heard to appropriate $8.2 million from the general fund to the Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund, with the sponsor and witnesses describing the automated victim-notification system as constitutionally required and already reducing workload while keeping victims informed through texts and other alerts. The committee passed SB 1673 with no amendment on a 7-0 vote. SB 1544, which would make adult probation records public on request subject to redactions and appeal procedures, drew mixed testimony over transparency versus privacy concerns, especially around risk assessment tools and sensitive records; the committee passed it 4-3, with several members explaining no votes pending amendments. SB 1376, a civic leadership development special plate bill directing funds to a nonprofit focused on youth civic education and leadership, passed unanimously 7-0. Finally, SB 1550, a three-year Queen Creek pilot program to address runaway youth and exploitation through specialized police work, received support from local officials and anti-trafficking advocates but drew a no vote from one member over concerns about how runaway youth are treated in other legislation; it passed 5-1 with one not voting. The committee also heard SB 1504, a public safety retirement bill changing normal retirement and COLA timing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 members, with strong support from police and fire groups and opposition from local government and pension reform advocates, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you time yourself?
• It takes a really long time, and the whole time they're operating at a loss.
• It's going to build over time.
• Thank you for your time. Thank you. Your words and your timing were impeccable.
• Thank you for your time.

Bills: HB 1106 , HB3284 , HB541 , HB713 , HB1403 , HB1586 , HB1942 , HB2070 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB3151 , HB3749 , HB3940 , HB3963 , HB4454 , HB4466 , HB4795 , HB5154 , HB5394 , SB1357 , HB 1052 , HB4099 , HB4638 , HB5147

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We have seen time and time again throughout the justice system that when additional discretionary barriers
• Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you very much.
• She handles 50 felony elder abuse cases on average at a time.
• That's a lot longer process that stings for a lot longer time.
• Appreciate you taking the time to come. Thank you so much.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• That's one time. Thank you.
• The fiscal impact is one-time $150,000 in FY27.
• The impact is one-time $500,000 in FY27.
• The impact is one-time $500,000 in FY27.
• There's a difference between two times and 5,333 times.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• It took a lot of time, work, and heart to put this on.
• And there's nothing else available at that time.
• And there's nothing else available at that time.
• We will need additional staff time.
• So we've been in the budget three times.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis held an informational hearing focused on the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system around it. Chair Pellerin and Assembly Member Schiavo opened with personal remarks about the importance of the issue and the need to strengthen California’s crisis infrastructure, especially as federal actions and funding uncertainty threaten services for youth and LGBTQ+ callers. The hearing was organized into panels covering state implementation, county coordination, and community crisis services, with public comment to follow. State officials from CalHHS, DHCS, Cal OES, and the 988 California Consortium described progress since AB 988 and the five-year implementation plan, including governance structures, statewide network buildout, call-routing technology, public awareness campaigns, and integration with Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. They said California has created or enhanced more than 485 mobile crisis teams, built crisis stabilization and residential facilities, and expanded youth behavioral health supports such as BrightLife Kids and Soluna. They also noted ongoing work to replace lost Trevor Project support with enhanced LGBTQ+ youth training, and to develop a 988 resource directory and future public awareness campaign. Cal OES explained that the 988 surcharge is recalculated annually based on budgeted needs and fund balance, and that text-to-911 and next-gen 911 interoperability are being expanded. County and community witnesses emphasized that the system is still strained by rising demand and uneven local integration. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law-enforcement holds and helped place residents into housing, but said 988 calls still do not reliably route to the county’s mobile crisis team and that rural counties need more flexible funding, vehicles, technology, and reimbursement support. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics and major growth in 988 call and text volume, but said sustained funding is needed to support staffing, text/chat expansion, and commercial payer reimbursement. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the California Peer Run Warm Line is a key part of the continuum of care, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language services, federation support, and hours, despite high demand. Across the hearing, members and witnesses agreed that 988 is saving lives but still misses thousands of calls each month and needs more stable, multi-year funding, better coordination, and clearer roles among state agencies, counties, and crisis centers. Witnesses repeatedly called for stronger feedback loops, better integration between 988 and mobile crisis dispatch, and more investment in staffing, technology, and outreach so Californians can be connected to the right help without unnecessary law enforcement or emergency room involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• It took a lot of time, work, and heart to put this on.
• And there's nothing else available at that time.
• We will need additional staff time.
• So we've been in the budget three times.
• The time after that was in 2022, and our funding increased.

Summary: The hearing focused on California’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system, with members and witnesses emphasizing both the system’s life-saving role and the risks posed by funding gaps, rising demand, and uneven local implementation. Opening remarks highlighted the personal impact of suicide and the need to strengthen crisis response so calls are answered quickly and linked to appropriate care rather than defaulting to 911, emergency rooms, or law enforcement. State officials described the AB 988 five-year implementation plan, which sets goals around public awareness, equitable access, high-quality call/chat/text response, and better integration with ongoing behavioral health services. State agencies reported progress on infrastructure, coordination, and related behavioral health investments. CalHHS said California has expanded mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, and youth behavioral health supports, and is preparing additional public awareness and grant programs tied to Proposition 1. DHCS explained that 988 is funded through a federal SAMHSA grant and the AB 988 surcharge, while Medi-Cal separately funds mobile crisis services; officials said the mobile crisis benefit is active in 53 counties and that statewide expansion remains a work in progress. Cal OES described the statewide technical buildout, including network infrastructure in all 11 crisis centers, interoperability with 911, and a pilot of next-generation routing and call-handling tools. The 988 California Consortium said call volume continues to rise sharply, missed calls remain a major concern, text/chat capacity is limited, and centers need more stable funding, better reimbursement, and stronger feedback loops with the state. County and community witnesses stressed that local systems need more flexible, sustained support to match the demand. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law enforcement holds and increased housing placements, but said county-run mobile crisis teams still cannot reliably access 988 surcharge dollars and face reimbursement problems from Medi-Cal and commercial plans. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics, rapid call answer times, and a broad continuum of mobile crisis services, but said staffing and funding are strained and commercial reimbursement remains slow. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the peer-run warm line complements 988 by offering non-emergency support and warm handoffs, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language service, federation support, and hours. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; members mainly asked questions about surcharge levels, budget timing, coordination among agencies, data collection, and how to improve collaboration with frontline crisis centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like doing one movies at a time.
• I can't tell you the number of times...
• , you know, in the May or June time frame.
• I've been in this business for a long time.
• And as we all know, change takes time.