Transcript Highlights:

• So we talked about that federal share.
• And again, we're anticipating starting with a partial federal award.
• We didn't know if and when we were going to get the full federal award.
• And again, we're anticipating starting with a partial federal award.
• We didn't know if and when we were going to get the full federal award.

Committee: House Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• But federal uncertainty remains.
• We ordinarily would expect federal approval.
• And these federal rules are, that shows the federal rules around provider taxes.
• The reduction is subject to federal approval.
• Are you asking about the federal match? Yeah.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health began with a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California health programs, focusing first on reproductive health state investments. HCAI outlined five state-funded reproductive health programs created after Dobbs, including uncompensated care, practical support, capital and clinical infrastructure, and workforce programs. Essential Access Health and Planned Parenthood testified that these funds have served hundreds of thousands of patients, but warned that the uncompensated care program is fully awarded and needs renewal, and that Title X and Medicaid-related federal uncertainty continues to threaten access. Members questioned who the uncompensated care program serves, why Medi-Cal covers a large share of abortions, and whether Planned Parenthood could expand prenatal services; public commenters urged continued support for reproductive health access. The committee then took up long-term care services and supports, starting with the HCBA and Assisted Living Waiver programs. DHCS reported large wait lists for both programs and said enrollment is limited by workforce and provider capacity, while LAO noted that increasing slots alone may not increase access without additional programmatic changes. Members pressed the department on whether more slots should be added given the lower cost of home- and community-based care compared with skilled nursing facilities, and public testimony argued that the wait lists should be reduced and that staffing concerns do not fully explain unused capacity. The committee also heard testimony on congregate living health facilities, where providers and a patient family described the homes as critical, lower-cost alternatives to nursing facilities for younger, medically complex people. Witnesses requested short-term bridge funding, while DHCS said it is proposing to transition CLFs into a managed care benefit by January 1, 2028, which would remove caps and expand access statewide. The final long-term care topic was PACE. DHCS explained that it has paused new PACE applications and service expansions for at least two years to reassess oversight capacity and develop a statewide strategic growth framework, while existing programs continue operating. CalPACE supported the pause as a planning measure but asked for four additional state nurse positions to reduce delays in level-of-care determinations and speed enrollment for frail older adults. Members shared personal stories about how PACE has helped family members and asked how the state will meet growing demand; DHCS said stakeholder engagement will begin later in the year and that some existing applications already in process will continue. Public commenters broadly supported PACE, HCBA, and CLF funding requests. The hearing then moved to the Department of Health Care Services’ 2026-27 Medi-Cal budget and related trailer bills. DHCS said Medi-Cal spending has grown due to coverage expansions, higher acuity, rising utilization, and especially pharmacy costs, and it described proposals to extend the current skilled nursing facility financing framework for one year while the state develops a new value-based payment strategy. LAO said most recent Medi-Cal spending growth has been driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload growth, with pharmacy spending growing especially quickly, and recommended better and more timely data to analyze the drivers. Members expressed concern about the rapid rise in Medi-Cal spending and asked for more detail on the largest cost increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:43.799><c> law</c> conflicts with the with the federal law conflicts with the with the federal
• 22:00.080><c> I</c> General yes the federal language that I General yes the federal language that I was
• </c><01:12:44.239><c> matching</c> there's different Federal matching there's different Federal matching
• ...there's approximately $17 million of federal funds that are budgeted today, and that's all federal
• ...those federal dollars.

Summary: The meeting began as a Division 3 work session on HB 71, but much of the early discussion focused on whether a previously discussed non-germane amendment could be considered or voted on that day. Members and the chair debated process and notice requirements, and the clerk’s guidance was that the amendment needed a separate public hearing before the full Finance Committee. The amendment was described as requiring DHHS contracts and addenda to include compliance with the Patient Bill of Rights, with a repeal date so the requirement would expire on November 30, 2026. The motion to move OTP on HB 71 with the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee agreed the amendment would be scheduled for a future full Finance hearing instead. The committee then turned to HB 71 itself and heard testimony from DHHS representatives John Williams and Jenny O’Higgins on the fiscal note and policy implications. Members questioned the estimate that the bill could put $12 million to $18 million per year in federal funding at risk, including HUD and Office of Refugee Resettlement funds. DHHS explained that the estimate was based on a broad reading of the bill’s term “specified alien,” which they said was not clearly defined in the bill, so they analyzed it using the federal definition of “alien” and assumed the bill could affect lawfully present non-citizens as well as undocumented individuals. They said the figure represented a worst-case scenario and that they were not claiming the loss was certain. Members also pressed DHHS on whether the bill could affect emergency sheltering in schools, public academies, or institutions of higher learning during disasters. DHHS said the language could create conflicts with federal funding conditions because emergency shelter programs generally cannot impose barriers on who may be sheltered, and they warned that excluding certain people could affect refugee-related and HUD funding. Questions were raised about whether the bill’s language would apply to private institutions as well as public ones, and whether the state could still use schools in short-term emergencies. DHHS said the language was broad, that they could not answer every legal question definitively, and that they would need input from public health and legal staff. No final vote on HB 71 was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/work session mode after the amendment motion was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with federal policy. with federal policy.
• </c> appropriately with federal authorities? appropriately with federal authorities?
• </c> So, it is it also goes federal. So, it is it also goes federal.
• </c> through state or federal means. through state or federal means.
• </c> federal law, absolutely, Chair Elkins. federal law, absolutely, Chair Elkins.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal government has changed.
• We are very sensitive to the federal government's grants.
• It does not change Civil Air Patrol's federal authorities.
• That said, activated under the federal mandate, the funding would go... ...activated under the federal
• We anticipated dual-hadding, supporting the federal. ...flooding.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The possibility that the federal standard could.
• Also, this circumvents legal challenges to federal PFAS regulation.
• federal funds to cover all of it?
• While we hope to get our federal money back, you notice how I said federal money back.
• Keep the federal drinking water standard on PFAS in place.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom signed a contract with the federal government.
• Tom signed a contract with the federal government.
• Tom signed a contract with the federal government.
• </c> federal government if the federal federal government if the federal government<00:10:04.920><c>
• </c> Inspector General office federal Inspector General office federal government<00:20:31.960><c> Trump

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we have the federal government.
• </c> discussed this with our federal discussed this with our federal delegation.<00:08:22.319><c> Uh<
• </c><00:10:11.600><c> government</c> are coming from the federal government are coming from the federal
• </c><00:11:56.160><c> government</c> places from the federal government places from the federal government
• we were charged with by the federal like our<00:15:16.000><c> federal</c><00:15:16.399><c> oversight

Committee: Joint Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a federal program.
• This is a federal program. It is not a state program. It's 100% federal dollars.
• We must follow the federal policy.
• It's a win for the federal government.
• It's a win for the federal government.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably. The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs. The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• the federal laws through the 287G.
• enforce federal that basically could enforce federal laws<00:32:05.840><c> within</c><00:32:06.320><
• with the federal courts and with<00:32:14.640><c> the</c><00:32:14.880><c> federal</c><00:32:15.120>
• They just prefer the phrase "violates federal law" versus "not authorized under federal law."
• </c> violates federal law, they can't do it. violates federal law, they can't do it.

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Transcript Highlights:

• Eligibility is 138% of the federal poverty level.
• How do we push at the federal level to steer that?
• The asset test elimination, federal success, and federal flexibilities have contributed to this.
• On March 3, 2025, the federal government published a note in the Federal Register that it would no longer
• The federal government and the new federal administration, and even the prior administration, had sent

Transcript Highlights:

• Bradbury will similarly prioritize. federal funding to infrastructure projects that provide the most
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S.
• The lack of a coordinated federal cargo theft enforcement effort hinders effective prosecution.
• Yet, there is no unified, dedicated federal response.
• Federal officials have linked this activity to a cartel operating out of Sinaloa.

Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee , Senate Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports

Keywords: Committee, Transportation, aviation safety, confirmation, Lieutenant Commander, Deputy Secretary, Bradbury, Hafensteiner, aircraft incidents

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened to consider the promotion of Coast Guard Lieutenant Samuel Hafensteiner to Lieutenant Commander and the nomination of Stephen Bradbury as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety, especially in light of recent aircraft incidents. Members discussed the critical need for knowledgeable leadership within the Department of Transportation to address these safety challenges effectively. Mr. Bradbury's background as a former General Counsel of the Department was presented as a strong asset for the role he seeks.

Transcript Highlights:

• But our efforts protect that federal funding have been almost entirely successful.
• And we'll continue doing that in the hopes that the federal and state partners.
• We expect to see further initiatives from federal agencies.
• This happens a lot in federal grant conditions.
• Recent discussions have focused on federal policy development and potential impacts focused on federal

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because even though there's federal law, you know, federal laws on— Because even though there's federal
• We're not talking about federal law.
• There's a federal program.
• What the federal government does, the federal government does, but as stewards of the tax monies collected
• As you may know, reservations are federal land, and it was the federal government who put them there

Bills: SB1152 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1213 , SB1232 , SB1268

Committee: Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> efforts and how the recent federal efforts and how the recent federal policy<00:02:04.000><c> changes
• </c> by our president and the federal by our president and the federal government. government. government
• </c> actions by the federal government. actions by the federal government.
• federal tax credits.
• The lawsuit is in federal court.

Summary: The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken. State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis. Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to meet the federal guidelines. to meet the federal guidelines.
• </c> the Insurance Federation of Minnesota. the Insurance Federation of Minnesota.
• </c><01:05:30.079><c> Since</c> federal premium tax credits. Since federal premium tax credits.
• </c> federal government? federal government? Senator<01:22:00.239><c> Wickland.
• </c><01:22:08.800><c> I</c> receive directly federal funding. I receive directly federal funding.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really a federal responsibility.
• I said, "Chris, I do, but there are three federal buildings.
• I said, "Chris, I do, but there are three federal buildings.
• Because, you see, it took five years of the federal delegation working with those federal employees who
• BECAUSE, YOU SEE, IT TOOK FIVE YEARS OF THE FEDERAL DELEGATION WORKING WITH THOSE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO

Transcript Highlights:

• To government relationship with federally recognized tribal governments.
• standard is only 75%, and they argued federal preemption.
• But wouldn't it be better if it was like a federal, like this was implemented at the federal level?
• Like a federal, like this was implemented at the federal level instead of California, then all 50 states
• It is our hope to also bring this federally.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 2507 by Assembly Member Wynn would strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early engagement across agencies. Support came from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance, with members praising the bill as improving respect, coordination, and outcomes for tribes. AB 2024, also by Wynn, would require the Outdoor Advertising Act permitting process to reach a determination on submitted applications, aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty; it drew support from the outdoor advertising industry and the California Association of Realtors, with members describing it as a technical cleanup measure. Both bills were later moved to Appropriations, along with a consent calendar of several other measures. AB 1585 by Assembly Member Connolly would require wine labeled as American to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” label with California’s existing 100% state-origin standard. Supporters, including California wine grape growers, family wineries, consumer advocates, and several local agricultural groups, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling and help struggling growers. Opponents from major wine companies and industry groups warned it could reduce flexibility, create labeling complications, and limit the ability to list varietal and vintage on some blended wines. After a lengthy debate over labeling standards, consumer expectations, and impacts on interstate wine sales, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1605 by Assembly Member Ransom would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, restricting their ability to purchase alcohol as a preventive measure. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Safe California Roads Coalition, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would give courts another tool to reduce recidivism and save lives. Retailers and restaurant representatives raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens, but the bill was amended and passed to Appropriations. AB 2211 by Assembly Member Hoover, which would allow craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the California Distillers Association. Finally, AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson, presented by Assembly Member Solache, would require anti-hate speech training for local and state elected officials; it drew strong opposition over First Amendment and definitional concerns, and members pressed for a clearer definition of hate speech before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• How are you interacting with the federal agencies to close the dairying gap?
• I'm a federal marshal.
• It's not preempted by federal law. It's not in conflict with existing federal law.
• And isn't preempted by existing federal law. So, but the due process, the.
• We're talking from the federal level down to the local level.

Bills: HB214 , HB626 , HB647 , HB658 , HB668 , HB674 , HB908 , HB214

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• published in the Federal Register.
• published in the Federal Register.
• published in the Federal Register.
• published in the Federal Register.
• </c> change even if the federal rules change even if the federal rules changed<01:03:29.440><c> uh</c

Committee: Senate Labor