Video & Transcript : 'budget oversight' :

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 13th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Early Learning & K-12 Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2023-25 budget.
  • proviso was simply wiped out in the budget that you all adopted for 2025-27.
  • This is a nice way of going rather than a scalpel was not the right way to do that budget.
  • They're being placed under strict state oversight, also known as binding conditions.
  • And I think this gets to the operating budget issue.
Bills: SB5841 , SB5922 , SB5858 , SB5943
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Legislative Audit Committee Mar 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So please, ...we need to start reconsidering budget allocations and FTE.
  • I wanted to bring to you ...oversight following disposition.
  • and providing fiscal oversight.
  • But here, budget authority. And I'll let my witnesses also respond.
  • But here: budget authority lawsuit, number one.
Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking, and the state auditor gave an update on his office’s workload, including several JALAC audits in progress, other statutory audits, staffing growth, and capacity to begin additional audits. Members also announced that one audit request on Prop. 28 was being held and that the PUC request would be moved off consent for presentation. After quorum was later established, the committee took up and approved several audit requests, including the DMV license revocation audit on consent, the CPUC utility interconnection timeliness audit, and the Caltrans SR 710 extension project audit. The fusion centers audit was approved on call, while the Orange County Board of Education audit was still being discussed when the transcript ended. Senator Cervantes presented the fusion centers audit request, arguing that California’s fusion centers operate with little public oversight and may collect, share, and retain sensitive information without adequate legal authority, privacy protections, or accountability. Supporters, including former FBI agent Mike German and an ACLU representative, said the centers function as opaque intelligence-sharing hubs and have a history of inaccurate or biased reporting. The state auditor said the audit would examine the State Threat Assessment Center and two local fusion centers, focusing on oversight, legal authority, data quality, disclosure controls, use of private vendors, funding, and performance metrics, while noting possible access and public disclosure limits because of intelligence-related information. The request drew sharp criticism from one member, who called it politicized and unnecessary, but it ultimately advanced on call. Senator Allen’s CPUC audit request focused on the commission’s enforcement of Rule 21 interconnection timelines for customer-sited solar and storage projects. Supporters said utilities routinely miss deadlines, causing delays and added costs for schools, nonprofits, businesses, and homeowners, while CPUC staff said the commission has public reporting, workshops, and an active proceeding to address the issue. The auditor said the review would examine CPUC monitoring, enforcement tools, and data on why utilities struggle to comply, estimating about 3,500 hours of work. The committee approved the request after discussion about whether an audit or legislative oversight would be the best tool. Senator Perez and Assembly Member Fong presented the Caltrans 710 corridor audit request, describing tenant complaints about mold, pests, deferred maintenance, inconsistent pricing, unclear communications, and delays in the affordable sales program created under the Roberti Act. Caltrans said it had completed many sales, was moving additional properties, and remained committed to transparency and compliance. The auditor said the review would examine whether Caltrans is complying with the Roberti Act, how it sets affordable prices, appraisal and appeal practices, communications with buyers, rent accounting, property maintenance, and follow-up on prior audit recommendations. The committee also heard Senator Umberg’s request to audit the Orange County Board of Education over transparency, contracting, litigation spending, charter oversight, and whistleblower issues; supporters argued the board’s actions warranted scrutiny, while board representatives said there was no factual basis for an audit and that complaints, enforcement actions, and legal challenges were minimal or absent.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our first oversight hearing on this issue was held on March 12, 2026.
  • We would take action if that were the case, and we do provide oversight.
  • You think the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has limited oversight?
  • The oversight hearings to date regarding the distribution of funds for...
  • As I mentioned before, this will remain an open oversight issue.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Council Apr 17th, 2026

Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:
  • Here, we've grown our budget by 75% in the last six years.
  • Of all of those that say oversight, well, they also have specific things: the Tobacco Settlement Oversight
  • We have the Investment Oversight Committee.
  • I do believe we have too many oversight committees.
  • And so when I don't call on you, it's not an oversight.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And that's a promise that we broke last session when we were trying to balance the budget.
  • And that's a promise that we broke last session when we were trying to balance the budget.
  • PLU does not receive operating dollars from the state budget. Don't ask for them.
  • Unlike national accrediting bodies, state oversight reflects local realities.
  • National accreditation plays an important role, but it cannot replace state-level oversight.
Summary: The Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held courtesy hearings on three bills before moving to executive session. House Bill 2443 would create an Armed Forces Reserve post-secondary education grant for members of the Armed Forces Reserve and their spouses or dependents, with repayment required unless the reservist serves one year for each year of benefit received. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to extend educational support similar to what Washington National Guard members already receive. Testimony was generally supportive, emphasizing military readiness, recruitment, and fairness to reservists; one clarification was made that the bill applies to Armed Forces Reserve members broadly, not just the Army Reserve. House Bill 2567 would restore Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award amounts for students attending four-year private, not-for-profit institutions. The sponsor and many students, school leaders, and private college representatives argued the 2025 cuts were inequitable, harmed low-income and first-generation students, and limited student choice. Supporters said the state’s dedicated financial aid account has grown and that the cuts disproportionately affected students at private institutions. Opponents, including representatives from public universities, argued state dollars should prioritize public institutions and questioned whether aid should be shifted away from state schools. Testimony was mixed but heavily pro, with sign-ins reported at 1,584 total, including 1,572 in support. House Bill 2498 would change nursing education oversight by limiting the Board of Nursing’s authority where programs are nationally accredited and by expediting approval for new programs. The sponsor and several community college leaders said the bill would reduce unnecessary barriers, speed program expansion, and help address the nursing shortage, especially in rural areas. The Board of Nursing, nursing educators, employers, and professional associations opposed the bill, arguing that state oversight is needed for public safety, Washington-specific workforce needs, and consistent standards, and that the board is already revising its rules through an open process. The committee then took executive action on two other bills: it passed Second Substitute House Bill 2363, allowing supervised music therapy practice for up to six months while exam results are verified, with an amendment delaying implementation to January 1, 2028; and it passed Substitute House Bill 2422, shifting private security guard license fees from applicants to employers and delaying implementation to November 1, 2026, by a 9-7 vote.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to Assembly Budget Sub 4.
  • revised budget and schedule.
  • of our budget change proposals.
  • This is not a budget committee, but I will tell you, I'm on the budget committee.
  • I'm just going to... it's not something in Budget Sub 4. You're talking about everything in budget?
Keywords: 988, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Feb 24th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247 establishes new budget and oversight and support duties for ESDs
  • It makes new hiring requirements apply to roles with significant financial oversight instead of budget
  • It makes new hiring requirements apply to roles with significant financial oversight instead of budget
  • It makes new hiring requirements apply to roles with significant financial oversight instead of budget
  • over the budget.
Committee: House Education
Keywords: 904, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • in the 2025-27 budget.
  • WEA was always about The 2025-27 budget. We're really concerned about that.
  • I believe what happened was that the part of the budget that funds our operating budgets for our higher
  • Because really, as I understand this bill, it's replacing who has oversight.
  • So a board is a board is a board in terms of oversight.
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 2337, which would repeal the planned 2027 requirement that certain family-member long-term care providers complete annual continuing education. Rep. Barnard said the bill was intended to reduce burdens on relatives caring for one loved one and to avoid forcing them into courses that are often not relevant to the person they support. Supportive testimony from family providers and disability advocates emphasized that family caregivers already receive individualized training from doctors and therapists, that the available course library is often geared toward aging-related care rather than developmental disabilities, and that mandatory CE could create compliance barriers and risk losing caregivers. Opponents, including SEIU 775 representatives and family caregivers who support the current system, argued that continuing education improves care quality, helps caregivers stay prepared as needs change, and should remain mandatory; they also said the state had already responded to prior concerns by expanding the course catalog and allowing repeat courses for credit. No action was taken on HB 2337. The committee then heard HB 2311, a technical bill making administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment and Accountability and Oversight Board. The bill would extend co-chair terms, allow more than four meetings per year, shift consultation on workforce investment effectiveness to the Student Achievement Council, and eliminate the requirement for a public data dashboard. The bill sponsor and supporters from WASAC, Microsoft, and the United Faculty of Washington State said the changes would improve board operations and oversight, while also raising broader concerns that WEA funds have been used to supplant general fund support for higher education. Testimony noted the dashboard had not been funded and that WASAC already tracks related metrics through other tools. No vote was taken on HB 2311 during the hearing. The committee then moved to executive action on HB 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying information in WASFA records. An amendment by Rep. Levitt was adopted to allow the Student Achievement Council to share applicant information with entities beyond higher education institutions under binding data-sharing agreements. The committee then adopted the amended substitute bill and voted it out of committee. The final roll call was 9-8 in favor, and Substitute HB 2132 was reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also announced that executive action on HB 288 and HB 2148 would be delayed and that no action would be taken on those bills that day.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/09/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement

House Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • The budget for the Oversight Office would represent a tiny fraction of this cost and would be a smart
  • The budget for the oversight office would represent a tiny fraction of this cost and would be a smart
  • I'm in favor of prison oversight and in favor of Senate Bill 1032.
  • This past summer I was part of an oversight committee, and with that oversight committee, what it would
  • Before, oversight committees couldn't do that.
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement first heard SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million from the State General Fund to the Corrections Oversight Fund in FY27 to help operate the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Supporters, including Justice Action Network, Representative Blackman, and a family member describing her son’s death in custody, argued the office is needed to address serious problems in the Department of Corrections, including mental health care failures, staff shortages, lawsuits, and the state’s federal receivership. Members largely agreed the office could improve transparency and accountability, and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 14-0 vote with one absent. The committee then considered SB 1107, which creates an alternative certification pathway for honorably discharged U.S. veterans who served as military police to become Arizona peace officers through abbreviated training and recognition of prior military training. Members asked whether the bill would include equivalent roles from all branches, such as Air Force security forces, and staff said the bill is intended to track Department of Defense training standards. Supporters emphasized the value of recruiting experienced applicants to address public safety staffing shortages, while one member raised concerns about applicants with prior misconduct in other states. The bill passed with a due pass recommendation on an 11-1 vote, with two present and one absent. Finally, the committee heard SB 1055, which requires law enforcement to immediately notify ICE or CBP when arresting a person unlawfully present in the United States. The bill drew strong support from one proponent who framed it as a public safety and immigration enforcement measure, and strong opposition from the ACLU and several community members who argued it would chill crime reporting, burden local agencies, raise civil rights concerns, and risk wrongful detention of citizens and tribal members. Representative Cruz offered a strike-everything amendment that would instead restrict DOC inmate telephone contracts from generating revenue above operating costs; supporters said it would reduce costs for families and improve communication, but the amendment failed 6-8. The committee then returned to the underlying SB 1055 and gave it a due pass recommendation on an 8-6 vote with one absent.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • There is strong legislative oversight.
  • There is strong legislative oversight.
  • <c> multi-year</c> oversight.
  • It requires multi-year oversight.
  • One of the things oversight in here.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee took up House File 4808, as amended by a DE3, a human services technology modernization bill. The author described the measure as a multi-year effort to modernize outdated county systems, improve data integration, and strengthen program integrity and fraud detection. The bill would create a Human Services Modernization Fund with a $50 million cap, establish an advisory council with strong county and tribal representation, and create a legislative commission to oversee the work and receive annual reports. It also includes a $10 million county-focused grant fund and a $15 million appropriation for the Office of Inspector General’s technology needs. Testimony from the Association of Minnesota Counties and related county groups strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate modernization, the importance of county and tribal involvement, and the value of legislative oversight. Members from both parties echoed support, saying the bill would help county workers spend less time on outdated systems and more time serving clients, and that better system integration could reduce errors and fraud issues. One member suggested that audits should be considered in the future in addition to reporting requirements. The committee adopted the DE3 amendment without opposition. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to refer House File 4808, as amended, to the general register, and the motion passed on a voice vote.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 1/22/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:06:39.400><c> that</c> to Minnesota management and budget that to Minnesota management and budget
  • </c><00:12:54.800><c> since</c> Minnesota management and budget since Minnesota management and budget
  • </c> C you know has an important oversight C you know has an important oversight role<00:47:32.440><c
  • for the oversight has responsibility for the oversight looks<00:50:36.920><c> at</c><00:50:37.160><c
  • </c><00:58:56.319><c> where</c> Minnesota management and budget where Minnesota management and budget
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We conduct oversight, both programmatic and fiscal oversight, for all projects that are funded through
  • We conduct oversight, both programmatic and fiscal oversight, for all projects that are funded through
  • </c><00:20:06.720><c> and</c> oversight um both programmatic and oversight um both programmatic and fiscal
  • </c><00:20:08.799><c> that</c> fiscal oversight for all projects that fiscal oversight for all projects
  • </c> oversight. So we do kind of keep a list. oversight. So we do kind of keep a list.
Bills: HF3426 , HF3428
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Fraud Committee Meeting - 2025-07-08

Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee's focus on fraud oversight led to many important reforms in the governor's budget being
  • Us to increase oversight until robust licensing standards are developed with community input.
  • Our role is providing administrative oversight.
  • This is going to be a question about the state budget.
  • Of the budget that just passed, the federal budget.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Budget Subcommittee Number Two on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy.
  • And last year, in last year's budget, we had $3.5 billion that was included in the budget.
  • And last year, in last year's budget, we had $3.5 billion that was included in the budget.
  • We're both in support of the small budget request from the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight.
  • Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 is adjourned. Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 is adjourned.
Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard presentations on six budget-related issues and took no votes; all items were held open for a future hearing. The first item concerned funding for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254 and Proposition 4. GoBiz and IBank requested nearly $26 million over five years and 10 limited-term positions to evaluate and finance eligible transmission projects. The LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted many implementation details remain unresolved. Senators questioned how the program would lower ratepayer costs, how funds would be protected, and whether the full requested amount was necessary; the administration said the financing strategy is still being developed and that consultants are needed. The committee then discussed trailer bill language to redirect $22 million in General Fund money from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026, and to use roughly $70 million in CalSHAPE interest for ratepayer relief through ELRP or an equivalent program in 2027-28. CEC and CPUC staff said DSGS and ELRP are reliability tools, not PSPS programs, and explained that DSGS had enrolled over 1,000 MW and was expected to have about $52 million available for 2026. Senators and the LAO raised concerns about ending a successful DSGS program, the complexity of transitioning customers to ELRP, and whether CalSHAPE funds should instead continue school HVAC and plumbing projects. Public commenters largely supported extending CalSHAPE and continuing or expanding DSGS rather than shifting funds to ELRP. The subcommittee also heard on petroleum market oversight under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested about $1.67 million and a small permanent staffing increase to implement new inventory, resupply, and market analysis duties. Senators pressed the agencies on gasoline price spikes, refinery maintenance, price gouging, and the status of the transportation fuels transition plan, which staff said would be released in draft form soon. Public testimony supported DPMO’s work and called for continued oversight of gasoline pricing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional budget proposals: resources to implement AB 1207’s changes to the California climate credit, funding for a study of large electrical loads such as data centers under SB 57, and staffing for AB 825’s regional market participation requirements. The LAO said the AB 1207 request may go beyond the statute and urged the Legislature to decide whether it wants a simpler or more complex climate credit redesign. Senators questioned the cost of the work, the need for ongoing staffing, and how ratepayer interests would be protected. The CPUC said the work is needed to adapt to changing load patterns, electrification, data center growth, and potential regional market participation. Public commenters also supported DPMO funding, CalSHAPE, and DSGS, and some urged the Legislature to keep DSGS at the CEC rather than shift funds to ELRP.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 01/29/25

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So let's move now to legislative oversight.
  • So let's move now to legislative oversight.
  • So let's move now to legislative oversight.
  • a lot of the implementation of a budget a lot of the implementation of that<00:48:17.640><c> budget<
  • oversight uh to ensure that the oversight uh to ensure that the attestation<01:20:58.320><c> is</c><01
Committee: Senate Finance
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • During that time period, we've had some entities voluntarily report to capital projects bond oversight
  • We have an appropriation that was made in the 24 budget cycle, among other things.
  • </c> term until the Medicaid oversight term until the Medicaid oversight Advisory<01:14:00.600><c> board
  • </c> will be able to address that in budget will be able to address that in budget language<01:29:34.920
  • </c><01:40:35.520><c> reforms</c> to pursue Medicaid oversight reforms to pursue Medicaid oversight reforms
Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on February 25 and considered a series of bills and joint resolutions, mostly involving appropriations, capital projects, and local infrastructure funding. The committee first adopted PHS 2 and passed House Bill 152, which creates a Medicaid supplemental payment program for public ground ambulance providers; the sponsor said the substitute ensures no state general fund dollars will be used and that local agencies must identify a funding source for any required match. HB 152 was reported favorably on a 20-0 vote. The committee also passed House Bill 545, the annual claims bill, after members confirmed all executive-branch claims were included; it was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 606, requiring reporting for general obligation bonds, also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then took up several joint resolutions tied to capital and infrastructure spending. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning water projects, was described as implementing ranked projects under the Waters program administered by KIA and was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Joint Resolution 32, concerning school facilities construction, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after discussion referencing the Auditor’s report and questions about a Johnson County Schools expenditure; it also passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 34, relating to contingent appropriations for KCTCS, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after testimony outlining three projects in Somerset, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Glasgow; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 46, for local road projects, was described as funding the highest-scoring local road requests from a larger pool of applications and passed 21-0. The committee also advanced House Joint Resolution 53, authorizing release of funds for KSU’s Health Sciences Center project, after KSU officials said the building is needed for nursing and allied health programs and promised a business plan report by November 1, 2025; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 54, authorizing funds related to the State Fair Board, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee considered House Bill 546, which revises the local roads and streets program by adding a DOT-developed scoring system, monthly reporting, a match requirement, and a $500,000 project cap; members asked about the cap and were told larger projects should be handled through other mechanisms. HB 546 was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. Finally, House Bill 605, a technical corrections and update bill for the local economic relief grant program, was amended by PHS 1 and discussed as expanding eligibility, including to the Delta Regional Authority and certain local-affiliated applicants; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 605.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Jul 16th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • And establish legislative intent clause to create a statewide charter school oversight entity.
  • Most of the audit findings point back to a greater need for oversight and transparency.
  • We need all of our systems, audits, authorizer oversight, and the State Board's funding determination
  • But unfortunately, our school's budget does not reflect that.
  • , a tough budget, and a time where we need to do two things.
Committee: House Education
Keywords: 988, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/26

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Governor's budget.
  • of our entire budget.
  • Okay, Okay, Okay, budget<01:07:08.400><c> neutral</c><01:07:08.720><c> just</c> budget neutral just budget
  • It's budget neutral. guidelines. It's budget neutral.
  • It is not a budget year. We last year. It is not a budget year.
Keywords: 1183, house
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This came in the operating budget.
  • This came in the operating budget.
  • Program operators pay for DOH oversight through annual fees.
  • Reflect DOH's actual oversight costs.
  • costs, and oversight activities.
Keywords: 904, all
Summary: At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report. Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our budget speaks our values.
  • This is a budget hearing. It's a budget and oversight hearing.
  • They can review and make recommendations, but that is not oversight, so that means we don't have oversight
  • CDCR does not want oversight, as far as we can tell.
  • Tanna Obligar with California's United for Responsible Budget.
Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.