Video & Transcript : 'marijuana alternatives' :
Page 76 of 467
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We've launched our juvenile detention alternative initiative back in 2004 in Pierce County.
- We've launched our juvenile detention alternative initiative back in 2004 in Pierce County.
- So this juvenile detention alternative initiative, the system improvement is many things.
- , and Option C, the chemical dependency mental health disposition alternative, allow for a suspended
- We're also unclear how a juvenile sentence to a disposition alternative would be revoked if they did
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session on juvenile rehabilitation trends and then a hearing on Senate Bill 6062. The work session featured a national overview from NCSL, DCYF updates on Green Hill, Harbor Heights, and community transition services, and local/community perspectives from Pierce County, Team Child, and Northwest Credible Messengers. The national presentation described broad juvenile justice trends, including limits on extreme sentencing, expanded diversion and due process protections, reduced fines and fees, record clearing, and changes in juvenile court jurisdiction. Committee members asked about juvenile crime trends and overcrowding, and the presenter noted that crime has generally decreased overall since 2020, though some offenses have risen in some places and overcrowding remains an issue in certain states.
DCYF reported on its behavior management system, Harbor Heights opening as relief for overcrowding, Green Hill population pressures, and expansion of community transition services. Officials said the behavior management system is intended to improve safety, consistency, and restorative accountability, while Harbor Heights has added programming and family engagement but still faces space, IT, and medical-infrastructure challenges. Green Hill leaders said reduced population has improved stability, programming, and use-of-force outcomes, but overcrowding remains a concern. DCYF also highlighted an ombuds process, family listserv updates, staffing changes, and a proposed budget request for additional JR capacity and staffing. Pierce County described its long-running detention reform work, reduced average daily detention population, and plans for a new juvenile justice center, while Team Child and Northwest Credible Messengers emphasized community-based supports, culturally responsive services, healing-centered engagement, and reentry planning.
Senate Bill 6062 was then briefed as a measure revising juvenile sentencing and JR placement rules. The bill would require courts to grant suspended disposition alternatives in eligible cases unless the court finds community supervision would not adequately protect the community, expand eligibility for certain sentencing alternatives, require midpoint review hearings, and set rules for transfers from JR to DOC when facilities exceed 105% of rated bed capacity. The committee also voted to waive the five-day notice rule for hearings on Senate Bills 6319 and 5979, and that motion passed. During public testimony on SB 6062, youth from Green Hill supported the bill and asked for clearer standards around DOC transfers, while DCYF supported efforts to reduce JR population but said the bill needs stronger emergency transfer language to address overcrowding at Green Hill. Committee members and the bill sponsor emphasized rehabilitation, individualized sentencing, and the need to balance community safety with better placement and services for youth.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/11/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> alternative healthc care services. alternative healthc care services.
- I was doing this alternative care.
- </c> define as complimentary and alternative define as complimentary and alternative health health health
- ><c> practices</c> It brings alternative wellness practices It brings alternative wellness practices
- </c> alternative about these practices. alternative about these practices.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions and Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any opportunities to grow the number of licensees under your jurisdiction as an alternative
- Are there any opportunities to grow the number of licensees under your jurisdiction as an alternative
- As you're aware, in 2001, the Legislature enacted the Alternative and Complementary Health Care Act,
- First, it protects the right of Californians to seek and receive complementary and alternative health
- Ensure that lawful alternative and complementary health care practices remain protected.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development and Assembly Business and Professions Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any opportunities to grow the number of licensees under your jurisdiction as an alternative
- As you're aware, in 2001, the Legislature enacted the Alternative and Complementary Health Care Act,
- First, it protects the right of Californians to seek and receive complementary and alternative health
- Ensure that lawful alternative and complementary health care practices remain protected.
- Ensure that lawful alternative and complementary health care practices remain protected.
Summary:
The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its mission, recent modernization or enforcement work, and requested continuation of its authority. Committee members focused on access to care, workforce impacts, fee structures, transparency, and whether proposed changes would improve public protection without creating unnecessary barriers.
For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate to a bachelor’s degree for entry-level licensure, fee cleanup changes, and ongoing work on the role of LVNs in respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree change would better align with national trends and could support future reimbursement and professional advancement, while public commenters and some legislators warned it could worsen shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Much of the public testimony centered on families and facilities relying on LVNs for trach and ventilator care in congregate living health facilities, with requests to preserve or expand exemptions. The board also discussed its reserve cap and efforts to modernize licensing and enforcement systems.
The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders argued the current voluntary certification/title-act model works, that complaints have not shown public harm, and that licensure would disrupt the workforce and create barriers for experienced designers. Committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, transparency, and whether the model provides enough accountability or consistent plan acceptance by local jurisdictions. Public testimony was split between supporters who said the current system is flexible and effective, and critics who said the private structure lacks accountability and creates confusion, especially for commercial work and plan check acceptance.
The Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster application times, new continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules. Members and stakeholders discussed a proposed audiology assistant license, which the board and the California Academy of Audiology supported as a way to improve access to care and reduce workload pressures. The Occupational Therapy Board described strong enforcement and licensing performance, a new strategic plan, and a request for additional fee authority to address rising costs and reserve concerns; public testimony largely supported the board and a proposed reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The Naturopathic Medicine Board emphasized consumer protection, unlicensed practice enforcement, and consumer confusion over titles, saying most of its enforcement workload involves unlicensed activity and that stronger title protection and clearer statutory authority are needed.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- leaves of absence for certain incarcerated individuals, the second one concerning providing an alternative
- And that was consistent at the time with looking at alternatives 15 days.
- And that was consistent at the time with looking at alternatives to confinement for sanctions.
- These programs include the community parenting alternative, graduated reentry, and the reentry center
- Sentencing alternatives have provided opportunities for people to, Sentencing alternatives have provided
Summary:
The committee began with a Department of Corrections update focused on agency culture, staff safety, reentry, and health services. Secretary Tim Lang highlighted DOC’s “Washington Way” approach, expanded visitation reforms, safety summits, community-corrections sanction changes, education and transportation improvements, partial confinement expansion, and efforts to increase volunteer and peer-led programming. Assistant Secretaries Danielle Armbruster and David Flynn described progress on Pell Grant implementation, reentry transportation, partial confinement, behavioral health standards, HIPAA compliance, the 1115 Medicaid waiver, telehealth expansion, and budget requests for opioid use disorder treatment, close-custody capacity, and staffing relief. Members asked about veterans’ units, telehealth for substance use treatment, women’s placement on the east side, correctional industries, and firefighting training.
The new Office of Correction Ombuds director, Jeremiah Bourgeois, then outlined the office’s mission and limited resources, saying he would focus on the most serious complaints and continue building accountability with DOC. He described recent OCO reports, including findings of excessive force at the women’s prison, and said DOC had agreed to implement all recommendations. He also noted a new process for referring possible criminal misconduct to DOC leadership and law enforcement. Committee members praised the DOC-OCO partnership and Bourgeois’s appointment.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5895, which would add a new basis for extraordinary medical placement when DOC cannot meet an incarcerated person’s basic medical care needs. Senator Saldana said the bill is intended to provide a compassionate, workable path for people with serious or end-of-life medical needs while maintaining public safety. Testifiers in support included family members, Disability Rights Washington, and the League of Women Voters, who said the current EMP process is too restrictive and rarely results in release. DOC testified that it supports the EMP framework but has concerns about the bill’s definition of “basic medical care.” A former DOC physician suggested extending the qualifying time period and adding “approximately” to the language.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 5873, which would expand escorted leaves of absence to include reentry-focused outings and broaden the family definition for funeral or bedside visits. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to support a “slow release” and better prepare people for community reentry. DOC supported the concept, and witnesses from public defense, DOC reentry, and Amend said escorted reentry outings are consistent with evidence-based and international correctional practices. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5945, which would limit persistent offender sentencing to convictions occurring after age 18 and require resentencing for affected people. Supporters argued the bill aligns with youth brain-development research and would address racial disparities; opponents, including prosecutors, victim advocates, and sheriffs’ representatives, said it would reopen painful cases, undermine finality, and impose costs. The hearing on that bill was still underway when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development and Assembly Business and Professions Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any opportunities to grow the number of licensees under your jurisdiction as an alternative
- Are there any opportunities to grow the number of licensees under your jurisdiction as an alternative
- As you're aware, in 2001, the Legislature enacted the Alternative and Complementary Health Care Act,
- First, it protects the right of Californians to seek and receive complementary and alternative health
- Ensure that lawful alternative and complementary healthcare practices remain protected.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Lower-cost alternatives, like generics and biosimilars, offer the same safety and efficacy...
- has generated significant savings for our health system and for our patients as these lower-cost alternatives
- , including both generics and... ...system and for our patients, as these lower-cost alternatives, including
- Specify that a plan is not authorized to alter or... ...to try an alternative product, specify that a
- We have many safe, effective, lower-cost alternatives to staggeringly expensive biologics available today
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 30th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- There is also a definition of alternative fuel, which includes a list of fuels other than conventional
- It also removes the definition of alternative fuel.
- And also, we thought there might be some concerns about the implications of removing alternative fuel
- And so, to be clear, I just wanted to offer that biodiesel, Biodiesel, hydrogen, and other alternative
- So Senate Bill 6269 would better guide alternative fuel projects that draw on state funding, offering
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
motor fuel, fuel quality act, RCW 19.112, alternative fuel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol blend, alcohol fuel, diesel fuel, nonhazardous motor fuel, biofuels, clean fuels, transportation fuels, Washington fuel standards, fuel labeling, fuel blending, petroleum products, natural gas vehicles, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There is also a definition of alternative fuel, which includes a list of fuels other than conventional
- It also removes the definition of alternative fuel.
- And also, we thought there might be some concerns about the implications of removing alternative fuel
- And so, to be clear, I just wanted to offer that biodiesel, hydrogen, and other alternative fuels, as
- So Senate Bill 6269 would better guide alternative fuel projects that draw on state funding, offering
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee first held a public hearing on SB 6269, which updates the Motor Fuel Quality Act to broaden the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous fuels and electricity and remove the separate alternative fuel definition. Staff and the Department of Agriculture said the change would let WSDA inspect and test hydrogen and other newer fuels; Commerce and Douglas County PUD supported the bill as needed for hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The bill drew no opposition testimony, and the hearing closed with the chair noting broad support.
The committee then heard SB 6223, which would authorize community-scale weatherization projects under the low-income weatherization program. Supporters from community action, Spark Northwest, Commerce, and Washington Conservation Action said the bill would let the state weatherize multiple homes at once, improve health and safety, reduce energy burdens, and help meet climate and grid goals more quickly. Staff said the bill has a fiscal note for rulemaking and administration. The hearing ended with strong support and no opposition testimony.
In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes and passed SB 5982, SB 6050, SB 5965, SB 6010, SB 5984, SB 6076, and SB 5652 to the Rules Committee or Ways and Means, depending on the bill. Amendments were adopted on SB 5965 to adjust carryout bag provisions, while amendments on SB 6010 were not adopted. SB 5982 would update CETA-related utility definitions and reporting, SB 6050 addresses distributed energy resources and utility rules, SB 5965 revises carryout bag requirements, SB 6010 concerns EFSEC tribal consultation, SB 5984 regulates AI companion chatbots, SB 6076 streamlines procurement for certain clean energy projects, and SB 5652 concerns environmental and health mitigation in large port districts. The committee also noted it would not take action that day on SB 5975 and SB 5466.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, as an alternative to using oils and fats, it's possible to make SAF from ethanol.
- Because they're more expensive than the alternative, then industry is not going to provide more of them
- And I think, you know, the agenda even mentions, staff mentioned some other alternatives there.
- And I think, you know, the agenda even mentions, staff mentioned some other alternatives there.
- We don't have other alternatives. Thank you. Good afternoon, Chair and members.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the credit would help decarbonize aviation, support refinery transitions, and keep fuel production and jobs in California. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited climate benefits, and would reduce diesel excise tax revenue that supports highways, local streets and roads, and other transportation programs.
A major point of debate was whether the credit would simply shift limited feedstocks from renewable diesel to SAF rather than create new low-carbon fuel supply. Professor Aaron Smith and the LAO said that because feedstocks such as used cooking oil, tallow, and vegetable oils are limited and already used in other fuel markets, the policy could increase SAF at the expense of renewable diesel, with possible increases in fuel prices and little net emissions benefit. Administration and CARB staff disputed that outcome, saying additional waste-based feedstocks are available and that the policy would not meaningfully raise gasoline or diesel prices. Senators focused on feedstock availability, impacts on road funding, fairness to consumers, and whether the proposal was really aimed at preserving specific refineries such as Phillips 66.
Public comment was sharply divided. Labor representatives, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, airports, and some local residents supported the proposal, emphasizing jobs, refinery investment, and aviation’s need for a liquid-fuel decarbonization pathway. Environmental and transportation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, World Resources Institute, Earthjustice, California Environmental Voters, counties, cities, and trucking and asphalt associations, opposed it, citing weak net climate benefits, possible fuel-price impacts, and losses to transportation funding. No vote was taken; the chair announced all items would be held open for a future hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Finance Sub Committee Sep 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- response, is an alternative to investigation for low to moderate risk reports that would otherwise be
- And in New Mexico, in 2019, legislation was passed to require CYFD to implement multi-level Alternative
- To implement as a pilot in fiscal year 26 that type of alternative response as well.
- Carly, I have a question about alternative response in the chart, and the flowchart is super helpful.
- So zero cases received an alternative response in New Mexico, while 14% received an alternative response
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- Even if there are no good alternative services, AT&T will waive.
- In closing, I know we all want, and I include AT&T here, to get to a time when we have alternatives to
- And also that there must be a comparatively priced alternative.
- Is the question about, is the comment about the fiber, yeah, the alternative technology?
- That we define what alternative basic service was, so if you don't define it, you can't measure it.
Committee:
House Communications and Conveyance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/29/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:34:25.079><c> connect</c> or CF 2 uh the alternative connect or CF 2 uh the alternative connect
- They said, invest in Minnesota; you can do alternative livestock.
- I watch Minnesota create grants to encourage alternative livestock and small-acreage production.
- There’s an alternative idea, and I’ve run this by Senator Putnam as well.
- There’s an alternative idea, and I’ve run this by Senator Putnam as well.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill creates an alternative compliance...
- for Washington program and determined not to be a safer alternative.
- Certain crimes are not eligible for this sentencing alternative.
- A defendant is eligible for the sentencing alternative or other reduced sentence.
- Certain crimes are not eligible for this sentencing alternative.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- um at this point financing alternative um at this point to<00:04:49.520><c> just</c><00:04:49.680><c
- out there and then the many Alternatives out there and then withdraw<00:09:09.800><c> the</c><00:09:
- uh viable Alternatives this session and<00:43:37.599><c> in</c><00:43:38.119><c> uh</c><00:43:38.280
- What other alternatives have you all or your members explored over the last five, six years? Mr.
- have have you or what other Alternatives have have you all<00:58:02.640><c> or</c><00:58:02.799><c>
Bills:
HF837
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- He said there was work being done to find alternate funding, and if it stays as a general fund item,
- He said there is some work being done to find alternate funding, and he is hoping some of the things
- is introducing it, but he thinks the discussion needs to be had and that they need to find some alternative
- He said they are working very hard to find alternate ways to fund this, being very cognizant of the budget
- We're working very hard to find alternate ways to fund this, being very cognizant of our budget, but
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee convened with a quorum, welcomed a new page, Allie Silver of Twin Falls, and heard that she hopes to pursue nursing. The committee then took up House Bill 591, a county-requested cleanup bill repealing the last remaining code section for the defunct county medical indigent program, which was repealed in 2022. Representative Redman presented the bill, Representative Healy moved a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved sending HB 591 to the floor.
The committee next introduced RS 33469, which would add physical therapists to the direct primary care section of state code. Representative Furman said the measure would allow physical therapists to participate in direct primary care arrangements without expanding their scope of practice, though members asked for more detail about the diagnosis and assessment language. The committee voted to introduce the RS. It also introduced RS 33466, a joint memorial supporting the Department of Insurance’s actions against Medicare Advantage plan practices that allegedly made enrollment difficult and reduced broker commissions; Furman said the memorial would urge CMS to clarify roles and support Idaho’s efforts to protect seniors and stabilize the insurance market.
The most extensive discussion centered on RS 33407, which would place the assertive community treatment (ACT) behavioral health program into statute after budget cuts disrupted its funding structure. Furman argued the program serves people with severe mental illness, reduces hospital and jail use, and saves the state money, while committee members raised concerns about the fiscal note, future general-fund costs, enrollment limits, and whether the bill would expand the program. Furman said the program remains constrained by provider ratios and clinical need, and that alternate funding options were being explored. Despite reservations from some members and the chair, the committee voted 15-1 with one “maybe” to introduce RS 33407, then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Moreover, this legislation strengthens fiscal stewardship by ensuring that alternative providers are
- It's the program predecessor, the alternatives to Abortion, now the Thriving Texas Families has always
- Historically, grants from the Alternatives to Abortion Programs said that no organizations with legal
- The abortion, I mean, the alternatives to abortion funding had gone.
- Um, which is 2 whole years ago, if you can believe that, as the alternatives to abortion program.
Committee:
House Public Health
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Moreover, this legislation strengthens fiscal stewardship by ensuring that alternative providers are
- One other thing that I would ask you to try to figure out: are there alternative payment sources for
- The bill codified SB 24, which established the Alternatives to Abortion program that had always existed
- It's the predecessor of the Alternatives to Abortion program that they're having...
- Historically, grants from the Alternatives to Abortion Program stated that no organizations with legal
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
SB 670, investigational sun protection products, sun protection, sunscreen, FDA approval, clinical trial, phase one trial, patient access, informed consent, physician prescription, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Medical Board, compassionate use, experimental treatment, medical freedom, patient autonomy, healthcare regulation, dietitian, dietitians, licensed dietitian
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, so we are more than happy to have that discussion in regards to looking at alternatives for the
- Specifically, we completed the first alternative methodology by the July 1, 2025 federal deadline.
- Issue four is regarding the child care alternative methodology survey trailer bill.
- So current law... ...is regarding the child care alternative methodology survey trailer bill.
- There is no clear alternative if CHIRP is cut.
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy budget hearing focused on child care, child welfare, and immigration-related services, with most of the discussion centered on child care funding, slot utilization, and rate reform. Department of Social Services officials said the Governor’s budget would provide $6.8 billion for child care programs in 2026-27, including $11.5 million in Prop. 64 funds for mini-grants to licensed facilities affected by 2025 disasters. They also described federal CCDF and Prop. 64 revenue reductions that would reduce general child care funding by about 4,176 slots, while emphasizing that the cuts should not affect currently enrolled children. The LAO supported aligning spending with lower revenues and asked for more detail on the disaster grant program. Members questioned why so many awarded slots remain uncontracted or unfilled, and DSS said delays are largely due to providers building new infrastructure, licensing, staffing, and enrollment work. One senator criticized the repeated explanation, argued unspent funds revert to the General Fund instead of being redirected to child care, and urged shifting more funding from contract slots to vouchers and increasing flexibility for infrastructure and expansion costs. DSS said it is exploring more flexibility, better readiness screening, and quicker redistribution of relinquished slots. The committee also discussed the Emergency Child Care Bridge program, with DSS saying it can redistribute funds among counties to avoid disenrolling children.
A second panel addressed the state’s broader commitment to expand child care and move toward a single rate structure. DSS reported that since 2021-22 nearly 125,000 new slots have been awarded across CCTR, CAPP, CMAP, and the Emergency Child Care Bridge program, bringing monthly service levels to more than 366,700 children. The department and CDE described progress on rate reform, including completion of the alternative methodology and joint recommendations from the labor-management committee on a single-rate framework. County and provider testimony emphasized persistent unmet need, especially for infant and toddler care, and argued that current reimbursement disparities between CDSS-funded programs and state preschool create inequities and discourage expansion. Stanislaus County Office of Education said rate differences can materially affect local program revenue and staffing, while Parent Voices California described the child care system as difficult to navigate and inequitable, especially for Black families and survivors of domestic violence. The California Budget and Policy Center argued that only a small share of eligible children are served, that Universal TK has concentrated investment in school-based settings, and that providers are still paid far below the cost of care. Members pressed the administration for deadlines on automation and implementation of the single-rate structure, and DSS said some work can proceed before collective bargaining concludes, though policy decisions are still needed.
The committee also reviewed several trailer bill proposals. For the COLA, DSS proposed applying the 2026-27 increase through cost-of-care-plus payments, but acknowledged it had inadvertently excluded CalWORKs Child Care and the Emergency Child Care Bridge from the initial calculation; the LAO recommended making the COLA increase uniform across child care and state preschool programs. On the alternative methodology survey, DSS proposed replacing the market rate survey with the federally approved alternative methodology and aligning the timing with the federal CCDF state plan cycle. On licensed family child care homes, DSS proposed limiting temporary absences to 20% of monthly care hours and allowing more flexibility for medical appointments, jury duty, training, and union activities. On excessive unexplained absences, DSS proposed a statutory definition to align state policy with federal rules allowing disenrollment after 30 days of unexplained absences. The committee also discussed a proposal to require contractors to collect family fees directly so the full voucher value reaches providers, with DSS saying it is working with Riverside County on implementation and CDE asking that the same policy apply to state preschool. Finally, the committee reviewed an Early Childhood Policy Council reappropriation and reporting proposal, with DSS explaining that prior funds were underused because participation costs are hard to estimate and that additional staffing and contractor support would be needed for the expanded annual report requirements.
WI
Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Committee on Finance May 12th, 2026
Joint Committee on Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Alternative one moved by Representative McGuire, seconded by Representative Andraca.
- I would move alternative three, seconded by Marklein. Any discussion? Seeing none?
- I would move alternative A1 and B1, seconded by Senator Marklein. Any discussion?
- Representative McGuire moves alternative one, seconded by Representative Andraca.
- Representative McGuire moves alternative one, seconded by Representative Andraca.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Finance