Transcript Highlights:

• to get Medi-Cal would have a work requirement.
• to get Medi-Cal would have a work requirement.
• to get Medi-Cal would have a work requirement.
• Those are prescription required and are still on patent.
• So that's the estimated number of people who would not become enrolled with the enrollment freeze.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, many states require For example, many states require electronic<00:08:51.760><c> visit</
• </c><00:09:09.920><c> for</c> implementing these requirements for implementing these requirements for
• </c> We will be introducing a bill to require We will be introducing a bill to require accelerated<00
• They're automatically enrolled.
• These would be required before enrollment, before reenrollment, and before revalidation as a condition

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republican leaders held a press event to roll out a package of anti-fraud proposals focused on state welfare and human services programs. Mark Johnson opened by citing recent fraud scandals, including a shuttered housing program and reports of vulnerable adults being left without care while providers billed for full services, and said Republicans want top-down reform, stronger accountability, new technology, and tighter oversight of taxpayer dollars. Michael Kreun said Republicans support an independent Office of Inspector General and argued the Senate-passed bill should not be weakened in the House; he also said the Senate should restore its role in confirming agency commissioners, especially at DHS, which he described as central to the fraud problem. Jordan Rasmusson outlined a plan to stop “blank checks” for DHS and DCYF services by requiring legislative audit review when a program exceeds budget by 5 percent and legislative approval for additional spending at 10 percent over budget. He also said DHS should adopt basic integrity tools such as electronic visit verification and client sign-off. Steve Drazkowski described two bills: a statewide “do-not-pay” list to block payments to ineligible people or entities, and an “I’m Not a Robot” proposal for Medicaid managed care that would require enrollee verification forms, with a 2 percent payment withhold used to encourage compliance and potentially fund county system upgrades. Mark Krueger said the state should improve technology and data use for eligibility determinations, citing other states’ rapid fraud-fighting systems, and proposed penalties for false reporting to the Legislative Auditor after a DHS audit found falsified site-visit records. Steve Gruenhagen said his bill would require DHS and DCYF to resume annual fraud-prevention and oversight reports to the legislature, which he said had stopped after 2017 despite rising fraud cases. Michael Holmstrom proposed unannounced site visits for all DHS and DCYF providers before enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation, funded through provider service fees, and cited a recent case involving a woman with autism who was billed for far more care than she received. In the Q&A, Kreun said House Democrats’ delete-everything amendment to the inspector general bill removed the law enforcement division and stripped the bill of its “teeth,” and he suggested the governor’s office may have been involved in efforts to replace the bill with a weaker coordination council model. No votes were taken in the press conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just drawing a blank open enrollment I'm just drawing a blank open enrollment open<03:31:31.359><
• ><c> be</c><03:31:33.680><c> deleted</c> open enrollment has has to be deleted open enrollment has has
• Uh, can we move on to open enrollment?
• Uh, can we move on to open enrollment?
• Uh, can we move on to open enrollment?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference spent most of its time on Senate Bill 96, which deals with educator conduct and when information may be withheld from parents. The main dispute was over the House-amended language on violations and the “compelling state interest” standard. The Senate sponsor objected to extending penalties to third-party medical or mental health contractors and to language suggesting psychological or emotional injury to a child would not constitute a compelling state interest. The House side argued its draft was intended to keep the bill focused on credentialed educators and administrators, to include parents or guardians, and to avoid creating competing standards by relying on existing abuse definitions in statute. The House also added a requirement that any withholding of information be documented and reported to the school board in nonpublic session, and both sides discussed whether educators, administrators, nurses, and guidance counselors would be covered under the statutory definition of educator. The discussion also covered enforcement and penalties. The House draft proposed that an educator found to have willfully violated the law could have a credential suspended for a first offense and would face a minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, while the Senate raised concerns that this was too rigid and did not allow enough discretion or address revocation. The House later explained that the department would still have discretion on first offenses and that the one-year rule applied only to multiple offenses. Another point of disagreement was a three-year statute of limitations for investigations, which the House said was meant to prevent “witch hunts,” while the Senate noted New Hampshire’s constitutional prohibition on retroactive laws. After caucusing, the Senate rejected the House amendment, and the House then voted non-concur; the committee of conference adjourned without agreement. The transcript then moved to Senate Bill 87, concerning one-day liquor license requirements and allowing salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise licenses. The members discussed a House amendment that would allow two drinks instead of one, with supporters saying the change reflected the longer time customers may spend in salons and that alcohol service would still be covered by existing training requirements, including the EDGE course. Opponents worried that allowing multiple drinks would create over-serving and enforcement problems and could complicate business practices. After discussion, the Senate member agreed to go along with the House position, and the bill was reported ready for final sign-off.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 120,000 in a RFP process which require 120,000 in a RFP process which require match<00:47:05.520
• </c><00:47:24.800><c> we</c> funds um with that match requirements we funds um with that match requirements
• We use a two-year FL when we have final enrollment numbers.
• We use a two-year FL when we have final enrollment numbers.
• </c><01:32:19.800><c> so</c> funding based on actual enrollment so funding based on actual enrollment

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, we require a minimum of 144 hours per year.
• So we do require...
• So we do require...
• State policy requires that apprenticeship utilization requirements on public works projects, but things
• Hardin around the enrollment growth.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is something that requires PED approval.
• I think that's what I heard you say, deductions for enrollment.
• But again, it requires the family to provide that information.
• Will it meet the requirements?
• Of course, there's attendance requirements.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:13.000><c> is</c> increasing and um student enrollment is increasing and um student enrollment
• </c><00:58:42.160><c> uh</c> higher costs in general or enrolls uh higher costs in general or enrolls
• /c><01:15:13.080><c> kids</c> enrolling um and um enrolling kids enrolling um and um enrolling kids eligible
• </c> work and any reporting requirements work and any reporting requirements associated<01:42:16.639>
• </c> strategies the statute also requires strategies the statute also requires grantees<01:44:49.880>

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we're projected to lose another 10% of our enrollment by FY31.
• So the reduction to the SEG for enrollment decline is in FY27.
• So they each either tripled or quadrupled their enrollment year over year.
• It is not required in statute to approve a virtual program. Thank you. Mr.
• They don't necessarily require major equipment.

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And currently, what's your enrollment overall?
• The school is required to document that determination.
• promoting enrollment, and...
• Many universities, like Rice, already require students to maintain health insurance while they're enrolled
• It does not require a university... ...programs that these universities offer, and it does not require

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• And 924, we refer to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for enrolling.
• Driver's ed is listed at 167 enrollments, and high school classes is 196 enrollments.
• Look at your sheet and look at your dual enrollment, your dual credit enrollment for college and high
• IDLA, you fail two classes, and you can't enroll again.
• Non-debatim motion requires two-thirds of the body or 47 votes to pass.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to triple enrollment.
• Next, on page seven, a statute requires five-year facility master plans that require long-term planning
• statutory requirements.
• And I think, you know, Daniel mentioned all the requirements and all the staff it requires, both at the
• These 370 candidates are now enrolled in an EPP, so we're also seeing a boost to the enrollment in our

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But when we talk about enrollment, people often ask me, how's enrollment?
• But when we talk about enrollment, people often ask me, how's enrollment?
• But when we remove dual credit students from enrollment, you can, Students from enrollment, you can see
• It's required by accreditation.
• We had smaller enrollments.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to understand all the timing requirements.
• the complexity of our current requirements.
• They didn't, they don't want to require of that school district.
• available, when certain requirements are met.
• available, when certain requirements are met.

Summary: The Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee heard three bills. Senate Bill 6052 would create a statewide digital transcript data-sharing environment for K-12 and postsecondary institutions, with student or parent permission required for disclosure. Supporters from universities, OSPI, school districts, counselors, and education groups said the bill would reduce paper handling, staff time, errors, and delays in admissions and enrollment, while improving security and student access; members asked about alignment with the High School and Beyond Plan, FERPA, apprenticeships, and out-of-state transfer issues. Senate Bill 6051 would allow local school boards to grant waivers or partial waivers of certain state laws and rules to individual schools, while excluding health and safety, civil rights, parental rights, basic education, and other protected areas. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give districts flexibility and surface recurring regulatory burdens, but OSPI, the State Board of Education, WEA, and school board groups raised concerns about broad scope, lack of definitions, possible impacts on special education and basic education compliance, and added complexity or legal costs. Some district representatives supported the idea of flexibility and relief from unfunded mandates, but suggested the bill needed more work. Senate Bill 5907 would expand ECEAP access for military families with incomes below 60% of state median income and prioritize children with deployed or single custodial military parents. The sponsor and supporters from ESDs, school districts, Head Start/ECEAP, child advocacy groups, and veterans organizations said military families face frequent moves, deployments, child care instability, and related stress, and that the bill would provide a modest, cost-effective benefit without state fiscal impact. In executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute and passed SB 5860 to Ways and Means, and adopted a proposed substitute and passed SB 5574 to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• to enroll at DHS at as are the required to enroll at DHS at as are the individual<00:13:30.240><c> providers
• It's a requirement of enrollment that they know how to bill properly, that they understand what the requirements
• > a</c><00:55:17.520><c> requirement</c><00:55:18.000><c> of</c><00:55:18.160><c> enrollment</c><00:55
• :19.160><c> that</c> it's a requirement of enrollment that it's a requirement of enrollment that they
• When we're thinking about when we enroll consultation service providers, for example, we require in their

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The national average where an alcohol evaluation is required is a BAC of 0.15.
• Senate Bill 27 is ordered enrolled, and the Assembly is to be notified of our action.
• Senate Bill 130 is ordered enrolled, and the Assembly is to be notified of our action.
• SB 428 is ordered enrolled, and the Assembly is to be notified of our action.
• required. 136 of the proceeds of the live entertainment tax after the required transfer of $150,000.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also requires the Legislature to review the distribution of funds at least yearly and requires
• The required instruction is to be implemented as follows: currently employed classroom teachers are required
• So they would have to be enrolled, complete the course, and the department has to... ...be enrolled,
• The bill requires the Chancellor to develop the program and requires the Chancellor to identify appropriate
• The bill requires the Chancellor to develop the program and requires the Chancellor to identify appropriate

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that the department becomes responsible for re-enrolling the child and requires the department to provide
• requires the superintendent that section requires the superintendent to<00:15:16.240><c> immediately
• uh the child and for re-enrolling uh the child and requires<00:16:09.560><c> the</c><00:16:09.720><c
• </c><00:18:34.240><c> options</c> post-secondary enrollment options post-secondary enrollment options
• </c><00:41:47.680><c> an</c> requirement requiring that um uh an requirement requiring that um uh an

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The throttle of the GPA requirement was something we were looking at.
• If it exceeds that, the campuses are required to recalibrate the awards. required to recalculate and
• A one-time $20 million investment will allow us to rebuild and expand enrollment.
• The Golden State Teacher Grant Program requires a really short turnaround.
• Education is a right, but protecting it requires investment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:58.559><c> in</c> make it harder for people to enroll in make it harder for people to enroll
• Uh so through the enrollment process.
• </c> annual and special open enrollment annual and special open enrollment periods<00:19:17.039><c> and
• </c> different way about 15% of enrolles different way about 15% of enrolles canceled<00:26:09.840><c
• </c> reach all of our enrolles. reach all of our enrolles.

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So it also requires them to have an enrollment preference when you're outside that zone.
• You mentioned the enrollment specification or enrollment performance.
• , will the School of Hope have an enrollment requirement in order to maintain its occupancy in that public
• So my question was, will they have an enrollment requirement in order to maintain their occupancy of
• So they would enter into that agreement, and based on that agreement, there would be an enrollment requirement

Summary: The House took up a series of Senate messages and concurred in several amendments before passing multiple bills. Early actions included unanimous passage of CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after removing a Senate-added trust-account provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties in business ownership after trimming registration requirements. The chamber also insisted on its housing amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 after the Senate refused to concur. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation. The House adopted an amendment restoring two teacher-prep courses, preserving the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College in partnership with USF, and modifying the teacher candidate testing framework and mentor qualifications. Supporters said it reduced barriers while keeping standards; opponents raised concerns about the remaining “identity politics” language and other provisions. The bill then passed 91-22. The House also passed HB 1101 on out-of-network providers after adopting a House amendment that kept the original bill’s notice and referral provisions with a good-cause exemption, despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. Later, the chamber approved CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, with members highlighting debris management, emergency planning, crane safety, and hurricane recovery provisions; it passed unanimously. The House then rejected concurrence in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration, and later spent substantial time debating CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, especially Schools of Hope, expanded co-location authority, funding, transportation, and school-district agreement terms. Critics argued the language was added late and could disadvantage traditional public schools, while supporters said it would expand options for students; the debate continued with the bill still under consideration at the end of the excerpt.