Transcript Highlights:

• setting for their health care needs; and being capable of also providing services directly or by contract
• We're wrapping up those contract negotiations now and will be ready to execute those for statewide expansion
• We're wrapping up those contract negotiations now and will be ready to execute those for statewide expansion
• The department contracted with a community-based sickle cell disease medical treatment research center
• Then SB 1582, a year later, also made some modifications.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee received updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health on implementation of 2024 health care laws. AHCA reviewed progress on workforce and reimbursement measures in Senate Bill 7016 and related bills, including FRAME and TEACH funding, graduate medical education reporting, behavioral health teaching hospitals, acute hospital care at home, advanced birth centers, non-emergent care access plans, and rural emergency hospitals. Agency officials said several programs are already operational or have begun payments, while others are still in rulemaking, federal approval, or report-preparation stages. Senators asked about timing, funding reversion concerns, and whether appropriated dollars would be spent on schedule, especially for behavioral health teaching hospitals and the new birth center category. The Department of Health then reported on practitioner licensure and public health programs. MQA described implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Mobile Act licensure pathway, massage therapy enforcement changes, background screening expansion, liposuction safety requirements, pharmacist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis authority, and chiropractic dry needling. Public health staff updated the committee on FRAME and dental loan repayment, the Sinati screening grant program, the cancer research and innovation changes, the health care innovation council and loan program, the pediatric rare disease grant program, telehealth maternity care expansion, newborn screening for congenital CMV, the sickle cell registry and grants, and the swimming lesson voucher program. Members focused questions on how practitioners were being recruited to underserved areas, the pace of licensure approvals, and whether new programs were on track to use appropriated funds. The committee also heard a lengthy update from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The director reported more than 900,000 qualified patients, real-time seed-to-sale tracking now integrated across most dispensaries and labs, and ongoing compliance work on product testing, advertising, diversion, and patient safety. Senators questioned the decline in qualified physicians, how THC potency is labeled and verified, and what the agency can do about diversion to non-patients. The director said the office relies on complaints, inspections, lab audits, and coordination with law enforcement, and that patients can be suspended if violations are confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have a contract. contract with a distribution center.
• So the level of contracting and contract oversight, product oversight that's needed.
• contract contracted resources most of our the majority of our project deliver development and delivery
• Okay, contracts. Contracts as the law requires. Got it.
• contracted. amounts.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But as they went through their process through their committee, they made some modifications, getting
• They made some modifications, getting some feedback. Again, for those recycling center dealers.
• Third, it protects Missourians from abusive funding contracts with extreme rates.
• don’t think that we typically make a lender, particularly one who doesn’t necessarily even have a contract
• Such contracts can include efforts to assist in the delivery of health services throughout the state

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the House Journal by a 121-0 vote, and a brief suspension of business for the Speaker to sign HB 2014. Members also observed a moment of silence for Butler County Fire Protection District Sergeant Commander Jatin Warren, who died in the line of duty, and the chamber introduced several guest groups, including Missouri Council on Aging representatives and county clerks. A resolution was also presented honoring former state representative K. H. Steinmetz for her 18 years of service in the Missouri House. The House then received committee reports recommending passage of HB 2934, HB 1800, and HB 1707. On third reading, HB 2974 passed 136-0 on telehealth and licensure reciprocity; HB 2934 passed 121-24 on consolidating St. Louis convention center governance; HB 2057 passed 137-10 on entertainment districts for Osage Beach and Chesterfield; the combined HB 1839/2921/3015 passed 120-19 on age verification for harmful online content; HB 1707 passed 149-0 to bar the Department of Revenue from taxing credit card processing fees; HB 2819 passed 145-0 to set rounding rules as the penny is phased out; and HB 2600 passed 148-0 to allow ambulance districts to combine resources for coverage. HB 1800, which reduces the inflationary growth factor for certain taxing districts from 5% to 3% and adjusts assessment ranges, drew the most extended debate over its effect on schools, fire districts, and taxpayers; it ultimately passed 82-61. Members also perfected HB 2774, which bars state and local governments from restricting equipment sales or use based on fuel source, and HB 2383, a utility infrastructure protection bill adding wired/copper infrastructure to existing critical infrastructure protections and setting penalties for theft or damage; HB 2383 was amended to align with the Senate version and then perfected. Finally, the House began debate on a combined bill package including HB 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, which would extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse civil claims while also shortening the general personal injury statute of limitations from five years to three; the child sexual abuse provisions drew broad support, while the tort-reform portion prompted sharp disagreement over access to justice versus business certainty.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any treatment recommended must be provided by DJJ and may be provided via contract. health issues.
• So that contract will become fully effective September the 17th.
• Uh so that tenants of that contract.
• 00:54:42.160><c> effective</c> contract will become fully effective contract will become fully effective
• </c> take a look at whether we can contract take a look at whether we can contract that<01:21:29.040>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call: 00:00:09 Agency Updates: 00:01:44 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36 Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends. The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input. The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also pulled out what this would have looked like without plan modifications.
• The average increase would have exceeded 12% if providers didn't make those plan adjustments and modifications
• Again, that's without the plan modifications that were made.

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved the prior November minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, which covers community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injury. The presenters said 102 of 132 members responded, and reported that overall vacancy rates improved for the third straight year, falling from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, with declines across all program types. However, they emphasized that nearly 4,000 positions remain unfilled, licensed practical nurse and clinician vacancies remain especially high, and almost 1,800 people are still waiting for day services. ADDP also highlighted a new survey question on health insurance costs, reporting that nearly 90% of respondents saw premium increases averaging 11%, which providers said limits their ability to offer competitive wages and benefits. Members and commissioners discussed the significance of the data, the need to balance survey length with useful trend information, and the impact of immigration and workforce availability on provider staffing. ADDP said it plans to repeat the survey in the fall and continue monitoring these pressures. The subcommittee then elected Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian as co-chairs by voice vote. Members discussed possible speakers for the next meeting, including state and out-of-state workforce experts, JVS, Josh Cutler or his office, Juan Vega, Human Services Research Institute, and NASDDDS, with an emphasis on training, turnover, apprenticeships, and broader workforce supports. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• rules for the purpose of allowing members to co-sponsor bills and resolutions or to submit vote modifications
• rules for the purpose of allowing members to co-sponsor bills and resolutions or to submit vote modifications
• or to co-sponsor bills and resolutions or to submit<00:04:15.599><c> vote</c><00:04:15.920><c> modifications
• </c><00:04:16.639><c> and</c><00:04:16.880><c> have</c><00:04:17.040><c> filed</c> submit vote modifications
• and have filed submit vote modifications and have filed the<00:04:17.519><c> proper</c><00:04:17.840

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:27 Report of Committees 05:14 Orders of the Day 06:02 HB 184 06:16 HB 265 09:38 HJR 24 13:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 19:39 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:58 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 28:48 ConC and Rules Report 37:47 Impeachment Committee Announcement 40:50 Adjournment 41:13, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Childs is: so current law already provides remedies, contempt for interference, modification based on
• c> interference,</c> remedies, contempt for interference, remedies, contempt for interference, modification
• 45.120><c> on</c><00:22:45.240><c> best</c><00:22:45.480><c> interests</c><00:22:45.840><c> and</c> modification
• based on best interests and modification based on best interests and stuff.<00:22:46.800><c> But</c>
• ,</c> needless contempts, modifications, needless contempts, modifications, or<00:54:46.200><c> a</c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> code modifications code modifications you<00:47:32.880><c> know</c><00:47:33.200><c> doesn't</c>
• to the state building code modifications to the state building code is<00:47:46.319><c> actually</c>
• Uh and this approve a code modification.
• So &gt;&gt; So<00:49:28.640><c> may</c><00:49:28.800><c> I</c> So when you say a code modification, you're
• Is that a code amendment, maybe not a modification or something?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with brief remarks honoring Harry Bean after his death on February 14, with members describing him as a larger-than-life figure, a valued colleague, and a friend whose conversations and presence will be missed. The committee then moved to vehicle title bills, beginning with HB 1421, which would change title exemptions for older motor vehicles. DMV witnesses explained the fiscal note was based on 2024 new title applications for vehicles in the affected age range and represented a high-end estimate; members discussed whether the bill would actually be revenue-neutral because reduced title revenue would be offset by reduced staffing work. There was also clarification that the bill applies to cars and regular trucks, not heavy trucks or tractor trailers, and that owners could still obtain titles if they met proof-of-ownership requirements. Members noted antique cars would largely be unaffected because they are already exempt. HB 1421 was moved on an OTP motion and passed 9-8. The committee next considered HB 1466, a related title bill narrowed to boat trailers. Members again raised concerns about lost revenue, but the sponsor and DMV witness said the fiscal note was a high-water estimate and that the bill would likely be close to a wash because the department would save on title-processing costs. The witness also explained that VIN verification, when needed, can be done by local police or a dealership, but not for every trailer title. Members discussed the low value and infrequent resale of older boat trailers, and the bill was described as a practical policy change. HB 1466 was moved OTP and passed 8-0. Finally, the committee discussed HB 1483, which would create a special ham radio operator plate with a lightning bolt symbol and call sign. The sponsor explained an amendment was needed because the bill had mistakenly referred to a House and Senate Ways and Means Committee; the fix would treat the plate under existing vanity plate law. DMV witnesses said the plate would be optional, would require legislative approval, and would function like other special decal plates, which are generally limited to nonprofit-related or legislatively authorized uses. Members asked whether the plate would generate revenue, and DMV confirmed vanity plates carry an added fee that does produce revenue. Discussion focused on the plate’s practical purpose for identifying ham operators, especially in emergencies, and on whether it might set a precedent for other special-interest plates.

Transcript Highlights:

• barrier, and then we apply crash modification factors?
• factors and the um crash modification factors and the um kind<00:40:44.839><c> of</c><00:40:45.760><
• </c><01:38:40.159><c> factors</c> around um crash modification factors around um crash modification factors
• Then you apply, like he said, crash modification factors.
• Then you apply, like he said, crash modification factors.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, private detention facilities that have contracts with an effective date... Health.
• First, the bill requires each private detention facility with a contract with an effective date on or
• after January 1, 2023, or a contract that's been modified or extended after that date, to report...
• We also wanted to propose just a modification or clarification in Section 14.
• That solution, we think, eliminates all of these problems and the need to contract that out.

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings and sponsor testimony on four bills. House Bill 2310 would elevate fourth-degree assault with a finding of sexual motivation to a Class C felony after two prior qualifying convictions within 10 years, with discussion focused on when sex-offender registration would apply and whether the bill would capture repeat conduct that is often pled down. The sponsor said the bill responds to a constituent’s experience and is intended to increase accountability for repeat offenders. Testimony was split: prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical way to address repetitive sexual-motivation assaults, while defense advocates warned it would trigger major sex-offense consequences, including registration, prison time, immigration consequences, and possible sentencing disproportionality. No vote was taken and the hearing was held open. House Bill 1239, the reentry readiness bill, would increase earned release time to up to 33.33% for eligible offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, make certain enhancements eligible for earned release time, create a two-year peer-support pilot for incarcerated survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, and require victim-notification materials about sentencing changes. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and better prepare people for release, while the Sentencing Guidelines Commission said it aligns with prior recommendations for consistency in earned release. Prosecutors opposed the bill, arguing it mainly shortens sentences rather than improving reentry and could reduce accountability. The hearing remained open. House Bill 1228 would allow blood and breath toxicology testing to be considered valid if performed by a lab certified under ISO/IEC 17025, in addition to current state toxicologist methods. The sponsor and several local officials said Washington’s toxicology backlog is causing long delays, sometimes over 300 days, which slows charging decisions and can allow repeat DUI behavior before cases are filed. Supporters said private accredited labs could provide a local option and speed results, while defense advocates asked for discovery protections if outside labs are used. County and law enforcement representatives supported the concept but cautioned against shifting costs to counties and creating unequal access based on local resources. The sponsor indicated an amendment would remove out-of-state labs and add a five-year report-back. House Bill 2464 would require private detention facilities to report serious incidents such as abuse, neglect, deaths, suicides, injuries requiring hospitalization, and service disruptions to the Department of Health and local law enforcement within one business day, and would require annual reporting by law enforcement on calls and follow-up actions. The sponsor said the bill is aimed at transparency and ensuring that incidents in private detention facilities are not hidden. Testimony from advocates, journalists, and researchers described alleged abuse, suicides, hunger strikes, fires, and barriers to reporting at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, and said the bill would improve public access to information. Law enforcement representatives said the bill affects only two agencies and urged the committee to consider the cumulative burden of reporting mandates and the public-trust implications of involving local agencies in federal detention issues. The hearing on this bill was also held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we want to figure out if there are modifications to the lodger law, if there are other models
• And so we want to figure out if there are modifications to the lodger law, if there are other models
• You can have a long-term contract, and then you get local governments involved because, presumably, it's
• a longer-term contract, which is typically after 30 days.
• Meanwhile, if a contractor is suing for contract violation or and gather the evidence.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amended version, which is the MA provider enrollment requirements modifications, has a cost of $1.612
• which has this is the MA provider enrollment<00:08:41.640><c> requirements</c><00:08:42.520><c> modifications
• </c> enrollment requirements modifications. enrollment requirements modifications.
• DHS was directed to contract with a vendor to manage this statewide program.
• to contract with a vendor<01:04:11.960><c> to</c><01:04:12.080><c> manage</c><01:04:12.520><c> this<

Bills: HF4207, HF4338

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review

Transcript Highlights:

• Contracts are being executed, and the first voucher was issued out of Stearns County just a few weeks
• Contracts are being administrators.
• Contracts are being executed<00:50:48.480><c> and</c><00:50:48.800><c> the</c><00:50:49.040><c> first
• </c><01:26:41.679><c> mainly</c><01:26:42.080><c> from</c> with a little modification mainly from with
• a little modification mainly from from<01:26:43.040><c> the</c><01:26:43.520><c> uh</c><01:26:44.080

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also $12.5 million going for medical services, $10 million going for mental health contracts.
• 14:43.040><c> health</c> $10 million going for mental health $10 million going for mental health contracts
• . contracts. contracts.
• Bill 1176 by Representatives Serot and Tagert, also Senators Mob Lane and Bridges, concerning modifications
• </c><03:02:02.319><c> to</c> and Bridges concerning modifications to and Bridges concerning modifications

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• voted through for the hearing, but due to some concerns that some people had in separating weather modification
• and cloud seeding from solar geoengineering, I worked with all the invested parties. ...weather modification

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This limited contract exemption language would enable DSH to quickly process contract amendments for
• In addition, we have experienced issues in the past where certain contracts are deemed to be IT contracts
• County contract has facilities in the Los Angeles County area pay for services related to that contract
• , contracted through the state.
• The search staffer will be a three, kind of three year limited kind of contract contracted through the

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• voted through for the hearing, but due to some concerns that some people had in separating weather modification
• cloud seeding from solar geoengineering, I worked with all the interested parties... ...weather modification

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met briefly and considered two requests for introduction. Representative Josh Wheeler presented RS 33-576, described as a negotiated update to prior authorization rules developed with input from the insurance industry, medical providers, hospitals, and the Department of Insurance. He said it would add modernization and guardrails to prior authorization practices. Representative Kareen moved to introduce the RS, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. Representative Clint Hostetler then presented RS 33-594, a joint memorial urging Congress to prohibit unauthorized solar geoengineering over Idaho without state approval, public disclosure, or transparency. He explained that the measure had been redrafted to address concerns about distinguishing solar geoengineering from weather modification and cloud seeding. Representative Crane moved to introduce the RS, and the committee again approved by voice vote. No substantive debate or testimony occurred beyond the sponsors’ explanations. The chair noted the committee had moved through the agenda quickly and that the next meeting would likely be early the following week, though that was not yet confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• What would be the system modifications to the pension administration?
• So when they say we'll need to make system modifications to its pension administration system, but does
• not report the modifications will have us...
• Pension administration system, but does not report the modifications will have a significant fiscal impact
• or business practice on a fairly regular basis, or whenever there's corrections needed—system modifications

Bills: HB40, HB100, HJR1, SB64, SB19, SB44, SB83

Keywords: educational retirement, annuity adjustments, cost of living, non-compounding payments, retirement benefits, STEM funding, education, innovation, public education, New Mexico, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm pleased to tell you that 1170 has been updated, especially with these modifications, to bring
• Are you familiar with any industry-standard, technically feasible watermark that is immutable to modification
• Are you familiar with any industry standard, technically feasible watermark that is immutable to modification
• Requiring impact assessments before deployment and again after each intentional and substantial modification
• Requiring a risk report for every substantial modification ignores the reality that software updates

Bills: HB1170, HB2157, HB2225

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, AI-generated content, deepfake, synthetic media, content provenance, provenance data, metadata, watermarking, disclosure, transparency, consumer protection, unfair or deceptive acts, unfair competition, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, platform regulation, AI detection tool, media authenticity

Transcript Highlights:

• to automate the necessary changes and amend all of the contracts.
• Finally, folding in out-of-contract cost-of-care-plus payments into the contracts may require additional
• Not all slots have been utilized in contract, so we have awarded them all, but they’re not all in contract
• But they’re not all in contract.
• And then number two, COLA increases as part of the agency contracts.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees on early childhood education heard a broad review of the Governor’s child care and preschool budget proposals, with testimony from the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), the California Department of Education (CDE), and the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). The main topics were cost-of-care-plus and COLA adjustments, the California State Preschool Program, child care slot reductions tied to federal and Proposition 64 funding changes, disaster recovery grants for child care facilities, trailer bill proposals on family fees and absences, prospective pay, and several budget change proposals for departmental staffing and licensing. Officials also discussed the state’s transition toward an alternative methodology for setting rates based on the true cost of care. On rate reform, CDSS and CDE said the current reimbursement system remains below the alternative methodology in many counties and that providers continue to struggle with recruitment and retention. The LAO recommended aligning cost-of-care-plus increases across provider types, while CDE urged that any COLA be added to base rates rather than cost-of-care-plus payments because providers view the latter as less ongoing. CDSS said the next alternative methodology update will be developed with a contractor during fiscal year 2026-27, with public engagement and legislative input, and estimated that fully transitioning to rates informed by the methodology would take about 24 months once policy and funding are in place. CDSS also said the direct-service cost of care under the methodology was estimated at about $18.7 billion in a July 2025 report. A major point of contention was the proposed reduction of 4,167 child care slots due to lower federal CCDF funding and reduced Proposition 64 revenue. CDSS said it expects to absorb the reduction through unspent funds and relinquishments so currently enrolled children are not disrupted, while the LAO supported the reduction as a way to avoid worsening the structural deficit. Members strongly objected to the slot cuts, arguing the administration has repeatedly proposed reductions after prior budget agreements and emphasizing the economic and family benefits of child care. The committee also discussed preschool enrollment trends, including growth in three-year-old enrollment and a sharp increase in two-year-olds served under a temporary provision, with CDE warning that the temporary two-year-old authority expires in 2027. The committee also reviewed an $11.5 million Proposition 64 proposal for child care infrastructure grants for facilities impacted by 2025 state disasters, especially the Los Angeles fires, and members asked for trailer bill language to make the funds flexible for repairs, equipment, insurance, and permitting. On trailer bill items, the panel discussed codifying family fee reimbursement rules, defining excessive unexplained absences to allow disenrollment after prolonged nonuse, and expanding temporary provider absences; CDSS said the absence policy is meant to mirror federal CCDF rules, while CDE said it is already pursuing its own rulemaking. The hearing also covered prospective pay, with CDSS and CDE saying they are waiting for final federal guidance before moving ahead; LAO said the state could save ongoing costs if the federal requirement is rescinded. Finally, the committee reviewed staffing and support budget requests for CDSS and other implementation items, and held several items open for further discussion before the May Revision. Public comment overwhelmingly urged full funding for child care slots, true cost-of-care payments, and ongoing support for early education programs and county offices of education.