Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here as a resource, thank you. Good morning, Chair Flores, Vice Chair Parker.
• I'm Marcia Moberly with BPP, here as a resource. For Marcia Moberly with BPP, here as a resource.
• It will increase efficiency for the Parole Board, and it will also maintain oversight.
• I represent the agency, and I am neutral and here as a resource.
• It sounds like there's maybe an efficiency opportunity here as well.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 1870 and SB 1727, both of which were adopted as committee substitutes and reported favorably to the full Senate. SB 1870 would bar local governments from adopting policies that decriminalize controlled substances or direct officials not to enforce state drug laws, with civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General for violations. SB 1727 was described as a technical change to make the draft a formal Legislative Council version of a TDCJ-related assault bill; both bills were also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up SB 2405, the major Sunset bill for TDCJ, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Senator Parker explained that the bill continues and modernizes those agencies, requires a 10-year facilities and staffing plan, expands rehabilitation and reentry programming, improves parole-board consistency and training, and codifies various cleanup and inspector general recommendations. Sunset staff and agency witnesses discussed the bill’s data-sharing, program coordination, and projected savings from reducing delays in parole-voted programming; public witnesses generally supported the post-secondary education and reentry provisions, while some urged stronger statutory direction for Windham and more reform to medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill was left pending. SB 1804, SB 1099, SB 2569, and SB 2570 were also heard. SB 1804 would allow restitution for tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors and remove the age restriction so adult survivors can qualify; it was reported favorably and sent to the local calendar. SB 1099 would increase penalties for certain felony offenses when committed by a person determined to be unlawfully present in the country; immigration and civil rights witnesses opposed it as overbroad and difficult to administer, but it was reported favorably. SB 2569 would modernize unmanned aircraft reporting by requiring law enforcement agencies to post reports on public websites; it passed unanimously and was sent to the local calendar. SB 2570 would create a defense to prosecution for peace officers and correctional guards using less-lethal force weapons within the scope of their training; law enforcement witnesses supported it, civil rights and prosecutor witnesses raised concerns that it was too broad and could weaken existing use-of-force standards, and the bill was left pending for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right to fully resourced community schools with staffing.
• So when I'm talking about efficiencies, I'm also talking about the tools that can go in and do the data
• mining of these organizations with speed that we don't have now and efficiencies that we don't have
• It was very, very bad, but this integrated office could, is another efficiency that would do that across
• They are resources that are, we invest a lot into those departments to provide you the information that

Transcript Highlights:

• SNAP is an efficient and counties.
• </c> navigate dozens of separate resources navigate dozens of separate resources totaling<00:09:44.399
• </c> isn't isn't um adding the efficiencies isn't isn't um adding the efficiencies that<00:24:50.559>
• Uh so um we didn't bring uh resources.
• </c><01:10:27.440><c> and</c> period of time in the most efficient and period of time in the most efficient

Bills: HF45, HF1148, HF3624, HF3586, HF777

Keywords: HF45, Lake Benton, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Public Facilities Authority, public infrastructure, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, utility replacement, U.S. Highway 75, road reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, local government grant, Minnesota bonding, capital appropriation, food insecurity, prepared meals

Transcript Highlights:

• We would apply resources to that work as well.
• <00:30:23.440><c> those</c><00:30:23.679><c> resources</c><00:30:24.240><c> include</c> resources those
• resources include resources those resources include self-care<00:30:25.559><c> including</c><00:30:26.000
• </c><01:20:17.199><c> of</c> 20th percentile of our efficiencies of 20th percentile of our efficiencies
• </c><01:26:36.119><c> they</c> enrollment um other efficiencies they enrollment um other efficiencies

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• DGS-sponsored sustainability and energy efficiency projects.
• Are there other avenues that are more cost efficient to providing housing?
• The peer support specialist also linked Elena to her own mental health resources.
• So then how do you route them to their local resources?
• And even the law, AB 988, says that the 988 centers have to be fully resourced first.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• that our agencies have uh and resources that our agencies have uh and use<00:16:06.639><c> to</c><00
• With this additional funding, we would have an opportunity to create potential program efficiencies by
• by allowing year- round efficiencies by allowing year- round access<00:23:10.600><c> what</c><00:23:
• and often prevents us from getting resources out the door.
• </c><00:24:30.960><c> out</c><00:24:31.200><c> the</c> getting resources out the getting resources out

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Isaiah Tolo, and I'm the fish health supervisor at the Department of Natural Resources and the chair
• ,</c> of Natural Resources, of Natural Resources, um,<00:19:18.920><c> to</c><00:19:19.040><c> produce
• This was a remarkably efficient<00:20:55.840><c> day</c><00:20:56.200><c> today,</c><00:20:56.640><c>
• </c><00:20:57.360><c> Thanks</c> efficient day today, everybody.
• Thanks efficient day today, everybody.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we'll review Article 6, Natural Resources.
• So see we're being very efficient.
• It was an actual resource. So it's an example of when we're reinvesting in land and...
• We work with the other resource agencies, we work with the cities, the counties.
• We need two more tools to operate efficiently.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• project into the future and have an efficient use of resources across the state.
• project into the future and have an efficient use of resources across the state.
• project into the future and have an efficient use of resources across the state.
• project into the future and have an efficient use of resources across the state.
• </c> advocate for this pool of resources advocate for this pool of resources covering<00:26:53.080><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply gives Arizona workers an additional, more efficient pathway for justice.
• This bill provides a more efficient and accessible path while still... ...providing a more efficient
• We've done everything we can to improve efficiencies within our labor department.
• We've done everything we can to improve efficiencies within our labor department.
• We'll make it efficient again. And with that, we are adjourned.

Bills: HB2174, HB2496, HB2744, HB2863, HB2910, HB2938

Keywords: insurance regulation, modeling organizations, financial disclosure, rate-making, predictive models, revitalization districts, construction contracts, infrastructure, municipal services, intergovernmental agreements, user fees, landowner agreements, overtime, wages, employee rights, industrial commission, complaints, adjudication, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes planning for a specific number of collection sites and minimum recycling efficiency rates
• This includes planning for a specific number of collection sites and minimum recycling efficiency rates
• And one of the efficiencies of this bill is that if we get it done this year, we can actually add these
• Lindsay Gullhorn on behalf of the Resource Recovery Coalition of California, pleased to co-sponsor the
• The motion is do pass to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Connolly: Aye. Colleen: No.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three main bills after initially lacking a quorum and deferring the consent calendar. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries, such as those used in e-bikes, lawn equipment, and portable power systems. Supporters from local governments, recycling groups, environmental organizations, and battery stewardship interests said the bill would reduce fire risks, improve collection and recycling, and close a gap in existing law. One industry witness sought clarification about off-highway vehicles and a battery association requested guardrails for mixed battery formats; the California Retailers Association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions with the author. SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide, state-funded low-income drinking water rate assistance program administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, contingent on funding. The author and supporters said many Californians face water debt and that the bill would help address affordability while working around Proposition 218 limits on local ratepayer-funded assistance. Water districts, local governments, environmental justice groups, and conservation organizations testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1259 by Senator Blakespear, as amended, would require refineries to provide advance information on closure, cleanup costs, and timelines to help communities plan for refinery transitions and remediation. Supporters, including the City of Benicia, environmental justice groups, and advocacy organizations, argued that communities need transparency before closures occur and that other energy sectors already provide similar planning information. Opponents from labor, petroleum, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, burdensome, and could discourage refinery investment or signal premature decline of the industry. After extensive debate, the committee voted to pass SB 1259 as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, and also approved SB 501 and SB 1125; the consent calendar items SB 1253 and SJR 13 were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these resources.
• This program provided resources for resume and CV building. and networking opportunities.
• . resources, and the ability to connect with others.
• CDT's resources, we're able to meet the timeline.
• As a small business, especially in these times, it's critical that we're efficient.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a resource for you should you have additional questions.
• In the conversations that I've had with many of you at this point, we are absolutely a resource.
• This created an extreme lack of efficiency.
• after years of litigating this case a Gainesville jury who are all of efficiency.
• As to efficiency and accountability, As to efficiency and accountability, if UF knew they could be responsible

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. HB 677, relating to state-covered fertility preservation for employees undergoing cancer treatment, was introduced as coverage for egg and sperm preservation for up to three years, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $813,000. After brief questions and no public testimony or amendments, the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 59, which would reform Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the clean-hands requirement, and allowing exonerees to choose between the state compensation process and a civil lawsuit; it was supported by the City of Flagler Beach and passed unanimously. CS/HB 1313, which recreates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection before its scheduled termination in 2025, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from advocacy groups. The committee received a lengthy presentation from the Department of Management Services on the State Group Insurance Program and the recent Revenue Estimating Conference. The presentation covered enrollment, revenues and expenditures, rising medical and pharmacy costs, emergency room utilization, GLP-1 drug spending, and options for tighter formulary and utilization management. Members asked about ER cost growth, GLP-1 coverage and copays, PBM oversight and potential conflicts, avoidable ER visits, cancer screening claims, dental and vision costs, specialty drug biosimilars, and possible savings from more restrictive pharmacy models. DMS said it would follow up on several questions and noted ongoing work on cancer coordination, preventive screening, biomarker testing, and a proposed member-facing benefits platform. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 301, which would raise sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $1 million and $3 million, align limitations periods with private claims, and allow government entities to settle above the caps without a claims bill. Local governments, school-related entities, and county and city associations opposed the bill, warning of major fiscal impacts, higher insurance costs, and pressure on services; several speakers urged smaller increases or a tiered approach. Proponents, including families affected by catastrophic injury or death, argued the current caps are too low and the claims bill process is inefficient and unfair. After debate, the bill passed on a recorded vote, with some members voting no, and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh this will just increase efficiency Uh this will just increase efficiency and<00:04:30.320><c>
• . resources. resources.
• with taxpayer resources.
• <c> as</c> efficient with taxpayer resources as efficient with taxpayer resources as possible.<00:41:
• </c><00:41:35.359><c> as</c> make sure it's done as efficiently as make sure it's done as efficiently

Bills: HF3732

Keywords: workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, economic development, grants, job creation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I AM THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEPUTY FOR SUN CITY CENTER.
• WHILE THESE TOOLS CAN IMPROVE SPEED AND EFFICIENCY NO FLORIDIAN SHOULD EVER HAVE A CLAIMED DENIED BASED
• UTILIZING TOOLS LIKE AI CAN HELP INSURANCE COMPANIES BECOME MORE EFFICIENT.
• FLORIDA CLAIMS PROCESSING AND EFFICIENCY LEADS TO INCREASED CLAIM COST.
• AS WELL AS, WE HAD A AI PANEL HERE BEFORE AND WE TALKED ABOUT HOW EFFICIENT AI COULD BE.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's something that we're very keen on providing the resources for.
• and kind of stretch our resources to address this issue.
• There's a lot of uncertainty. marks is really important so that we can be more efficient and kind of
• stretch our resources to address this issue.
• with our resources and look for things that will move the needle statewide.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several items, beginning with gubernatorial appointments not required to appear. The committee approved multiple appointments on 3-2 and 5-0 votes, including members to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Contractors State License Board, and the Medical Board of California. Members also approved a bill referral item, a rule waiver request to suspend SR 55 for guests on the Senate floor during an adjourn-in-memory for former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgment items, all by 5-0 vote. The committee then heard the required appearance of Dina El-Tawansy for Director of the California Department of Transportation. In her opening remarks, she emphasized Caltrans’ priorities of safety, equity, climate resilience, economic prosperity, workforce development, and multimodal transportation. Senators questioned her on a range of issues, including impacts from federal and state rules affecting immigrant truck drivers, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane project, DBE reevaluation under new federal guidance, asphalt recycling and waste disposal, climate-related damage to infrastructure, and the future of transportation funding as gas tax revenue declines. El-Tawansy said Caltrans would prioritize emergency and safety projects, continue work on the Highway 58 corridor, and help DBEs through a reevaluation process and outreach efforts. She described ongoing climate adaptation work, including vulnerability assessments, vegetation management, and corridor studies such as Route 37 and LOSSAN, and said the department is researching road user charges through pilots and national collaboration. She also discussed small-business programs, local hiring, toll lane agreement consistency, and efforts to address litter and homelessness on Caltrans property through delegated maintenance agreements and new staff positions. After public testimony from numerous transportation, construction, local government, labor, and technology organizations in support of the nominee, the committee voted 5-0 to advance El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate floor for confirmation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Overall efficiency.
• How do we make things work faster, more efficiently?
• How do we make things work faster more efficiently?
• These resources will continue.
• Allocating resources and including new members in our communities.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I do think that is a huge resource that we now have.
• up resources?
• One of the resources This is... creating as many ADUs as possible.
• And so we're trying to figure out what resources that the state can bring to bear, what resources the
• So we're really working very closely, providing the resources.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They just don't have the resources.
• Now we're lucky if we can get 4 in an hour just because they, they don't have the resources.
• Uh, it's just, it's, it's not efficient, uh, in, in how we run our operation in San Antonio.
• And provide more efficiency to what you do. Yes, sir. Um, That seems like a no brainer, right?
• There's so many efficiencies and there's a lot packed in this that Colonel Goods can talk about.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Mississippi is an untapped resource at the moment.
• While resource partners like Missouri Partnership also do an excellent job of steering projects into
• We'll take it, but we can't get one because we don't have enough power from the existing resources.
• Same thing goes with foundation funding resources.
• Resource for rural communities in those areas. With that, I'll be glad to answer any questions.

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2998, with Representative Riggs explaining that most of the bill would be removed in committee substitute and that the remaining provisions would focus on an Upper Mississippi River Basin feasibility study and creating a stand-alone rural development office within DED. Riggs argued the study could explore hydropower, run-of-river technology, and a longer navigation season on the Mississippi, while the rural office would better serve Missouri’s roughly 2 million rural residents and provide a more permanent focus than current staffing arrangements. Committee members asked about why the river has not been used for power before, the cost and timeline of the study, the feasibility of retrofitting old locks and dams, and how the rural office would improve coordination and funding for rural development. Testimony in favor included Lisa Pennett, who urged keeping the coal-related language and said Missouri should protect its remaining coal plants amid growing electricity demand; Mike Sutherland of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, who supported the rural development office and described co-ops’ role in broadband, workforce, housing, and community development across rural Missouri; and MoDOT’s Pamela Harlan, who said the agency would need to coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the river study, estimated the study cost at about $3 million, and said it would likely take about three years. Informational testimony from Missouri Policy Initiative provided data on hydropower nationally, noting that only a small share of U.S. dams generate electricity, many retrofit projects are not viable, and a Mississippi River lock-and-dam project in Missouri and Illinois had recently received a federal permit to study feasibility. The hearing ended with the chair noting the bill would be narrowed in a substitute and then adjourning the committee; no vote was taken.