Transcript Highlights:

• pilot program.
• With this level of need, we should not be leaving one of our most heavily federally funded support programs
• Despite all the improvements in the program, the program remains underutilized.
• program.
• As the cost of living continues to rise and threats to cut funding from federal government programs continue

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda focused largely on child welfare, child support, homelessness, and child care. Early items included AB 2083, which would authorize a regional child care special district for Marina Valley and Paris; AB 1579, which would expand the Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program to allow additional CDSS-approved residential models; and AB 1628, which would extend California’s safe surrender window for infants from 72 hours to 30 days. AB 1579 drew strong support from county human services agencies and providers who said the current crisis residential model has been financially and operationally unworkable, and opposition from youth advocates who argued the bill would move away from the original small, community-based crisis model. AB 1628 was supported by fire chiefs and child abuse prevention advocates as a way to give parents more time to make safe decisions after childbirth. The committee also took up AB 1634 on the “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” specialty license plate program, AB 1643 on automatic enrollment into child support services after a support order is finalized unless a parent opts out, and AB 1708 on the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. AB 1634 sought to raise specialty plate fees and change the distribution formula to generate more funding for child safety and injury prevention; the chair raised concerns about reallocating money away from CDSS, and the bill received a no recommendation from the chair but still advanced on a 5-0 vote with some members not voting. AB 1643 was backed by child support agencies and anti-poverty advocates as a way to reduce barriers and increase participation, while opponents argued it could undermine parental choice and raise concerns for families with domestic violence or informal arrangements; it passed 6-0 as amended. AB 1708, supported by many cities, would require more meaningful engagement with smaller jurisdictions in HHAP planning and funding decisions; the committee emphasized that it does not guarantee funding but creates a process for smaller cities to be considered, and it passed 5-0. Later, the committee heard AB 2395, which would standardize and expand access to the state child support debt reduction program for low-income parents with government-owed arrears. Supporters said the current program is inconsistent across counties and leaves eligible parents unaware of relief options, while opponents, including receiving parents and child support officials, warned that reducing arrears could harm families who are owed support and that the program should remain case-by-case. Members discussed the tension between relieving uncollectible debt and protecting custodial parents; the bill advanced 4-0. The final item shown was AB 1914, which would require local governments to include child care in planning efforts, including general plans or separate child care plans. The author and witnesses argued that child care is essential infrastructure tied to workforce participation, economic development, and disaster planning, and the bill drew support from child care and planning advocates as the committee continued its hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout the state of Alabama under the federal funding and to ensure that the program resources reach
• the state of Alabama under the federal funding and to ensure that the program resources reach the underserved
• operations throughout the state of Alabama under the federal funding and to ensure that the program
• Um, this is also a federal programs alteration.
• . programs. programs.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are anti-poverty programs.
• When you talk about the federal immigration crisis that we have and the lack of a comprehensive federal
• , while the federal government... ...while the federal government is trying to move us backwards, in
• And we've all heard about the potential cuts to this program at the federal level.
• and the RAVP program as well. ...in the MRVP program and the RAVP program as well.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up debate on the FY2026 general appropriations bill, with several members speaking in support of the Ways and Means budget. Senators Comerford, O’Connor, Feeney, and DiDomenico emphasized the budget as a values-driven response to federal uncertainty, highlighting investments in MassHealth, education, housing, food security, local aid, libraries, transit, mental and behavioral health, and support for vulnerable residents. They also praised the budget’s lack of new taxes and its focus on spending within available revenues, while noting major cost pressures from health care and federal policy instability. Specific programs and items repeatedly cited included universal free community college, expanded financial aid, rural and minimum school aid, TAFDC/EAEDC increases, the Healthy Incentives Program, universal school meals, housing supports, Home and Healthy for Good, and funding for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital. Speakers framed these investments as both fiscally responsible and morally necessary, and several noted that amendments would be considered during the debate. No votes on the budget itself were taken in the excerpt. After the budget remarks, Senator Miranda spoke in recognition of Haitian Flag Day and the history of Haiti, including foreign interference and the importance of protecting Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts. Another senator then honored Malcolm X on the 100th anniversary of his birth, connecting his legacy to the budget process and calling for investments in equity, education, housing, and health care. The Senate then adopted an order to meet the next day at 10 a.m. with the general appropriations bill as the only item on the calendar, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our federal funds are about 13%; we are still waiting on some of our federal awards.
• Again, kind of related to that, concentrate on the federal- and state-mandated programs.
• And that was a federal requirement that came with the program.
• We increased it from about 25% of federal poverty level to 50% of federal poverty level.
• Most of our other programs operate between 130% and 200% of federal poverty level.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the federal government has multiple authorities to recoup funds for any program integrity
• Program review occurs at both the federal and the state level, as well as through federal and state audits
• Program review occurs at both the federal and the state level, as well as through federal and state audits
• Program review occurs at both the federal and the state level, as well as through federal and state audits
• This does make significant reductions in federal spending on the Medicaid program, and as it does so,

Bills: HF3439, HF3763

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MNsure, MinnesotaCare, disability determination, expedited eligibility, state medical review team, compassionate allowance, rare disease, home and community-based services, long-term care, managed care, county-based purchasing, eligibility redetermination, periodic data matching, death master file, Social Security Administration, program integrity, income eligibility, asset test

Summary: The House Health Finance and Policy Committee met on March 4, 2026, approved the minutes from its February 25 and March 2 meetings, and then heard a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Medicaid eligibility changes in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OB3). The presentation focused on provisions affecting Medicaid expansion adults ages 19 to 64, including new work and community engagement requirements, changes to retroactive eligibility, quarterly death master file checks, address verification requirements, six-month redeterminations for expansion enrollees, and new limits on some lawful permanent residents and other immigrant groups. Castanza also discussed state implementation issues, including the need for new data-sharing systems, system modernization, outreach, and options for helping people transition to other coverage if they lose eligibility. She said the work and community engagement rules take effect January 1, 2027, with states given flexibility on look-back periods, consecutive versus nonconsecutive months, and optional hardship exemptions, and noted that CMS guidance is not expected until June 2026. She also described federal support for implementation, including $200 million in grants and a 90% federal match for eligibility system work, while warning that the fast timeline could lead to coverage losses, churn, and challenges for special populations such as caregivers, people with behavioral health conditions, incarcerated individuals, and rural residents. She further explained that an erroneous payment provision could expose states to federal recoupment later if eligibility errors increase. During member questions, Representative Beerman asked about the overall size of the Medicaid cuts and the cumulative national impact; Castanza said estimates vary by state and cited KFF analysis suggesting states could lose 4% to 19% of federal Medicaid revenue, with a newer RAND analysis recently released. Beerman also asked about the history and effectiveness of state work requirements, but that discussion was not completed in the excerpt. Representative Elkins noted the presentation was not initially posted on the committee website, and the chair said it had since been posted.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, this year we've seen unprecedented attack by the federal government on CARB's programs,
• limited to CARB's programs.
• , our Clean Truck and Bus Voucher program, and programs under the Air Quality Improvement Program for
• With the recent expiration of the federal tax credits, the CARB programs have become even more important
• program.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions. The chair opened by emphasizing California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing challenges with affordability, access, interoperability, heavy-duty electrification, and federal headwinds. She highlighted interest in technologies such as inductive charging and thanked host organizations and staff before moving to the first panel. State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described current programs and priorities. Go-Biz outlined its role in coordinating agencies, supporting permitting, and advancing the state’s ZEV market development strategy and equity action plan. CARB discussed federal attacks on its clean vehicle regulations, litigation to defend waiver authority, and the importance of incentives and regulatory programs such as Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, Clean Truck Check, HVIP, and Clean Cars for All. The CEC detailed its funding and regulatory work on charging and fueling infrastructure, charger reliability, payment methods, roaming, and statewide planning, while stressing the need for more charging in multifamily housing and more public DC fast charging. All three agencies said federal rollbacks and permitting delays are major obstacles, but that California remains committed to expanding ZEV adoption. The second panel featured advocates, local government, utility, and research perspectives. CalETC urged continuous state funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and emphasized the low-carbon fuel standard, multifamily charging, and managed charging. An EV advocacy group proposed a conquest-style state incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily housing is a major untapped market, while also favoring Level 2 charging over Level 1 for most home and apartment settings. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale local deployment of chargers, fleet electrification, workforce training, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and streamlined permitting and grid interconnection. UCS recommended prioritizing replacement of older high-emitting vehicles, using fuel policy revenues to support cleaner cars, and expanding bidirectional charging. The chair closed by asking for more discussion on Level 1 versus Level 2 charging and noted the importance of education, affordability, and practical deployment strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the program. on the program.
• It's a 100% federally funded program. records amount of fraud across our state records amount of fraud
• Uh, however, the federal government has fully paid for the SNAP program.
• It's a a 100% federally paid for SNAP. It's a a 100% federally funded<00:03:27.840> program.
• these federal dollars. these federal dollars.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Nolan West and Representative Pam Oldenorf introduced and defended a bill aimed at tightening Minnesota SNAP eligibility rules. They said the measure would move the net income test to the front of the application process, add asset testing similar to other state programs, and exclude vehicles over $100,000. They argued these changes would reduce overpayments, improve “good governance,” and help the state avoid future financial penalties tied to SNAP error rates. Oldenorf said Minnesota’s SNAP error rate has risen from about 4% in 2013 to about 9% now, and warned that if it stays above 6% the state could owe about $86 million in 2027. She cited a GAO report saying broad-based categorical eligibility is a major driver of payment errors, and pointed to examples she described as fraud or improper enrollment, including a millionaire receiving benefits and a recent Minneapolis SNAP fraud conviction. West and Oldenorf said the bill would not significantly increase county workloads, because counties already do similar eligibility and asset checks in other programs. In response to questions, the sponsors said they had not yet formally consulted many stakeholders because the bill had just been drafted, but they expected bipartisan support and said they had reached out to counties for input. They also said counties would retain some administrative costs, but the bill should not add major new burdens. The discussion then shifted to a separate topic when West raised concerns about access to Hennepin County voter rolls and alleged irregularities in voter data; he said he had obtained some county records and believed the Secretary of State was improperly limiting access, though no bill action or vote was taken on that issue in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• funded Head Start programs.
• Prior to the state's Universal School Meal Program in 2023, schools relied on a tiered federal reimbursement
• New Mexico's school meal program is funded through a blend of federal and state dollars.
• This is something that's been done in other states and is recognized as a valid program at the federal
• At the federal level, there are no real mental health funds because of the changes to grant programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So traditionally PEL has been a federal student aid program administered through institutions and the
• So traditionally PEL has been a federal student aid program administered through institutions and the
• The federal final rule regarding the program was issued on May 19 by the U.S.
• program completers minus 150% of the federal poverty line must be higher than the total published cost
• The federal final rule regarding the program was issued on May 19 by the U.S.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:00 Workforce Pell Grant Update – 0:03:30 Extension Office Update – 0:33:25 Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies – 1:07:08 Early Literacy Outcomes – 1:32:20 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 1:58:30 Adjournment 2:13:13, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then compliance means we operate the program in compliance with the federal direction which we usually
• with operate the program in compliance with the<00:05:11.120> federal<00:05:11.759> uh
• There's a federal employment compensation program. That's actually not our program.
• That's a federal program.
• Extended benefits is another program. Typically there's a federal extension if we're in a downturn.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal agencies reported $162 billion in improper payments last year alone across 68 programs.
• If implemented, such actions would improve payment integrity across dozens of federal programs.
• In conclusion, the federal IG community remains committed to conducting effective program oversight,
• , if we can do that across federal programs, make it easier for...
• Those are for high-risk programs. You know, think about COVID-style programs.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight

Summary: The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• in our program.
• We are currently funded at a about almost $10 billion in federal funding for the Medicaid program.
• Additionally, there's a substantial reduction in federal funding to administer the SNAP program.
• and 25% at the federal level.
• Without our programs...

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:11.919> Federal would require um Federal Federal would require um Federal Federal approval
• dollars, up to the allowable federal cap, by implementing the directed payment program as designed.
• Instead, this program uses existing funds to leverage federal money to increase MA rates for hospitals
• uses existing funds to leverage program uses existing funds to leverage Federal<01:19:40.400> money
• As you know, the Medicaid program is funded with a combination of both state and federal funds.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is related to the Civic Media Program.
• It's not government-run necessarily; the governor's office administers the program, but the program will
• And this is absolutely a responsibility of the federal government, but I'm not going to blame the federal
• As we have a federal administration that continues to pull back on those programs, we appreciate the
• We're supporting SB 155, the Civic Media Program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it continues a sick cycle. welfare programs.
• The way our federal government funds welfare programs is they write the checks largely.
• We write some of the checks, but mainly welfare programs are funded by the federal government.
• The federal government funds welfare programs largely.
• We write some of the checks, but mainly welfare programs are funded by the federal government.

Summary: The Assembly convened without a quorum, completed the roll call, and then proceeded with the day’s business after a prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for victims of the Texas flooding. Procedural motions suspended several rules to allow committee notices, guest seating, and the withdrawal of AB 898 back to the Senate. Members also made several guest introductions, including family members, interns, and scouting troop visitors. On the floor, AB 1416 by Assembly Member Ta, a taxation bill, was concurred in with Senate technical amendments by a 60-0 vote. ACR 1, designating October 23 as Korean Ginseng Day, was adopted by voice vote after supportive remarks highlighting Korean culture and the health benefits of ginseng; 62 coauthors were added without objection. The Assembly also heard SB 119, the budget-related human services trailer bill, with extensive debate over CalWORKs, CalFresh, child welfare reporting, and housing/homelessness programs. Supporters framed it as a needed anti-poverty and safety-net measure, while opponents criticized it as expanding dependency and failing to address fraud and work requirements. SB 119 passed on a 54-11 vote. The second-day consent calendar, including AJR 16 on the Tijuana River, was adopted 71-0, and the remaining consent items AJR 15 and SB 765 were also adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, followed by announcements of upcoming committee hearings and the next floor session before adjournment until July 10 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• fraudsters but with those Federal fraudsters but with those Federal requirements<00:04:16.320>
• <00:04:22.560> for administrators of the program for administrators of the program for example
• require example our federal regulations require example our federal regulations require us<00
• three to1 match from the federal three to1 match from the federal government<00:10:20.800> so
• that with the fact that the federal that with the fact that the federal government<00:10:29.320>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So in 1951, the federal government received from this rural assistance program, I can't remember what
• Management, or the NRCS EWP program, or any other state or federal agency that might be involved with
• It's not comprehensive, but these are the most common federally funded programs that ECEQIAS can benefit
• The same applies to congressionally directed spending; you fund a program within a federal agency.
• And so the way the program works is a loan-for-service program.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs are designed to help. programs are designed to help.
• licensed programs. licensed programs.
• state Medicaid program. state Medicaid program.
• they administer this program. they administer this program.
• <01:30:56.880> issues same programs and the pro program issues same programs and the pro program

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• And in our 2011 session, the federal government attempted to provide federal funding for the program
• And in our 2011 session, the federal government attempted to provide federal funding for the program
• So back to your point, I'm glad that you recall those conversations around the federal programming that
• In 2012, the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program was authorized at a federal

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals. Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the federal share.
• The program has a large share of federal funding that we get through the BHP.
• The Behavioral Health Fund also has a significant federal share, along with the Alternative Care program
• The H.R. 1 also changed the federal match for the Emergency Medical Assistance program.
• Federal standard is 45 days.

Keywords: 1183, house