Transcript Highlights:

• Eligibility is another.
• Um so you know Eligibility is another.
• </c><02:38:49.280><c> as</c> the parameters um for eligibility as the parameters um for eligibility as
• </c> dropped eligibility dropped eligibility giving<02:41:13.600><c> the</c><02:41:13.840><c> parameters
• </c> you no longer meet the eligibility you no longer meet the eligibility criteria<02:53:25.760><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but now required manual redeterminations.
• That information then is sent to our eligibility system.
• But even with this work, the county eligibility workforce is critical.
• CSAC remains supportive of the eligibility funding requirements.
• But even with this work, the county eligibility workforce is critical.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of eligibility, reduced federal matching for certain populations, Frequent redeterminations of eligibility
• and requires the redetermination of eligibility every six months instead of annually as it is today.
• So individuals who are eligible for other health care programs would not be eligible... ...eligible for
• The work rule requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations are going to impose huge numbers
• redeterminations for certain adults, reflect eligibility updates for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard an overview of the expected California budget and program impacts from H.R. 1, including changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility, redeterminations, work requirements, immigration-related coverage rules, retroactive coverage limits, and reductions in federal matching for certain services and provider financing mechanisms. DHCS and CDSS described implementation plans focused on automation, data matching, clearer communications, county training, and outreach, while noting that many federal details are still pending. The Legislative Analyst’s Office also reviewed how H.R. 1 could increase pressure on county indigent care systems, explaining the history of county responsibility under Section 17000, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, and warning that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents seeking care without corresponding funding flexibility. An independent policy expert urged consideration of a more standardized statewide approach to indigent care and raised questions about governance, benefits, and financing. Department witnesses estimated substantial coverage losses and fiscal effects: DHCS projected major Medi-Cal disenrollment tied to work requirements, six-month renewals, narrowed immigrant eligibility, and reduced retroactive coverage, while CDSS estimated large CalFresh benefit losses and a significant increase in administrative workload and payment accuracy pressure. Members questioned how exemptions would work for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, undocumented residents, and cash workers, and asked about the effect on the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot and on county administrative funding. Officials said they would use available data and self-attestation where possible, but acknowledged that many cases would require manual screening and that the county workload estimates remain in dispute. They also said the state is still evaluating the impact of H.R. 1 on provider taxes and state-directed payments, which could create additional budget pressure. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described major local consequences if H.R. 1 is implemented as written. They warned of higher uninsured rates, more strain on emergency rooms and public hospitals, increased homelessness and food insecurity, and a likely need to rebuild or expand county indigent care programs that were largely scaled back after the ACA. Counties said they are already freezing hiring, cutting positions, reducing overtime, deferring spending, and launching outreach and coordination efforts with managed care plans and community partners, but argued that these steps are not enough without additional state support. Several counties backed the California County Welfare Directors Association’s request for $373 million in General Fund support for eligibility work and asked for a CalFresh match waiver to soften the new county share of administrative costs; Los Angeles and Santa Clara also emphasized that their local revenue measures would not close the projected gaps. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Health remains to continue to perform clinical eligibility functions.
• of Health to conduct a clinical eligibility determination for the child.
• TO PERFORM CLINICAL ELIGIBILITY FUNCTIONS. THIS DID NOT TRANSFER.
• Medicaid eligibility redetermination, and they have indicated to us that they have a specialized unit
• I know Medicaid was working with us and handling the eligibility piece.

Summary: The Health Facilities Subcommittee met to receive implementation updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration on three bills passed in prior sessions. First, Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer reported on the transfer of the Children’s Medical Services managed care plan from the Department of Health to AHCA under HB 1085. He said the move was administrative only, with no change to enrollment, providers, services, or clinical eligibility functions, and that it was intended to create efficiencies by aligning procurement and shifting staff resources between agencies. Members then questioned AHCA about reports of reductions in private duty nursing and therapy services for medically fragile children, including concerns about appeals, provider credentialing, and whether families were losing services or being transitioned appropriately. AHCA said it was reviewing denials, monitoring the plan, and using contractual remedies while focusing on maintaining access for members. The committee also reviewed implementation of a bill creating permanent Medicaid eligibility for individuals with permanent disabilities. AHCA staff explained that the agency had submitted a federal 1115 waiver request after public comment and stakeholder meetings, but CMS had indicated it did not anticipate approving the requested authority. Members pressed AHCA on why the waiver was submitted later than the bill’s directive date and on whether the delay was avoidable. AHCA said the waiver was complex and required review, drafting, and public input, and noted that DCF already has a specialized unit to help with redeterminations while the agencies work on operational changes. The committee discussed the practical impact on families who struggle with annual eligibility renewals and the need for clearer communication and faster follow-up from the agency. Finally, AHCA presented on the home health aide program for medically fragile children and related Medicaid eligibility changes. The agency described the 2023 law that created a family caregiver provider type and the 2025 changes that increased the hourly rate, expanded hours, reduced training requirements, and removed caregiver earnings from Medicaid eligibility calculations, subject to federal approval. AHCA said it had completed state public comment, submitted the waiver amendment to CMS, and was awaiting federal action. Members raised concerns that some families may have enrolled or begun work before the eligibility fix was in place and may have lost benefits, especially in Broward County. AHCA said it would work with affected families and plans, review outreach through DCF and the health plans, and continue rulemaking, system updates, and provider training. The meeting ended with the chair noting that the committee had received the updates and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• or renewal of eligibility.
• , they're redetermined for Currently, they're redetermined for Medicaid<00:43:28.960><c> uh</c><00:43
• </c> work needed from our eligibility staff. work needed from our eligibility staff.
• of everyone's program eligibility.
• of everyone's program eligibility.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from its May 29 meeting and then received an informational update from the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing about the state’s ASL interpreter pipeline. Representative Woods and Associate Commissioner Ann Landry explained that the American Sign Language program at UNH Manchester, the nation’s first fully accredited program, is facing viability concerns because high tuition has left only two of a potential 20 students committed so far. They warned that if enrollment does not recover, the program could face a teachout and eventually be lost, which they said would be detrimental because many state services and legal proceedings require qualified interpreters. Members discussed possible alternatives, including whether community colleges could help, and asked for follow-up research and contact information for UNH officials. The committee also heard that interpreter demand across DHHS continues to rise and that the department must ensure compliance with civil rights and service-access requirements. The committee then turned to Medicaid policy changes tied to Senate Bill 134 and a new federal interim final rule on Medicaid community engagement, or work, requirements. DHHS officials Olivia May and Ann Landry explained that the state law and federal rule align in many areas, but the committee still needed to decide how to implement several remaining policy choices. The department recommended adopting all four short-term hardship exceptions because the federal rule requires states to take them all or none: inpatient or institutional care, federally declared emergencies, high-unemployment areas, and extensive out-of-state travel for serious medical care. Members generally supported the exceptions but raised concerns about how they would be defined and applied, especially the emergency and medical-travel categories. Several legislators asked for more clarity on terms like “extensively” and “serious or complex medical care,” and DHHS said the federal rule does not rigidly define them, though the state could refine implementation through rulemaking if authorized. The department also said the emergency exception would apply only to federally declared emergencies, not state declarations, and would be tied to the emergency event itself. No final vote on the Medicaid policy was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion indicated the committee was reviewing the remaining decisions needed to implement Senate Bill 134 under the new federal framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• and requires the redetermination of eligibility every six months instead of annually as it is today.
• Individuals who are eligible for other health care programs would not be eligible, or would not have
• The work rule requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations are going to impose huge numbers
• redeterminations for certain adults, reflect eligibility updates for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal
• When they become eligible for federal benefits at their next eligibility determination, we will move

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extended briefing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, followed by testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and county officials. DHCS described major Medi-Cal changes in H.R. 1, including work/community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, reduced federal matching for some emergency services, narrower immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, and limits on provider taxes and directed payments. CDSS outlined CalFresh changes, especially the expanded able-bodied adults without dependents time limit, reduced exemptions and waivers, and the new federal-state-county administrative cost split. Both departments emphasized implementation plans, automation, outreach, and county coordination, while acknowledging significant expected coverage losses and administrative burden. The LAO and an independent policy expert discussed how H.R. 1 could increase demand on county indigent care systems and public hospitals as people lose Medi-Cal. They reviewed the history of county indigent care, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, explaining that counties already rely on a patchwork of funding and that current realignment revenues are often used for public health rather than indigent care. They warned that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents, with wide variation in how counties respond, and raised concerns about equity, financing, and whether a more standardized state-county program should be created. Committee members pressed witnesses on county funding, exemptions, homelessness, older adults, undocumented residents, and the effect of administrative burden versus true ineligibility. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described the expected local impacts and asked for additional state support. They said H.R. 1 would drive major losses in Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, increase uncompensated care, strain eligibility staff, and worsen homelessness and food insecurity. Several counties urged the Legislature to fund eligibility workers, preserve enrollment, and consider a CalFresh match waiver; Santa Clara and San Bernardino also cited local tax measures and staffing reductions already underway. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and requires the redetermination of eligibility every six months instead of annually as it is today.
• So individuals who are eligible for other health care programs would not be eligible.
• The work rule requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations are going to impose huge numbers
• redeterminations for certain adults, reflect eligibility updates for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal
• When they become eligible for federal benefits at their next eligibility determination, we will move

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• people with disabilities who are on iBudget waiver and other waiver plans to maintain Medicaid eligibility
• Eligible folks must have a developmental disability, be enrolled Rep.
• Eligible adults are to be automatically enrolled and informed of Rep.
• Just from my personal experience, I am actually going through redetermination right now as I do yearly
• It means that they are automatically enrolled and they are eligible for the qualifications of the program

Transcript Highlights:

• The rest of eligibility requirements.
• It increases eligibility integrity by implementing safeguards to ensure only eligible Kentuckians are
• It increases eligibility integrity by implementing safeguards to ensure only eligible Kentuckians are
• <c> transportation</c> that eligibility for transportation that eligibility for transportation services
• And you did redetermine of benefits?

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Medicaid eligibility.
• </c><00:42:54.800><c> Presumptive</c> eligibility individuals. Presumptive eligibility individuals.
• :57.040><c> temporary</c><00:42:57.680><c> Medicaid</c> eligibility is just a temporary Medicaid eligibility
• </c> waiting on full Medicaid um eligibility. waiting on full Medicaid um eligibility. uh<00:43:04.960
• A redetermination is just every year we have to make sure that individuals continue to be eligible for

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Health and Family Services committee heard an informational presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults, often with serious mental illness, who do not meet nursing home criteria but need structured supervision, medication assistance, meals, and daily support. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and are supported largely through state supplementation payments and residents’ SSI income. The presenters argued that the current reimbursement rate of about $50.70 per day is no longer sufficient to cover staffing, food, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other costs, and said the sector has shrunk significantly over time. They cited figures showing a decline from 64 to 34 homes serving the seriously mentally ill since 2002, with 30 closures over 23 years, and said the loss of beds contributes to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer psychiatric stays. They also gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before being successfully placed in personal care homes, which they said can prevent more costly institutional care. Committee members asked about staffing credentials, fraud controls, referral processes, and how reimbursement works in other states. The presenters said Kentucky does not require licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use certified medication technicians or an LPN, and they described a county case-manager-based assessment process used to set individualized rates in other states such as Minnesota. Members expressed support for the work but emphasized the need for documentation of savings and budget offsets. The presenters said they are seeking an incremental reimbursement increase over two years, roughly 25% to 50% in the first year and another 50% after that, and urged the committee to support the homes to prevent further closures.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:04.399><c> uh</c> Dees would take the list of eligible uh Dees would take the list of eligible
• Um, would this contractor be working on both the financial eligibility and the medical eligibility?
• </c> to do there with our eligibility team. to do there with our eligibility team.
• 08:26.719><c> long-term</c><02:08:27.119><c> eligibility,</c><02:08:27.920><c> part</c> eligibility,
• long-term eligibility, part eligibility, long-term eligibility, part of<02:08:28.320><c> the</c><02:08

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that</c> services and eligibility um that that services and eligibility um that that was<00:40:50.599
• </c> to be able to meet all the eligibility to be able to meet all the eligibility requirements<01:25
• </c> decompensates while that eligibility decompensates while that eligibility process<01:25:29.199><
• So we created that eligibility group, and then in that eligibility group there was a provision to add
• And Representative Nano has a question. do get um eligibility and um the do get um eligibility and um

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• eligible for health insurance coverage.
• eligible for health insurance coverage.
• This underfunding contributes to delays in county eligibility determinations and annual redeterminations
• Funding contributes to delays in county eligibility determinations and annual redeterminations, service
• and redetermination requirements.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the second reason is that folks might not be eligible.
• eligible for health insurance coverage.
• This underfunding contributes to delays in county eligibility determinations and annual redeterminations
• This underfunding contributes to delays in county eligibility determinations and annual redeterminations
• and redetermination requirements.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy Department of Health Care Services presentation on the governor’s Medi-Cal budget, including a $229.1 billion total-funds proposal, projected Medi-Cal enrollment declines as redeterminations continue, and several major cost drivers such as managed care growth, Medicare-related costs, pharmacy spending, and changes tied to federal policy. Members focused heavily on the elimination of Prop. 56 dental supplemental payments beginning July 1, 2026, questioning the likely impact on provider participation and utilization. DHCS said it is completing the required rate reduction/access analysis for CMS, has been holding stakeholder meetings and issuing provider bulletins, but could not yet quantify the real-world effect. The committee also discussed a $50 million savings proposal tied to new hospice utilization management authority and asked about possible effects on emergency dental care and provider participation. The hearing then moved through the November 2025 family health estimate and several county and program administration issues, including CCS, GHPP, and Every Woman Counts. DHCS said family health costs are rising despite slight caseload declines because of higher utilization and medical costs, and members raised concerns about CCS website accessibility, county administrative funding, and the transition of youth aging out of CCS. The department said most CCS beneficiaries are also on Medi-Cal, that counties have long raised funding concerns, and that it had clarified use of maintenance-and-operations dollars to address some county workload issues. Members also asked about Every Woman Counts potentially seeing higher demand as Medi-Cal changes take effect; DHCS said that is possible and that the program has multiple funding sources including General Fund. A major portion of the hearing focused on provider taxes and federal changes under H.R. 1, especially the Medi-Cal managed care organization tax and the hospital quality assurance fee. DHCS explained that H.R. 1 restricts new or increased health care-related taxes, phases down allowable tax levels over time, and tightens “generally redistributive” rules, which could sharply reduce the state’s ability to use the MCO tax for Medi-Cal financing. Members asked whether the Legislature could amend Prop. 35 or whether voters would need to act; DHCS said a three-fourths legislative amendment may be possible if it aligns with the measure’s purpose, but the department is still evaluating options. The committee also discussed hospital financing, with DHCS describing recent increases in state-directed payments and the effect of H.R. 1 in capping those payments at Medicare levels, and the LAO noting the tradeoff between preserving provider taxes and maintaining Medi-Cal funding. The subcommittee also reviewed a series of DHCS budget change proposals and trailer bill items, including managed care final-rule implementation, managed care operations, a hospital value strategy, a one-year extension of skilled nursing facility financing, long-term care payment transparency, and interoperability/prior authorization requirements. Members repeatedly questioned the use of limited-term versus permanent positions, the overlap among proposals, and the timing of new financing reforms. DHCS said the SNF extension would preserve current workforce standards, sanctions, growth limits, and the SNF quality assurance fee while the department develops a broader 2027-28 redesign. No votes were taken; items were repeatedly held open for later action. Covered California then presented on the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credit and the resulting affordability crisis. The agency said Californians will lose about $2.5 billion in premium assistance for 2026, average premiums could nearly double for many enrollees, and as many as 400,000 people could eventually leave marketplace coverage. Open enrollment ended with 1.9 million sign-ups, down 3% from the prior year, with especially steep declines among middle-income consumers and increased movement into bronze plans. Covered California said the state’s $190 million affordability subsidy is helping lower-income enrollees retain coverage, but cannot fully replace the lost federal assistance. Members also asked about the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund, repayment of loans from that fund, the status of federal review of California’s essential health benefits benchmark, and implementation of the new gender-affirming care benefit under AB 144.

Transcript Highlights:

• are paused until eligibility is confirmed.
• But no, redetermination wouldn't redetermine whether or not someone is still legal.
• What specific food items are eligible for SNAP?
• What specific food items are eligible for SNAP.
• All ages are eligible.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2300 by a unanimous roll call vote of 18-0. The substitute combined a number of previously approved professional registration items, including emergency suspension authority, chiropractic and massage therapy provisions, accountant regulations, the athletic trainer compact, social worker regulations, a speech-language pathologist fix, telehealth, nonprofit pharmacies, and the physician assistant compact. Members noted that work was still ongoing on bell bondsman language before the committee moved into public hearing. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain laser and in-office procedures. Representative Farnan and optometry supporters argued the bill is about patient access, especially in rural areas, and said it would allow three laser procedures—YAG capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser iridotomy—plus clarify other already-performed office procedures, while still excluding major surgeries such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants. Supporters said optometrists already receive relevant training, that a 32-hour certification course would serve as a safeguard, and that patients often face long waits or long travel times for care. Opponents, including ophthalmologists, argued the bill would blur the line between optometry and surgery, create safety risks, and rely on insufficient training and ambiguous language. They cited complications from laser procedures, questioned emergency care claims, and said optometrists should not be regulated as surgeons unless placed under the State Board of Healing Arts. No vote was taken on HB 2897, and the chair recessed the hearing for later continuation. The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education then took up House Bill 3239 and adopted Amendment 0.01H, which capped the program at $4 million to keep it from becoming an open-ended cost. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass by 11-7. The committee also combined House Bills 2913 and 3228 into one substitute and voted that combined measure do pass by 19-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create the Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program and encourage school districts to incorporate driver-safety content into existing courses without adding a fiscal note or mandating a standalone driver’s ed class. Sponsor Representative Reedy and supporters from AAA Missouri and the Missouri Driver Education Coalition said the bill would address teen crash rates, improve access to driver education, and help schools use existing curriculum time more flexibly. The hearing remained in discussion with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 538, the amendment defines standardized student eligibility and participation requirements

Bills: S7022, S0178, S0430, S0464, S0538, S0920, S1036, S1136, S1216

Keywords: public records, open government, sunshine law, education assessments, testing materials, exam security, assessment instruments, test items, answer keys, scoring rubrics, item banks, developmental materials, workpapers, student testing, academic dishonesty, cheating, Florida Department of Education, State Board of Education, Board of Governors, Florida College System

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what we appearing eligible.
• redeterminations.
• redeterminations.
• And even when you say the state take back eligibility, eligibility of what?
• ,</c> the state takeback eligibility, the state takeback eligibility, eligibility<01:44:20.159><c> of

Bills: HF3396

Keywords: property tax, task force, assessment, state revenue, local government, 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met to approve the March 4, 2026 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Intercounty Association and Dakota County on property tax trends and county budget pressures. Nathan Jess said counties are facing rising costs from state and federal mandates, with most county budgets devoted to mandated services, and argued that because counties rely heavily on property taxes for own-source revenue, those mandates increasingly fall on local taxpayers. He cited 2026 levy data showing average county levy increases of 7.6% statewide, the largest in 25 years, and said county program aid has declined as a share of local budgets over time, leaving less state support to offset costs. He also discussed the homestead market value exclusion, noting that the 2023 increase to about $38,000 helped but has been eroded by inflation and rising home values. Members asked about commercial real estate declines in downtown areas and the effect of shifting valuations on the tax base. Jess said there is usually a lag before assessment changes show up, but that declining commercial values will shift more of the tax burden onto residential homesteads. He said residential homestead property has grown from about 40% of statewide net tax capacity in 2015 to about 47% now, and that counties are trying to plan for these changes. Questions also raised whether housing supply growth could ease property tax pressure; the presenters said expanding the tax base would help, while also warning that new exemptions and exclusions can shrink the base and increase pressure on remaining taxpayers. A partisan exchange followed over whether the state has shifted costs onto counties and schools through unfunded mandates and reduced aid. One member argued that the state should repeal mandates or allow counties to opt out, citing an upcoming American Preservation Act implementation cost. Another member said the state’s reduced county aid has pushed more burden onto property taxes, which he described as less equitable than state income taxes. The presentation then continued with Mr. Hilgart, who thanked the committee and county officials in attendance and framed the discussion around what counties would do if asked to cut mandates instead of receiving more county program aid.

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to the care they might need without having to do the redetermination process.
• Eligibility is 138% of the federal poverty level.
• Californians, regardless of age, assets, or immigration status, are eligible for Medi-Cal.
• We estimate that 3-5% of Medi-Cal members are eligible for ECM.
• The goal is really to refine and simplify eligibility criteria to increase utilization.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, people stayed on regardless of their eligibility.
• They were no longer eligible and came off the rolls. Eligibility to get Medicaid.
• Six-month eligibility redeterminations start in state fiscal year 27.
• Then retroactive eligibility...
• They require states to conduct eligibility redeterminations at least every six months for Medicaid expansion

Bills: HB3057, HB3130, HB3310, HB3314, HB3985, HB4113, HB4486

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, gender transition, minors, health services, punitive damages, parental rights, health care providers, purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, marijuana tax, public service impact tax, county funding, voter approval