Transcript Highlights:

• Not something I would disagree with; however, currently there is no SSI template in SSIS.
• Not something I would disagree with; however, currently there is no SSI template in SSIS.
• [Laughter] however currently there is no SSI however currently there is no SSI there's<00:25:35.120><
• of ssis of ssis Maxis<00:26:58.960> supports<00:26:59.360> house<00:26:59.640>
• and education in modernization of ssis and education in modernization of ssis will<00:32:31.840>

Bills: HF1346, HF1169, HF1276

Keywords: mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services

Bills: HF1346, HF1169, HF1276

Keywords: mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• It's labeled the Paperwork Reduction Act, but really what we're looking at doing is updating the SSIS
• child information system supervisor at the Department of Human Services, so working on modernizing SSIS
• We have really strong relationships with our federal partners in the SSIS area, and they're aware of
• We have really strong relationships with our federal partners in the SSIS area, and they're aware of
• The amendment is really clarifying what we're trying to do with the SSIS modernization.

Bills: HF1169, HF1916

Keywords: child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services, welfare administration, Minnesota tribes, child care assistance, CCAP, program integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• If you don't receive SSI and you have, if you receive SSI, you have rate protections built in because
• of your receipt of SSI.
• of SSI.
• SSI grants.
• Applied to the SSI grant set to take place on January 1, 2026.

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• which has the most um complexity of ssis which has the most um complexity and<00:40:51.200> um
• <00:41:17.359> system<00:41:17.760> but are um comprised of the ssis system but are
• I know we've talked a lot about SSIS, but we haven't even talked about Maxis and Prism and others who
• I know we've talked a lot about SSIS, but we haven't even talked about Maxis and Prism and others who
• I know we've talked a lot about SSIS, but we haven't even talked about Maxis and Prism and others who

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this has to deal with the SSIS program, I believe, correct?
• SSIS is not set up to a systems issue.
• of SSIS, um I commiserate<00:09:53.200> alongside<00:09:53.839> you.
• As you know, SSIS is a beast, so it's not a quick or easy process to get that information out.
• also it as you know SSIS is if I could also it as you know SSIS is if I could say<00:11:40.640> a<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3901 was heard in committee and amended with the A26 amendment, which the author described as cleanup language clarifying confidential data and other wording changes. The bill concerns the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson’s access to records in the Social Services Information System (SSIS) so it can investigate foster care decisions more effectively and in a timely way. Representative Johnson said the issue stems from outdated technology and interagency barriers that make it difficult to share information needed to serve foster youth and families. Misty Coons, the foster youth ombudsperson, testified that the office has struggled to obtain records from DCYF, with delays growing longer and some requests remaining unfilled. She said direct SSIS access would reduce burdens on agency staff and improve investigations, while privacy concerns could be handled through training or interagency agreements. Rebecca St. George, assistant commissioner for DCYF, acknowledged the delays but said the department is understaffed and working on software improvements; she argued that broad direct access would risk exposing privileged and protected information and could conflict with state and federal privacy laws. She also noted concerns from tribal nations about access to tribal data without request and approval. Members discussed the mechanics of data requests, redaction, and whether the bill raised data practices issues. The chair noted that a referral to Judiciary and Civil Law was automatic under chapter 13. Representative Johnson closed by emphasizing that the goal was to better serve children and foster families and said he had received a letter from White Earth Reservation expressing reservations. The committee then approved re-referral of House File 3901, as amended, to the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Law.

Transcript Highlights:

• depends on whether a person is a recipient of SSI as well.
• If a person is also receiving SSI, then they have to meet the SSI asset limit, and if not, then they
• <01:02:45.839> asset SSI then they have to meet the SSI asset SSI then they have to meet the
• For the general assistance, SSI, and MSA, a person could be receiving both SSI and MSA at the same time
• person could be receiving um both SSI person could be receiving um both SSI and<01:06:19.799>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and staff roles. Nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal staff explained that they draft bills and amendments, prepare bill summaries and background research, answer legal and fiscal questions, and help track revenue and budget effects. They also distributed a Budget Overview Brief intended to condense the larger budget materials into a more usable format for members. Staff then walked through the Human Services budget and the committee’s areas of responsibility. They described the department structure, noting that DHS oversees administration, compliance, rulemaking, and county support, and that the overall Human Services budget is large, with medical assistance as the dominant program. They also explained recent and upcoming reorganizations: many children and family-related functions are moving to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Direct Care and Treatment is becoming its own agency, and some homelessness-related functions remain at DHS. Staff reviewed how the budget is organized by program and budget activity, the difference between direct appropriations and standing appropriations, and how forecasted programs and “tails” work in the budget process. The presentation also covered Medicaid financing and long-term care. Staff explained the federal-state FMAP match, including Minnesota’s current 51.16% federal match for most Medicaid spending, the CHIP match, and the 90% federal share for the expansion population. For long-term care, they outlined Medical Assistance services for elderly and disabled people, state-funded long-term care supports, and Board on Aging programs. They highlighted the personal care assistance program’s phaseout and replacement by Community First Services and Supports, and reviewed the five home- and community-based waivers. Members asked one question about refugee resettlement funding, specifically whether it covers flights; staff said they would need to follow up on the exact use of the federal funds. No bills were heard, and no formal votes or other committee actions were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the first thing we want to discuss is SSI.
• The architecture for SSI was really beyond modernizing.
• Really hitting in and focusing on the SSI replacement.
• The work that's been happening... stop with SSI U.S..
• Really hitting in focusing on the SSI U.S. replacement.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• um 65 kids who we are collecting SSI um 65 kids who we are collecting SSI benefits<01:28:44.639>
• <01:29:17.840> $47,000 65 children SSI $47,000 65 children SSI $47,000 >> $47,000 >
• to hitting the SSI to hitting the SSI cap<01:34:38.880> of<01:34:39.280> 2,000,<01
• And then model four conserve 100% of RSDI, 50% of SSI benefits for youth age 0 to 13, and 100% of SSI
• to be lifelong if they qualify for SSI to be lifelong if they qualify for SSI or<02:30:32.399>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• systems the Maxis system and the ssis systems the Maxis system and the ssis system<01:46:02.040>
• <01:46:08.159> uh um ssis uh um ssis uh system<01:46:10.599> so<01:46:11.599> I<
• out-of-home placement plan, do case notes, or their required SSIS time entry, SSIS won't respond.
• <01:54:15.719> been the concerns that had ssis been the concerns that had ssis been available
• beneficial because I know the ssis beneficial because I know the ssis investment<02:06:59.040>

Bills: HF25, HF4

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, more than 725,000 SSI recipients, or about 64% of SSI recipients in California, can now purchase
• SSI Coalition, for reinstating the cost of living increase.
• You can't go back and get SSI because it's so difficult.
• You can't go back and get SSI because it's so difficult.
• So that SSI piece is actually really important. protect the SSI because just to be clear, we're not saying

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that I think was a SSIS works.
• SSIS, um, as today to ground us all.
• that people have been hearing about SSIS that people have been hearing about SSIS modernization<
• SSIS serves 29 child welfare first.
• <02:03:55.599> SSIS sure for Ramsey as well, SSI SSIS sure for Ramsey as well, SSI SSIS currently

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I am most excited about SSIS.
• I am most excited about SSIS.
• I am most excited about SSIS.
• I am most excited about SSIS.
• passed SSIS we're going to pass SSIS passed SSIS we're going to pass SSIS funding<00:58:52.880><

Bills: HF2436, HF2929

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, HF2929, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food assistance, nutrition assistance, public benefits, eligibility determination, income eligibility, federal poverty guidelines, poverty level, county agency, Tribal agency, human services, children and families, benefits administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, RCFEs may not charge Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, recipients more than a
• However, low-income Medi-Cal recipients without SSI are not protected by an income-based rate cap and
• As you heard from Senator Wahab, participants who do not have SSI can see their room-and-board rates
• This bill creates parity between SSI and non-SSI Medi-Cal beneficiaries in assisted living by allowing
• We have been working closely with the author's office and sponsors to ensure that the SSI, SSP, room

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on June 24 with a substitute chair presiding and considered three measures. SB 352 by Senator Reyes was placed on the consent calendar and approved unanimously, 7-0, to be re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. SB 433 by Senator Wahab, presented on behalf of Senator Stern, was heard next and focused on room-and-board protections for participants in the assisted living waiver and CalAIM assisted living transition community support programs. Supporters, including Justice in Aging, CANHR, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Commission on Aging, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association, argued the bill would prevent low-income Medi-Cal residents from being charged unaffordable rates and losing their housing. Opponents, including the California Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge California, and Six B’s, said they remained concerned about the bill’s rent-control implications and statutory scope, though they acknowledged recent amendments addressed some eligibility issues. After committee discussion, SB 433 was approved 5-1 with one abstention and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. The committee also heard SB 582 by Senator Stern, presented by Senator Wahab, which would allow state departments to issue disaster suspensions of active licenses for facilities rendered inoperable by declared emergencies, waive some licensing fees, and provide temporary flexibility for community-based adult services, child care, and evacuation planning requirements for skilled nursing and residential care facilities. Support came from the California Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge California, the California Commission on Aging, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association, CANHR, and a child care resource center, all describing the bill as helpful for rebuilding and continuity of services after disasters. There was no recorded opposition, and SB 582 passed unanimously, 7-0, to the Committee on Health. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• modernization that would apply to the SSIS modernization fund.
• You know, our SSIS system.
• They are having problems with retention, specifically related to the SSIS system.
• Especially with that Mississippi, I call it Mississippi, SSIS. You spell that fast enough, right?
• I think, you know, we brought up SSIS.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• I will also tell you that they are already doing SSI eligibility checks when the child comes in.
• They're already using Kentucky stable accounts and other accounts for SSI benefits.
• <00:04:45.960> So, and other accounts for SSI benefits.
• So, and other accounts for SSI benefits.
• says in countable recipients, SSI says in countable recipients, SSI recipients.<00:05:15.360>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, children with disabilities get SSI benefits.
• Additionally, children with disabilities get SSI benefits from the federal government.
• one month of SSI in every 12-month period to ensure SSI benefits aren't terminated for being in suspense
• For 4E-eligible youth, AB 1080 would require this one-month SSI payment to be conserved for the child
• AB 1080 ensures SSI benefits stay with the youth, supporting their immediate and future needs.

Summary: The committee heard a series of child care, social services, immigrant support, disability services, and language access bills, with many measures drawing strong support and no opposition. Early in the hearing, AB 450 proposed a Department of Aging task force to study and recommend policies for undocumented adults age 55 and older; AB 593 would let CDSS identify data-sharing opportunities to improve CalFresh administration and participation; and AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility so families do not lose care during pregnancy leave, family leave, caregiving, or job search periods. All three were presented as ways to reduce barriers and improve access to essential services, and AB 904 was moved out on a 1-0 call after support testimony from child care advocates and a member of the public. AB 617, which would expand and standardize respite care access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by requiring licensing and registry participation, drew both support and significant opposition from respite providers and disability service organizations concerned about added regulation, cost, and possible delays; the author said she would continue working with opponents, and the bill was moved out on a 2-0 call. The committee also heard AB 1220, which would require regional centers to document denials, notices of action, and appeals in individual program plans and include that data in annual reports to improve transparency and equity in developmental services. The bill drew extensive public support from parents, advocates, and disability organizations, with no opposition, and passed 5-0. AB 752 would make child care centers by right in certain residential zones when co-located with multifamily housing or institutional uses, and supporters argued it would reduce zoning barriers and help expand child care capacity; it also passed 5-0. AB 1242 would create a CalHHS language access director, require human review of machine translation, and improve language coverage determinations for state and local agencies; supporters emphasized health equity and the need for better access for limited-English communities, and the bill was moved out on a 4-0 call. Later, AB 548 would continue and expand the Asylee and Vulnerable Non-Citizen Program, which provides case management and integration services for asylees and certain visa holders; supporters said the program had been effective but had run out of funding, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, would strengthen family safety planning for immigrant families, standardize acceptance of caregiver authorization affidavits, and create a joint guardianship process for temporary separations; testimony focused on fear of family separation and the need for clear school and medical procedures, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 1357 would exclude guaranteed income payments from being counted as income for state public assistance eligibility, with supporters arguing it would prevent recipients from falling off the “benefits cliff”; it passed 4-1. Finally, AB 1201, the Reunity Act, was introduced to require individualized court assessments before denying reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions after a five-year period, with the author and a witness describing the bill as a trauma-informed approach to family reunification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not to be a dead horse here, but about SSIS, I’m curious.
• Not to be a dead horse here, but about SSIS, I’m curious.
• Not to be a dead horse here, but about SSIS, I’m curious.
• Another commissioner added that they are continuing to plan with SSIS funding.
• Another commissioner added that they are continuing to plan with SSIS funding.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance with federal child care regulations, and dedicates existing IT resources to child welfare SSIS
• And for our child welfare SSIS modernization proposal, dedicates existing funding to address current
• And for our child welfare SSIS modernization proposal, dedicates existing funding to address current
• County and tribal social services use SSIS to track, manage, and pay for social services.
• > or<00:59:47.119> a have an ssis eligible disability or a have an ssis eligible disability

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard a presentation from Department of Children, Youth, and Families Commissioner Tiki Brown on the department’s 2025 budget and transition plans. Brown said the governor’s budget pairs targeted reductions with modest investments, resulting in net general fund savings, while preserving core safety-net programs. Major proposals included funding for program integrity, modernization of the child welfare SSIS system, compliance changes for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), operating adjustments, and a transition account reallocation as the new department continues moving programs from other agencies through July 1, 2025. A large portion of the discussion focused on CCAP fraud prevention and oversight. Brown and Assistant Commissioner Diane Hy explained that the proposed statewide electronic attendance recordkeeping system would replace retroactive paper-based attendance reporting with more timely data, making it harder to falsify attendance and claim payments improperly. Brown also said the department is working with the Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General and other partners on compliance and fraud controls. Senators pressed for more detail on current enforcement, whether payments can be withheld for violations, and whether recent media reports showed gaps in oversight; Brown said payments can be stopped for false attendance records, suspended or revoked licenses, or fraud allegations, but not for health and safety violations alone. The committee also reviewed other budget-neutral policy changes, including expanding permanency support services for relative foster care and tribal equivalents, strengthening tribal child welfare grants, updating TEACH scholarship rules for early childhood educators, and adjusting the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program to create a special revenue fund and extend a 10% payment increase to tribally licensed programs and programs on tribal reservation land. Brown also described a $1.5 million annual reduction to restorative practices grants, leaving a smaller ongoing base. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yeah, the biggest ticket items I think outside of the SSIS funding were food security funding.
• <00:35:31.040> SSIS<00:35:31.680> funding<00:35:32.000> and<00:35:32.160>
• I<00:35:32.400> really million of SSI SSIS funding and I really million of SSI SSIS funding
• <00:36:55.680> funding think um outside of the SSIS funding think um outside of the SSIS funding
• One is I appreciate so much the funding for SSIS and again thanking the chairs of Ways and Means for

Bills: SF1959, HF2444, SF2298, HF2445, SF2216, HF2443, HF2130, HF1943, HF2436, HF2442

Keywords: veterans, military affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, omnibus veterans bill, appropriations, National Guard, state active service, armory, State Armory Building Commission, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, county veterans service office, Minnesota GI Bill, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, Secret War in Laos, Hmong veterans, Laos veterans, special guerrilla units