Bills: HB2200, HB2468, HB2660

Keywords: developmental disabilities, residential settings, data access, safety, stability, terminology correction, social services, healthcare, regulatory compliance, department reorganization, child welfare, court authority, shelter care, family law, court conditions, 904, all

Summary: The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee met in executive session on three bills. HB 2200, dealing with JLARC review of safety and stability outcomes for DSHS developmental disabilities clients and replacing a public dashboard with annual reporting, was amended with a technical fix and then reported out with a do pass recommendation on a 9-2 vote. Supporters said the substitute would reduce fiscal impact while still producing useful, comparable data; opponents raised concerns about how the data might affect providers and whether it could stigmatize difficult placements. HB 2468, which updates statutory references to DSHS divisions after agency restructuring and makes related technical changes, was advanced without amendment. The substitute restored two current-law provisions: the expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative and the requirement that DSHS employ two permanent full-time staff to review and maintain the no-paid-services caseload. The committee reported the bill out unanimously. HB 2660, authorizing courts to order parents to comply with safety conditions for children under age five after shelter care hearings, was amended with a tribal-requested change requiring the conditions to be the least restrictive necessary, reviewed every 30 days, and consistent with state and federal Indian Child Welfare Act requirements. Members said the bill responds to rising critical incidents and aims to improve child safety, while acknowledging broader system challenges. The committee then reported the substitute bill out on a 9-2 vote and adjourned after noting it had reached the end of its first half of work.

Bills: HB372, HB361, HB391, HB372, HB361, HB391

Keywords: Elmore County, rental tax, tax revenue, infrastructure funding, economic development, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, tribal police, reservation security, state-recognized tribe, law enforcement authority, certified police officer, Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, P.O.S.T., trespass, warrantless arrest, tribal land, sovereignty, public safety, Indian tribe, reservation

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Bills: SB1095, SB1127, SB1170, SB1208, SB1211, SB1237, SB1239, SB1240, SB1243, SB1244, SB1259, SB1283

Keywords: gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, reporting abuse, child neglect, mandatory reporting, child safety, medical treatment, faith exemptions, penalties, narcotic drugs, fentanyl, sentencing, drug offenses, juvenile justice

Bills: HB154, HB153, HB180, SB70

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, governor appointment, board advisory, veteran service organizations, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veteran service officers, district managers, state veterans home trust fund, veterans benefits, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, active-duty service members, state agency reorganization, executive authority, governance reform

Bills: SB67, HB295, SB104

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Bills: HB946, HB1093, SB26, SB29, SB30, SB195, SB219, SB222, SB255, SB314, SCR2, SCR22

Keywords: healthcare transparency, hospital pricing, consumer protection, collection actions, fines, naturopathic medicine, Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine, licensing, healthcare, prescriptive authority, natural therapies, opioid treatment, regulation, addiction recovery, state law, SB 29, Act 732, coroner, autopsy, child death

Bills: SB709, SB2089, SB2090, SB2108, SB2211, SB2250, SB2325, SB2803, SB2866, SB3245

Keywords: mental health, crisis intervention, assisted community treatment, treatment orders, law enforcement training, public safety, court-ordered treatment, Medicaid, healthcare access, unlicensed professionals, supervised services, workforce development, mental health equity, child custody, evaluations, licensed counselors, family court, juvenile justice, waiver of jurisdiction, transfer to adult court

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Bills: SB315, SB584, SB1228, SB1484, SB1860, SB1802

Keywords: DNA privacy, genetic privacy, genetic testing, genetic material, DNA ownership, property right in DNA, genetic consent, biological sample, genomics, genetic data, HIPAA, health information privacy, health care provider, research ethics, human subjects research, law enforcement DNA, forensic DNA, paternity testing, medical examiner, genetic discrimination

Bills: SB6290, SB6282, SB5379, SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5882, SB6303, SB6180, SB6195, SB6196, SB6204, SB6287

Keywords: liquor regulation, cannabis board, reorganization, state agency, governance, apprenticeship, behavioral health, construction trades, workforce training, wellness, interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee first suspended the five-day notice rule to take up Senate Bill 629, which would restructure the Liquor and Cannabis Board. Proponents from the hospitality and cannabis industries argued the current board is overloaded by combining liquor and cannabis regulation and said a larger or differently structured board would improve focus, accountability, and stakeholder engagement. A substance misuse prevention representative opposed the bill, warning that shifting the agency toward a board controlled largely by legislative appointments would be a major governance change and could disrupt existing interagency systems. The committee then moved the bill into executive session but did not take final action on SB 629 in the portion of the transcript provided. In executive session, the committee heard and acted on several other bills. It adopted substitutes and advanced SB 6282 on behavioral health training for construction apprentices, SB 5379 on interest arbitration for Parks and Recreation Commission employees, SB 6197 on plumber license suspension for repeat violations, SB 6158 on factory-built housing inspections, SB 6302 on limits for independent contractors on public works finishing work, SB 5882 on PTSD claims for local correctional facility workers, SB 6195 on cannabis oversupply and producer tier thresholds, SB 6196 on kratom taxation, SB 6204 on home cultivation of cannabis, and SB 6287 on kratom product restrictions. Several of these bills were sent to Ways and Means because of fiscal impacts, while SB 6204 was sent to Rules after adoption of an amendment allowing local governments to ban or restrict home cultivation in residential areas. Testimony and committee discussion reflected mixed views on the policy bills. Supporters of the cannabis and kratom measures emphasized public health, youth prevention, and the need to modernize regulation, while opponents raised concerns about cost, agency burden, overregulation, and the scope of taxation or restrictions. On SB 6302, some members supported the effort to address worker misclassification, while others objected to the cap on independent contractors. The committee also noted that SB 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices would not move that day. Most bills were reported out with do pass recommendations and subject to signatures, with several going to Ways and Means for further consideration.

Bills: SB6053, SB6134, SB6147, SB6106, SB6045, SB6135, SB6128, SB6282, SB6068, SB6303, SB6290

Keywords: SB 6053, domestic workers, domestic worker rights, labor protections, minimum wage, overtime, private household employment, nanny, home care worker, personal care provider, housekeeper, cleaner, cook, gardener, household manager, wage theft, retaliation, anti-discrimination, immigration status, privacy rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 6282, which would require building and construction apprenticeship programs to provide two hours of behavioral health and wellness training beginning in 2027. The sponsor and labor supporters said construction workers face elevated suicide and substance use risks and that the bill would help reduce stigma, improve peer support, and connect workers to resources. Testifiers from electrical workers, bricklayers, and building trades strongly supported the measure, describing it as an important first step and noting planned amendments to extend similar information through continuing education for journey-level workers. No vote was taken on this bill in the portion provided. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6135, which would require interest arbitration panels for most uniform personnel in cities, counties, and other local governments to consider the employer’s ability to pay. County and city associations supported the bill as a modest fiscal-relief measure and said it would align local arbitration with existing state law. Teamsters representatives and other labor witnesses opposed it, arguing it would weaken collective bargaining rights and let employers use financial hardship to delay or reduce fair contracts. The public hearing closed with a reported tally of 5 in favor and 22 opposed, and the bill was not advanced in the excerpt. In executive session, the committee acted on several bills. It adopted a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 6053 on domestic workers and then voted the bill do pass to Rules. It also passed Senate Bill 6134, which requires notice to striking workers about possible unemployment overpayment if they later receive retroactive wages. Senate Bill 6147 on grocery store closures in food deserts was sent to Ways and Means after members discussed the definition of “food desert” and concerns about the six-month notice requirement; the sponsor said the bill was still being refined. Senate Bill 6106, excluding Indian tribes from the Stable Act employer definition and protecting employee contact information from disclosure, also passed to Rules. For Senate Bill 6045 on agricultural employees and PERC jurisdiction, the committee adopted a Schoesler amendment requiring multilingual signage, then passed the amended bill to Ways and Means. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 6128 about using an L&I-approved third-party app to record independent medical exams, with supporters citing security and consistency and opponents saying it would burden injured workers and was unnecessary; and on Senate Bill 6068, which would expand contractor liability for unpaid construction wages, with workers and labor groups supporting stronger enforcement and contractors opposing broader liability. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 6303 on cannabis packaging and vapor devices, where testimony was split between sustainability and industry supporters and public health opponents concerned about child poisonings and packaging changes.

Bills: SB57, SB405, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB222, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB815, HB949, HB1092, HB1214

Keywords: SB 57, Act 735, Act 463, nutrition, public health, food additives, artificial colors, banned chemicals, ingredient labeling, food labeling, FDA, food and beverage regulation, consumer disclosure, school nutrition, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 17, food manufacturers, food retailers, compliance, effective date delay

Bills: SB1303, SB1343, SB1435, SB1438, SB1444, SB1641, SB1765, SB1916, SB2067

Keywords: workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act

Bills: SB1303, SB1343, SB1435, SB1438, SB1444, SB1641, SB1765, SB1916, SB2067

Keywords: workers' compensation, workers comp, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, Administrative Workers' Compensation Act, self-insurance guaranty fund, multiple injury trust fund, physician advisory committee, advisory council on workers' compensation, workers' compensation court, insurance, employer liability, self-insured employer, fund transfer, records transfer, agency reorganization, statutory cleanup, technical corrections, Title 85A, SB1343, Vision Plan Contractual Requirements Act

Summary: The Business and Insurance committee met and first announced that several bills—1765, 1916, 1438, and 1444—would be laid over. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1303, which repeals an obsolete workers’ compensation advisory commission that members said is no longer needed after the state moved to a commission-based system; it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 1641 followed, clarifying that annual renewal notices for certain business certifications may be sent to the last known email address of record; it also passed 9-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1435, a property insurance measure responding to rising premiums. The author argued it would prohibit insurers from using credit scores in premium rating, citing examples of large rate differences tied to credit rather than driving or property risk. Members questioned whether banning credit scoring would shift costs to other policyholders, but the bill passed 5-3 after the title was struck. Senate Bill 1343, an optometry-related bill intended to ensure vision plan organizations and optometrists follow existing regulatory rules, drew questions about discounts and incentives but was described as not changing the current framework; it passed 8-1. Finally, Senate Bill 2067 was heard to help financial institutions more effectively report suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and share information with Adult Protective Services or law enforcement more quickly. The author said the bill would remove legal barriers and improve scam prevention, especially for older adults. It passed unanimously 9-0. The chair then adjourned the meeting, noting the next meetings would be longer.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is in full support of the reorganization proposal.
• And that is the spirit of this reorganization. Thank you very much.
• Question on the reorganization. I'm looking at the chart. Okay. Question on the reorganization.
• I am in support of the reorganization plan.
• We are in support of the Governor's Reorganization Plan.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs. Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs. Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we arrived at the at the reorganization we arrived at the at the reorganization and<00:15:47.720
• </c> were aligned with the reorganization were aligned with the reorganization needs needs needs both
• We have had some turnover in the reorganization, with staff seeking other positions.
• 13.840><c> staff</c><00:18:14.080><c> seeking</c> the reorganization with staff seeking the reorganization
• And the reorganization goes into effect August 1st.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, and court facility projects. AOC leaders said they do not anticipate problems balancing the outgoing biennium or fiscal year 2026, and explained that the budget changes were driven by the need to reduce costs while preserving required constitutional, court-rule, and statutory services. They also said the new filing fee increases authorized by HB 504 took effect that day and are expected to generate up to $5 million, while the reorganization is projected to save about $3 million in general fund dollars. The bulk of the presentation focused on a major reorganization of the Office of Statewide Programs, which includes specialty courts, family and juvenile services, and pretrial services. AOC said the plan eliminates 170 positions and creates 109 new ones, mainly by reducing middle-management layers, expanding regional service delivery, and cross-training staff. Officials said 110 employees had already been offered or accepted placements, 24 had chosen voluntary separation, and the final number of employees leaving remains fluid until the process concludes around August 1. They emphasized that specialty court programs were not eliminated, but state-funded treatment court contracts and behavioral health liaison positions were removed, with treatment costs shifted to Medicaid or participants where appropriate. Members asked about the process, staffing impacts, specialty court participation, juvenile services, and how AOC will monitor the changes. AOC said the reorganization was developed by leadership, HR, and legal staff under direction of the Chief Justice and approved by the Supreme Court, and that it is intended to improve efficiency and frontline support rather than reduce services. They said specialty court participant levels are being watched closely, that CDW services will continue to use outside providers for programming, and that the agency will keep judges and stakeholders informed as the new structure goes into effect. No votes were taken, and the committee did not approve minutes because a quorum was not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that unit going to reside after this reorganization?
• So let's go back to the reorganization. I understand.
• But if you're going to do a reorganization, I think the public is going to want more emphasis in a reorganization
• And that is part of the reorganization.
• We are in support of the reorganization plan.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an informational presentation on the May Revision’s proposed reorganization of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into separate housing-focused and consumer/business-focused entities. Administration officials said the split would improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and create a dedicated California Housing and Homelessness Agency with a new housing development and finance committee. The Department of Finance said funding was needed in 2025-26 to begin implementation, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal without prejudice because the Little Hoover Commission review was still pending and the plan would require ongoing General Fund costs. Members raised concerns about the timing, the lack of alignment with the budget process, and whether the reorganization would improve accountability for homelessness spending; several public witnesses supported the concept but stressed it could not substitute for new housing and homelessness dollars. The committee then took up the Department of Veterans Affairs. CalVet requested funding for phase three of its electronic health care record project and a trailer bill to preserve authority for federal background checks, but the May Revision withdrew requests for deferred maintenance and additional administrative support. The LAO noted deferred maintenance can prevent larger future costs, and the chair criticized the withdrawal of less than $1 million for veterans’ homes as short-sighted given existing repair needs. No vote was taken. Next, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented its budget. HCD said the May Revision provides no new affordable housing or homelessness funding, but does retain existing rounds of funding and proposes a $31.7 million reversion from undersubscribed housing programs. Members from both parties expressed concern about zeroing out ongoing housing and homelessness investments, especially for LIHTC, the Multifamily Housing Program, and HAP. HCD also defended its homelessness accountability and compliance work, saying the unit includes about 30 program staff and six attorneys, with three additional attorneys requested mainly to handle public records and litigation workload. Public commenters largely opposed the lack of new funding and urged continued support for housing and homelessness programs, while some supported the reorganization and accountability efforts. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz proposals. The administration requested authority to increase funding for a federal trade program match if needed, plus reappropriations for administrative funds tied to the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, zero-emission vehicle operations, and the Women’s Business Center Enhancement Program. It also proposed withdrawing the Cal Competes grant request and reverting remaining funds from the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The LAO said Cal Competes is generally effective but could be cut as a budget solution, while warning that the performing arts fund was close to awards and should be considered carefully. Members objected to pulling back committed funds for performing arts organizations and questioned why the state would withdraw support after applications had already been submitted.

Bills: HCR11, HB153, HB278, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB687, HB816, HB833, HB942, HB1053, HB1097, HB1147, HB1148, HB1190, SB75, SB85, SB197, SB200, SB217

Keywords: Camp Beauregard, Louisiana National Guard, Youth Challenge Program, military affairs, Pineville, National Guard training, emergency response, youth development, alternative education, high school equivalency, GED, at-risk youth, leadership training, job skills, citizenship, veterans, state military operations, mobilization, logistics staging area, public service

Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.

Bills: HCR11, HB153, HB278, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB687, HB816, HB833, HB942, HB1053, HB1097, HB1147, HB1148, HB1190, SB75, SB85, SB197, SB200, SB217

Keywords: Camp Beauregard, Louisiana National Guard, Youth Challenge Program, military affairs, Pineville, National Guard training, emergency response, youth development, alternative education, high school equivalency, GED, at-risk youth, leadership training, job skills, citizenship, veterans, state military operations, mobilization, logistics staging area, public service

Bills: HB414, HB786, HB1041, HB1052, HB1118, HB1139, HB1182, HB1185, HB1214, HB1217, HB1231, SR63, SCR27, SB5, SB194, SB415, SB433, SB451, SB462, SB516

Keywords: healthcare, criminal convictions, employment, background checks, prohibited offenses, Medicaid, claim payments, extrapolation, provider audits, medical freedom, discrimination, access, medical intervention, child protection, confidentiality, multidisciplinary teams, child advocacy centers, public records, investigations, hospital