Transcript Highlights:

• And if that was found to not negatively impact California's consumers.
• Part of, I think, the importance of highlighting this, this is inflation-adjusted.
• The inflation-adjusted costs reported to investors are relatively stable.
• So you calculate important impacts to health, and...
• Impacts, full stop.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on refinery closures, gasoline supply and prices, in-state oil production, and implementation of SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The chair emphasized that California needs a system-wide transition plan to manage the decline in fossil fuel demand while avoiding supply shocks and consumer harm, especially in light of Phillips 66’s planned refinery changes and Valero’s announced intent to close its Benicia refinery. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and CARB Chair Liane Randolph described the broader fuel transition: EV adoption is rising, gasoline demand is declining, and California’s refining system is increasingly tight and interconnected with imports, storage, pipelines, and marine terminals. Randolph reviewed CARB’s climate and air-quality programs, including the low-carbon fuel standard, and said California still has major ozone and particulate pollution problems even as emissions have fallen. Both agencies stressed that the state must balance climate goals, air quality, consumer protection, and investor confidence, and that additional refinery closures could increase price volatility and strain supply. DPMO Director Ty Milder presented new data on gasoline pricing, saying Californians have paid a “mystery gasoline surcharge” of about 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher branded gasoline markups and elevated industry margins concentrated among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show some refiners do well while others struggle, and that the market is highly concentrated. Committee members questioned whether the data proved manipulation or whether state regulations and declining supply were contributing to refinery exits and higher prices. Witnesses said no specific consumer-cost threshold is used in CARB’s economic analysis, and CEC officials said they have not yet implemented the new permissive tools because they are still evaluating whether the benefits outweigh the risks. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• If 175 passes, this bill preemptively offsets its impact by cutting the very... ...offsets its impact
• That can have That can have budget impacts on us.
• One full-year impact of this is nearly $90 million.
• Should we go below uh this is impacts.
• The inflation-adjusted limit of $120,000 is being increased to an inflation-adjusted limit of $300,000

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 231 offers a path to understanding and ending food deserts and the impact they have on vulnerable
• Wage disparity, inflation, and the cost of living and healthcare, as well as the lack of transportation
• , all impact one's food access.
• We won't know until we have accurate data about how food deserts impact the people who live in them.
• We're looking at how this impacts communities of color.

Bills: HB231 , HB475 , HB488 , HB632 , HB821 , HB1786 , HB1955 , HB2036 , HB2060 , HB2659 , HB2677 , HB231

Committee: House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Keywords: food access, food deserts, communities of color, health disparities, socioeconomic impact, nutritious food, health effects, socioeconomic disparities, legislative recommendations, nutrition, access to food, Medicaid, multisystemic therapy, healthcare, reimbursement, mental health services, education, funding, local control, school system

Transcript Highlights:

• For a long time, I underestimated that impact, even as an owner.
• It doesn’t impact the electronic payment system at all. No impact on the electronic payment system.
• It doesn't impact the electronic payment system at all. No impact of the electronic payment system.
• So as cross-state spending gets harder, travel and tourism feel that impact directly.
• So as cross-state spending gets harder, travel and tourism, feel that impact directly.

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing chaired by Senator Paul Feeney and Representative Jamie Murphy. The commission reviewed its charge to gather input on payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now/pay later, and related issues affecting small businesses. Representative Sean Garballey testified in support of maintaining the current card system, emphasizing tourism’s importance to Massachusetts and arguing that universal card acceptance and interchange stability are especially important with major upcoming events and visitors. A large portion of the hearing focused on independent restaurants and small businesses arguing that credit card processing fees are burdensome and unfair when applied to sales tax and gratuities that are not business revenue. Testifiers including Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others described razor-thin margins and said restaurants pay fees on money passed through to the state or employees. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses first, and making fees proportional. In response, credit union and banking representatives, including Alex Vereen, Brad Popolado, Deb Peters, and Keely McEwen, argued that interchange funds fraud protection, card infrastructure, and consumer protections, and warned that state-specific changes could create compliance burdens, higher costs, or reduced access to services. Several witnesses addressed legal and policy questions. Dan Swanson and David Montero said states have authority to regulate aspects of the payment system, but Montero warned that state-specific rules could create uncertainty and conflict with federal banking law. Julian Morris and other industry witnesses argued that card payments benefit consumers and merchants by reducing cash-handling costs and increasing spending, while critics of reform said changes could shift costs into bank fees or reduced rewards. Commission members questioned whether sales tax could be separated from card transactions, whether surcharging should be considered, and whether vendor compensation or other state-level relief might be more workable. The chairs said they were exploring a narrower, targeted approach rather than a broad overhaul, and announced plans for one additional public hearing to allow further testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:52:33.520><c> of</c> their removal from the the impact of their removal from the the impact of
• Uh, it it especially from its impact.
• As Pell Grants have not kept up with inflation, their impact has resulted in a shrinking share of college
• </c> those students are going to be impacted. those students are going to be impacted.
• . impacted. impacted.

Bills: HF4252

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration

Transcript Highlights:

• For a long time, I underestimated that impact, even as an owner.
• It doesn't impact the electronic payment system at all. No impact on the electronic payment system.
• It doesn't impact the electronic payment system at all. No impact of the electronic payment system.
• So as cross-state spending gets harder, travel and tourism feel that impact directly.
• So as cross-state spending gets harder, travel and tourism, feel that impact directly.

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail. Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions. The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.

Transcript Highlights:

• , so just the overall health impact around um these uh pollutants.
• People in our state and how it impacts our healthcare system.
• Um, definitely all of that has an impact on health. I'll pass.
• In the general arena of Economic impact.
• That was based on an inflation index on the previous rate study.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The group also discussed local ordinances and their impact on child care business.
• Would this change of reimbursement have any impact on that screening process?
• The financial impact is now being seen by the tribal nations.
• As of July 1st, with our inflation increases, that rate will go to $165.99.
• As of July 1st, with our inflation increases, that rate will go to $165.99.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inflation is a primary driver of cost. And some of the cost increases.
• That is highway cost adjusted, so that's inflation adjusted.
• Having a positive socioeconomic impact on communities across the state.
• into the impact of this issue, particularly on single women?
• So you can see the direct impact it's having on businesses in your county.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It impacts families, partners... And the harm extends beyond the individual.
• It impacts families, partners.
• That event brought $7 million in economic impact to our community.
• That event brought $7 million in economic impact to our community.
• That event brought $7 million in economic impact to our community.

Bills: HB2278 , HB2325 , HB2481 , HB2503

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: tourism, promotion areas, state funding, economic development, community engagement, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if there's a desire or based on inflation or something else to be able to increase the gas tax
• But if you're worried about Inflation, this is a much more fair way to tax than a percentage.
• It takes the inflation argument all the way out of it because when you're taxing on a percentage of cost
• bill purports to establish a flat tax at a specific amount rather than allowing it to adjust for inflation
• And so, if we were going to, right now, we've gone through a period of high inflation.

Bills: HB2933 , HB3041 , HB3048 , HB3081 , HB3297 , HB3338 , HB3673 , HB3790 , HB3983 , HB4105 , HB4139 , HB4203 , HJR1023

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, insurance, nonadmitted insurers, surplus lines, Oklahoma, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, towing services

Transcript Highlights:

• But this will have some very serious impacts to my district.
• There's a huge disproportionate impact that happens.
• We also want to thank the Legislature for the mitigation on HR1 impacts to counties.
• Thank you so much for your work to mitigate the impacts of HR1.
• Impacts and changes that are not going to be great for consumers.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, our bureau touches just about everything that impacts your Motor Vehicle Record.
• Inflation certainly is one of the key issues we're dealing with.
• uh certainly no secret but uh inflation uh certainly no secret but uh inflation<01:42:38.639><c> is<
• Part of the impact is going to be some future impacts; it's reducing preventative maintenance. say that
• is going to be some some some the impact is going to be some some some future<01:44:47.920><c> impacts

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an opening/orientation session in which members introduced themselves and explained their interest in the committee. Several members noted backgrounds in trucking, piloting, boating, motorcycles, road safety, or constituent concerns about transportation issues. The chair also noted several absent members and said the committee would first hear agency presentations before covering committee procedures. The Department of Safety gave the main presentation, outlining its seven divisions and how they relate to transportation policy and the Highway Fund. The assistant commissioner emphasized that Highway Fund revenue supports both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety, with collections coming largely from the road toll/gas tax, DMV fees, and the new electric vehicle surcharge. He also noted that 12% of Highway Fund revenues go to local road repair through the DOT Betterment Fund, and warned that the fund has had a structural deficit for several biennia, requiring General Fund transfers that may be uncertain this session. He said the department aims to provide data and fiscal context on legislation and fiscal notes. State Police then provided a detailed overview of its structure and operations, including the Operations Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, and Justice Information Bureau. Testimony highlighted Troop G’s role in vehicle inspections, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, fraud investigations, and consumer complaint handling, as well as statewide staffing shortages. The division reported rising calls for service, motor vehicle stops, DWI arrests, and other arrests despite a vacancy rate of about 17%. It also described aviation, K-9, bomb squad, special events response, SWAT, narcotics, major crime, forensic laboratory, and other specialized units, with statistics on drug seizures, investigations, and lab workload. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Padilla's commitment to further reduce the financial impact on consumers.
• I think the most serious... ...increases fraud risk and inflates costs.
• I've also toured the impacted areas. I've spoken to so many victims, and it's heartbreaking.
• I've also toured the impacted areas. I've spoken to so many victims, and it's heartbreaking.
• certain about what those impacts will be when we look at changes in legislation or rulemaking.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, impact in our hometown areas.
• The average inflation rate during the Joe Biden, Kamala Harris era was 5%. Inflation is down.
• Inflation is down. The average inflation Inflation is down.
• </c><06:07:22.558><c> on</c> our economic record, the impact on our economic record, the impact on people
• </c><06:43:05.920><c> of</c> about the Medicaid coverage impacts of about the Medicaid coverage impacts

Bills: HB7567 , SCR33 , SB1318 , HR1224

Keywords: agriculture, food security, farm programs, sustainability, conservation, nutrition assistance, budget resolution, fiscal responsibility, government funding, budgetary levels, congressional budget, foreign intelligence, digital currency, privacy, surveillance, FISA, civil liberties, rules resolution, special rule, House Rules Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Formally, members may know that despite inflation being significant, we would have to wait up to three
• Formally, members may know that despite inflation being significant, we would have to wait up to three
• Formally, members may know that despite inflation being significant, we would have to wait up to three
• 00:05:03.600><c> know</c><00:05:03.800><c> that</c><00:05:04.000><c> despite</c><00:05:04.360><c> inflation
• </c> members may know that despite inflation members may know that despite inflation being<00:05:05.120

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The Constitution requires us to increase it at a rate of inflation or 2%, whichever is less.
• The Constitution requires us to increase it at a rate of inflation or 2%, whichever is less.
• Inflation was 29%. Thank you. Spending on K-12 education by 57%.
• Inflation was 29% over that same period.
• The General Appropriations Act just suspends the inflation adjustment for the specific capital improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• And opening of their new impact center.
• /c><01:11:15.280><c> asking</c> with inflation, they recommended asking with inflation, they recommended
• </c><01:23:34.639><c> really</c> associated with inflation really associated with inflation really impacted
• </c> impacted variety of different things. impacted variety of different things. everything<01:23:37.440
• Um and one ultimately impact students.

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, introductions, and approval of the previous meeting minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation on SB 253, focused on expanding support for teacher apprenticeship and teaching-and-learning pathways. Senator Hickman and staff from the Kentucky Department of Education and Nelson County Schools described how the program uses dual credit, work-based learning, and registered apprenticeship to help students earn an associate degree in high school and continue toward a teaching degree. They said the goal is to address the teacher shortage by creating a sustainable pipeline into the profession. Witnesses emphasized that the main barrier is cost. Mary Taylor said Kentucky’s youth apprenticeship model has been successful in other fields and that education should be added as an in-demand sector, but an associate degree alone will not solve the teacher shortage because teachers still need a bachelor’s degree and certification. Laura Arnold of Nelson County Schools described the district’s Lead Nelson program, saying the district has invested more than $800,000 since 2021, currently has 37 students in the pathway and seven committed apprentices, and spends about $85,000 per apprentice from freshman year through certification. She said district staffing, planning, and university partnerships are also significant hurdles. Members asked about job guarantees, tenure, and retirement; Arnold said employment is performance-based and retirement issues are being considered. Senator Hickman said the bill would use lottery funds to help cover tuition and dual credit costs so more districts can participate, noting that a prior version died because of a high fiscal note. Representative Payne and Representative Tipton praised the program but stressed the need for funding and noted inconsistencies between statute and budget language on Work Ready Kentucky and dual credit support. Representative Tipton also cautioned that lottery revenue may not keep pace with demand and said the General Assembly may need to make broader funding decisions. After the apprenticeship discussion, the chair moved the committee to the next agenda item on computer science and AI literacy, where Code.org began a presentation on the importance of computer science for all students.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just wanted to know what other counties have been impacted by this. Thank you.
• We also know that the economic impact is significant. The U.S.
• In rural areas like District 4, those impacts are magnified.
• impact on the budget is well justified, and I feel a couple of concerns here.
• The federal U. impacts American ship owners doing business in California.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks a little inflated to me. Just my observation.
• But again, it just goes to, for most of us who are sitting up here, we know an inflation and a fiscal
• But again, it just goes to, for most of us who are sitting up here, we know an inflation and a fiscal
• As I said on the onset, that in this note, there seems to be some measure of inflation.
• But at the same time, I do recognize when a budget has been inflated, and I do recognize when we are

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on May 26, 2026, and first took up Senate Bill 433, which would provide Medicaid coverage for certain weight-loss medications. After adopting a House amendment adding customary subject-to-appropriation language, the committee heard from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, who said the state currently spends about $240 million a year on GLP-1 drugs for Medicaid patients with obesity and certain other conditions, and that the bill would let the department expand coverage gradually while controlling costs and negotiating better pricing. Members spoke in strong support, and SB 433 was reported favorable as amended. The committee then considered Senate Bill 157, which creates paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 educators and staff. An amendment was adopted to adjust fund language and make the bill proper for Appropriations. Senator Jenkins and supporters, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, described the bill as providing six weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, fostering, and related family-building events, while members discussed whether medical leave should also be included and confirmed the leave applies to fathers as well. The bill drew broad support and was reported favorable as amended. Senate Bill 250, requiring the Office of Group Benefits to offer a comprehensive weight management plan with employees paying the full premium and medication costs, was briefly discussed and reported favorable without objection. The committee then spent considerable time on Senate Bill 237, a child welfare measure from Senator Barrow that would expand notification, access, and investigative procedures for the Child Ombudsman and DCFS, including child-on-child sexual abuse cases and multidisciplinary fatality reviews. Members and agency officials debated the fiscal note, with estimates ranging from about $525,000 to $3.2 million and disagreement over whether some costs were already covered or could be absorbed; after a roll call, the bill passed 10-9 and was reported favorable as amended. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 155, which requires insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care tied to cancer treatment. Senator Talbot and medical and cancer advocacy witnesses said the bill would remove a barrier to timely chemotherapy or radiation and could prevent more expensive complications later. Members expressed support and discussed a relatively small fiscal note, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.