Transcript Highlights:

• And the whole idea of the legislative And the whole idea of the legislative stabilization<00:15:
• may be credited to the legislative may be credited to the legislative stabilization<00:20:48.320
• I'm curious on whether the legislation I'm curious on whether the legislation could<01:12:37.840
• <01:22:44.239> to committee number two appropriations to committee number two appropriations
• number two appropriations. Mr. Mr. number two appropriations. Mr. Mr.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I now move to go to the next order of business: introduction of legislation.
• Speaker, and we go to that order of business: introduction of legislation.
• our legislative process?
• Accept these envelopes of good wishes for a productive legislative session.
• And that's referred to the Appropriations and Finance Committee. Respectfully submitted.

Transcript Highlights:

• The spreadsheet also details the revised requests for regular salary and match appropriations, totaling
• Fury needed to answer legislators' questions regarding his corrections work.
• He didn't even reply and chose to snub legislators' questions.
• legislative branch that has the right and authority to do that.
• And so whatever he does speak to, Then I don't think that's appropriate for this committee.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program and making an appropriation. program and making an appropriation.
• . legislation. legislation.
• And appropriately so.
• . legislation. legislation.
• Okay, uh we will have<06:16:37.640> appropriations have appropriations have appropriations 1<06

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund, we recommend not approving a continuous appropriation from the fund because that limits legislative
• appropriation of the resources in the fund.
• So we're not able to spend the money in the fund without an appropriation, without a legislative appropriation
• So we're not able to spend the money in the fund without an appropriation, without a legislative appropriation
• Is it transferring appropriately?

Summary: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 heard the Governor’s May Revision proposals for the judicial branch, the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Department of Justice, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office opened with a warning that the state budget remains structurally imbalanced and urged the Legislature to avoid new ongoing spending unless offset by reductions elsewhere. In the judicial branch discussion, the Judicial Council highlighted language access funding, appellate court security, a backfill for the state court facilities construction fund, and an extension of the lactation room mandate; Finance supported most items but suggested reporting language on interpreter costs and reducing the General Fund backfill. Members raised concerns about judicial vacancies, long-term salary freezes, remote hearings, and the lack of progress on court staffing in some counties. For the Board of State and Community Corrections, the administration proposed $10 million one-time each for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People grant program and a human trafficking vertical prosecution grant program. The LAO said both should be weighed against other priorities and suggested the Legislature consider whether the Tribal Nations Grant Fund could support MMIP work, while Finance said it preferred General Fund support and wanted more review before any fund swap. Members strongly supported MMIP funding and asked whether ongoing support would be considered. On the human trafficking grant, Finance said BSC was a good fit because of its grant administration experience and prior vertical prosecution work, while legislators asked why the program was not placed with the Office of Emergency Services as originally contemplated in prior legislation. The Department of Justice presented antitrust litigation funding, Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse staffing, completion of organized retail criminal enterprise cases, and trailer bill language for a continuous appropriation from the Victims of Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. The LAO supported the antitrust account use but questioned the Unfair Competition Law Fund’s ability to cover the full request without General Fund repayment, and recommended against a continuous appropriation for the restitution fund in favor of a more limited mechanism with legislative oversight. Finance said the fund would remain solvent and defended the continuous appropriation as necessary to pay victims promptly. In the CDCR portion, the largest discussion centered on the Boston Consulting Group efficiency review and sharply reduced savings estimates; LAO said the department had not fully explained the proposed position eliminations or future $100 million savings target, while Finance said the work reflected deeper analysis and ongoing efforts to find savings. Members repeatedly pressed CDCR and Finance on the gap between earlier promised savings and the revised figures. CDCR also outlined population projections showing continued declines in prison and parole populations, while LAO again urged the state to close an additional prison to save ongoing costs. The department then walked through several May Revision items, including workers’ compensation funding, a Corcoran honor housing dorm, incarcerated firefighter pay implementation, an incarcerated menopause program, mental health receiver staffing, mental health resource teams and crisis intervention teams, medical classification staffing changes, and AI note-taking for the electronic health record. LAO generally recommended limiting-term funding and more reporting for many of these proposals, while Finance defended them as necessary ongoing investments or court-ordered obligations. Members questioned the cost of workers’ compensation, the need for more prison closures, the lack of funding for women’s facility violence prevention, and the timing and transparency of the BCG savings process. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• report. >> In appropriations, we adopted an amendment that made the legislative portion of this subject
• Appropriation<01:31:23.840> report<01:31:24.080> passes Appropriation report passes Appropriation
• administrator of legislative safety. administrator of legislative safety.
• Appropriations Committee report. >> Members, in Appropriations this morning, we appropriated money to
• We are on the appropriations report. We are on the appropriations report.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• past to Appropriations; AB 2043, Calderon, due past to Appropriations; AB 2278, Avila Farias, due past
• to Appropriations; AB 2545 by Chiavo, due past to Appropriations; and AB 2583 by Hoover, due past to
• Appropriations.
• What are the goals of this legislation?
• Is there anything in this legislation that would Is there anything in this legislation that would stop

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard AB 1988, which would require companion chatbots to respond to credible crisis expressions with a 988 lifeline notice, human review after repeated crisis signals, and a pause in the chat. The author and supporters said AI chatbots are increasingly used for emotional support but are not equipped to handle suicidal or violent ideation safely; they cited cases of harmful chatbot responses and argued the bill is a limited safety measure, not a ban. Support came from crisis, family medicine, and child/family service organizations, and there was no formal opposition testimony. Members praised the bill’s intent and the author’s work, and the bill was held pending quorum before later discussion moved on to the next item. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and create an e-safety advisory commission. The author argued that social media product design—such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds—drives compulsive use and mental health harms, especially for children, and said the bill would still allow safer, non-addictive platforms and online spaces. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, addiction, and mental health harms; several organizations and advocates also supported the measure. Opponents, including EFF, privacy groups, civil liberties organizations, and youth and LGBTQ advocates, argued the bill is overbroad, raises privacy and First Amendment concerns, and could cut off young people from community, news, and support. They pointed to Australia’s experience as evidence that age restrictions are easy to circumvent and may shift harms elsewhere, and urged feature-level regulation instead of age-based exclusion. Committee members debated whether the bill is a “ban” or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the commission could meaningfully define and update harmful features; several members said they would support the bill while acknowledging it needs further work and ongoing oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do pass to Appropriations.
• And I'll move the bill when it's appropriate.
• SB 1366, that move when appropriate.
• Do pass as amended to Appropriations. Do pass as amended to Appropriations. Current vote 8-2.
• Do pass as amended to Appropriations. Current vote 9-0. Do pass as amended to Appropriations.

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension. SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact. The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• . appropriations.
• >> There is an appropriation on there. >> There is an appropriation on there.
• appropriations. Thank you. appropriations. Thank you.
• appropriations committee, I salute them. appropriations committee, I salute them.
• appropriately address that on the floor. appropriately address that on the floor.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that constrains the amount that can be appropriated each year.
• Again, thank you for your support last legislative session.
• Perhaps it's appropriate To explore how to address that and maybe other legislative changes that may
• Right now, the **PRC** has a special appropriation for FY 26 of $700,000.
• It's titled Section 7 Computer System Enhancement Fund Appropriation Requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move we go to that order of business, introduction of legislation. Legislation.
• , making appropriations from legislative cash balances for necessary expenses of the second special session
• Making an appropriation to the Administrative Office of the Court.
• Reverting certain balances from certain general fund appropriations.
• Appropriations, providing for transfers from the general fund operating reserve to the appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:20.520> Leisen Legislative Auditor. And as Ms. Leisen Legislative Auditor.
• In 2024, the legislature appropriated In 2024, the legislature appropriated approximately<00:15:
• The following day the legislative The following day the legislative auditor's<00:34:32.120> team
• doesn't handle the money appropriately doesn't handle the money appropriately we<00:47:07.280>
• the record, Judy Randall, Legislative the record, Judy Randall, Legislative Auditor.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:40.880> Each independent legislating body. Each independent legislating body.
• <00:17:06.079> This appropriated to which agency. This appropriated to which agency.
• <00:17:09.679> The the appropriations process. The the appropriations process.
• defer or withhold appropriated funds. defer or withhold appropriated funds.
• It's an appropriations law.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii. Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements. Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, for the opportunity to present these two pieces of legislation.
• It is subject to appropriations by you all on appropriations, and sometimes it starts with a million
• It is subject to appropriations by you all on appropriations, and sometimes it starts with a million
• And so I think the original legislation contemplates that, and I think as appropriators, people who've
• We want to go on record in support of this legislation.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2808 do pass by a roll call vote of 9 yes, 4 no, and 1 present. The hearing then moved to House Bills 1808 and 3435, companion measures dubbed Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. The sponsors said the bills are intended to close a gap in Missouri law and encourage safer decisions at private gatherings, while supporters, including the mother of the crash victim Grace and a MADD representative, described the fatal drunk-driving crash that prompted the legislation and argued that similar laws in other states reduce impaired driving. Committee members raised questions about scope, personal responsibility, and whether the bill could reach casual gatherings or other substances; no vote was taken on the bills in the transcript. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would amend the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act to include volunteer firefighters in the tuition assistance program for public safety personnel and their dependents. The sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural communities do the same dangerous work as career responders and need recruitment and retention incentives, while opponents’ concerns focused on fiscal cost, fairness, and whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time employees. Supporters from the Hardin Fire Protection District, Boone County Fire Protection District, the Fire Service Alliance, and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce said volunteer departments are essential in rural Missouri, that the benefit would help recruit and retain personnel, and that the program is subject to appropriation and prioritization. Members also discussed possible alternatives such as tuition waivers at public institutions and the practical challenges of defining and tracking volunteer service. No committee action was reported on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we believe that this piece of legislation is needed.
• I strongly urge support for this legislation. Thank you. Oh.
• And I salute the... this is an appropriate concept.
• I think this is an appropriate way to handle it.
• The motion is due pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on appropriations. After Committee on Appropriations.
• So now that it's already an appropriation line, we'll appropriate that money out of the general fund.
• Is there any further discussion on the appropriations Discussion on the appropriations committee report
• . appropriation. appropriation.
• It's a legislative equivalent...

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's appropriate. Thank you.
• It's appropriate. Thank you. And Mr. it. It's appropriate. Thank you. And Mr.
• No legislator worked as hard. And no legislator knew as much about any issue as Kari Dziedzic.
• fellow legislators, staff, and citizens. fellow legislators, staff, and citizens.
• appropriations bill then. appropriations bill then.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education will come to order.
• My legislative aide might steal it from you later, sir.
• And this is a great piece of legislation.
• I did legislation to get a seventh CARD center at FAU.
• It's been a lot of tough decisions about what's appropriate in schools, what's not appropriate in schools

Bills: S0124, S0206, S0420

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is James Lavin with the Legislative Budget.
• appropriations request.
• . appropriations request.
• I'm Kayla Ewing, Legislative Budget Board.
• During the 86th legislative session, the 88th legislature appropriated $11.5 million for phase three

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State legislators committed.
• It impedes on the legislature's appropriate powers.
• $330 million without legislative approval.
• So you as legislators have a much...
• It is our job to appropriate the money.