Transcript Highlights:

• determined that the portion of the project that was granted incentive West Orange Cove is actually in Bridge
• with transfer boundaries can carry forward, the new districts, West Orange Cove Consolidated ISD and Bridge

Bills: SB2920, SB2929, SB2398, SB865, SB401, SB2619, SB2927, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1635, SB1581, SB2008

Keywords: steroids, student athletes, athletic competition, University Interscholastic League, medical purpose, gender transition, school athletics, spectator conduct, referees, ejection policy, extracurricular activities, concussion, brain injury, school policy, academic accommodations, student welfare, cardiac arrest, emergency response, CPR training, automated external defibrillators

Transcript Highlights:

• The New Markets Tax Credit would help bridge the gap between local entrepreneurs and the access to traditional
• The New Markets Tax Credit would help bridge the gap between local entrepreneurs and the access to traditional

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2360, as amended by H.F. 2360A1, which would create a state-level New Markets Tax Credit-style program modeled on the federal program. Chair Swedzinski explained that the bill is intended to drive investment across Minnesota, including a requirement that at least 50% of the $200 million allocation be directed to greater Minnesota, and noted that the program would run for 12 months with state oversight to help guide investments. Testimony in support came from Alex Stuponic of Advantage Capital and Jason Wabama of Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions in Hibbing. Stuponic described the federal New Markets program as a tool for directing capital to low-income and underserved communities, cited Minnesota projects that have already benefited from federal funding, and argued that state programs in other states have successfully attracted more investment. Wabama said the credit could help rural businesses like his expand, noting that his Hibbing company has grown from one employee in 2021 to 22 employees and hopes to reach 50 employees while eventually becoming an ESOP. Chair Gomez raised concerns about the bill’s changes, especially the set-aside of half the funds for one region and the five-year carryforward, saying the proposal seemed arbitrary and more permissive and that there was likely not room in the budget for the $100 million cost this year. In response, Swedzinski said the fiscal note pushes costs into future years, with the first costs beginning in 2028-2029, and emphasized that the structure would allow the investment benefits to occur upfront. The amendment was adopted, and the bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Expanding virtual education can bridge this gap, allowing students to reach their full potential regardless
• Committee substitute the House Bill 2689 bridges this gap by creating a workforce readiness pilot program

Bills: HB117

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• Expanding virtual education can bridge this gap, allowing students to reach their full potential regardless
• The committee substitute for House Bill 2689 bridges this gap by creating a workforce readiness pilot

Bills: HB 117, HB2196, HB2689, HCR64, HB117

Keywords: early childhood education, task force, governance, Texas Education Agency, child care, education policy, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance, education technology, remote learning, education legislation, workforce development, adult education, high school diploma, industry certification, pilot program, gifted education, education support

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• For years, we have worked to bridge gaps in domestic violence prevention, bringing awareness to spaces
• Troy University, and I'm an author of the state occupational licensing index produced by the Arch Bridge

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• To help that, we have 360- and 270-degree full mission bridge simulators, full mission engine room simulators
• To help that, we have 360 and 270 degree full mission bridge simulators, full mission engine room simulators

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs. The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled. Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will read: Substitute House Joint Memorial 401, Russ Blount Memorial Bridge.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House approved the previous day’s minutes and adopted House Resolution 4670 recognizing National Arthritis Month without objection. It also received a message from the Secretary of State and agreed to process the bills, memorials, and resolutions on the introduction sheet and the items listed in committee reports by referring them to the appropriate committees. Under the Eighth Order of Business, the Rules Committee was relieved of House Bill 1002 on PTSD corners and examiners and House Joint Memorial 4004 on the Marine Mammal Protection Act, placing them on the second reading calendar. The committee was also relieved of Substitute House Joint Memorial 401, the Russ Blount Memorial Bridge memorial, which was placed on the third reading calendar. No contested votes were taken; all actions were approved by unanimous consent. The House then adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will read: Substitute House Joint Memorial 401, Russ Blount Memorial Bridge.

Summary: The House convened and approved the previous day’s minutes without objection. It adopted House Resolution 4670 recognizing National Arthritis Month, and received a message from the Secretary of State. The chamber also handled routine first-reading and committee referral actions for bills, memorials, and resolutions listed on the day’s introduction sheet and committee reports. Under the Rules Committee, several measures were advanced: House Bill 1002 on PTSD corners and examiners and House Joint Memorial 4004 on the Marine Mammal Protection Act were moved to the second reading calendar. Substitute House Joint Memorial 401, honoring the Russ Blount Memorial Bridge, was placed on the third reading calendar. No debate or recorded votes occurred. The House then adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, the 17th legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• though, took his passion, his pain, his experience, and built upon the life of Simon Wiesenthal to bridge
• though, took his passion, his pain, his experience, and built upon the life of Simon Wiesenthal to bridge
• I wholeheartedly appreciate this, and again, we need to build bridges, not hate. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote. On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pre-apprenticeship aligned CTE programs, connect classroom instruction with structured work-based Effectively bridge
• So we bridge that gap for the studios, and they're all a part of the creative economy together.
• Community health workers and promotores became a trusted bridge on behalf of healthcare institutions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of storms, a couple of floods that have come through that have cut us off from Highway 169 and our bridges
• These materials are the foundation to the roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure that support
• These materials are the foundation to the roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure that support

Bills: HF4807

Keywords: overweight vehicles, aggregate mining, local ordinance restrictions, legislative audit, transportation, resource inventory, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have to do something that will help them bridge that gap.
• entry authority. ...preserves lawful entry authority under Sections 40-1310, which is highways and bridges
• , from the highway districts; Section 40-2301, which is highway districts again, or highways and bridges

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the journal, and moved through routine orders, including committee reports and messages from the House. Several bills and resolutions were introduced, referred to committees, or advanced on the calendar. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider a series of House bills, adopting amendments to measures including House Bills 629, 678, 522, 810, 684, 561, and 860, and reporting them back as amended without recommendation. The committee also reported progress on House Bills 613, 526, 670, and 549, which retained their place on the calendar. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1294 on newborn hearing screenings after sponsor testimony emphasized early intervention, support from audiologists and deaf/hard-of-hearing advocates, and no fiscal impact. The chamber also passed Senate Bills 1353 and 1354, both housing bills expanding state standards for twin homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units in cities over 10,000; supporters framed them as property-rights and affordability measures, while opponents argued they weakened local control, increased infrastructure and parking burdens, and could benefit investors more than families. Senate Bill 1389, providing liability protection for property owners who allow polling places on their premises, passed unanimously after discussion about balancing voter access with premises liability. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1391, a technical fix preserving surveyors’ lawful entry authority for property and right-of-way work, and House Bill 727, which revises video voyeurism/extortion provisions to address AI-generated or threatened dissemination of intimate images and adds enhanced penalties when minors are involved. Finally, the Senate passed House Bill 542, the “Stop the Harms from Addictive Social Media Act,” after extensive debate over whether it protects children from addictive platform features or improperly shifts responsibility and creates surveillance and enforcement problems; the bill’s supporters argued it targets harmful platform design and parental control, while opponents raised concerns about legacy accounts, privacy, enforceability, and state overreach. Several roll-call votes were taken, with most measures passing by substantial margins, including unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1389 and 35-0 passage of House Bill 727.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have to do something that will help them bridge that gap.
• So it specifically preserves lawful entry authority under Sections 40-1310, which is Highways and Bridges
• , from the highway districts; Section 40-2301, which is highway districts again, or Highways and Bridges

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and the body proceeded through routine business including prayer, the pledge, journal approval, committee reports, House messages, and first and second readings of numerous bills. Several measures were advanced or referred to committees, and the Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider a series of House bills. Amendments were adopted on bills including House Bills 629, 678, 522, 810, 684, 561, and 860, with each returned to the Senate floor as amended without recommendation. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1294, which establishes statewide newborn hearing screening provisions, on a 22-13 vote after supporters cited early intervention benefits, support from audiologists and deaf/hard-of-hearing advocates, and no fiscal impact. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1353 on twin homes and duplexes, and Senate Bill 1354 on accessory dwelling units, both after extended debate over housing affordability, property rights, local control, infrastructure, parking, and whether the bills would help Idaho families or primarily benefit investors. Both measures were approved and sent to the House. The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1389, providing liability protection for owners who allow their property to be used as a polling place, and passed Senate Bill 1391, a technical fix preserving surveyors’ lawful access for boundary and right-of-way work. It also passed House Bill 727, revising Idaho’s video voyeurism/extortion laws to address AI-generated sexual extortion and increase penalties for crimes involving minors. The chamber then began debate on House Bill 542, the “Stop the Harms from Addictive Social Media Act,” with supporters arguing it would protect children from addictive platform design and opponents raising concerns about parental authority, legacy accounts, surveillance, and enforceability; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• think giving this power to the Attorney General's office to issue CIDs to churches, for example, is a bridge
• think giving this power to the Attorney General's office to issue CIDs to churches, for example, is a bridge
• giving this power to the Attorney General's office, to issue CIDs to churches, for example, is a bridge

Bills: SB5536, SB5868, SJM8006, SB6011

Keywords: divorce, dissolution, marriage, domestic partnership, property division, real property, community property, separate property, liabilities, family law, equitable distribution, court order, personal jurisdiction, absent spouse, absent domestic partner, creditors, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, home equity, family home

Transcript Highlights:

• Our opportunity lies in strengthening the bridge in between. So here's where our gap is.
• translational fund that provides non-dilutive checks to med tech startups for prototype-to-clinical bridging
• But we've got to be able to support that kind of bridging of that gap. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held a hearing on California’s medical technology landscape, with opening remarks emphasizing the sector’s size, economic impact, and role in jobs and innovation. The first panel contrasted MedTech with biopharma, describing MedTech as hardware- and manufacturing-oriented, more incremental in development, and more dependent on supply chains, land use, and mid-skilled workforce pipelines. Witnesses argued California is the epicenter for MedTech because of its mix of engineering, software, hospitals, and manufacturing ecosystems, and cited clusters in places like Irvine, Fremont, Carlsbad, and the Bay Area. They also highlighted examples such as Penumbra and Vyaire Medical Systems to show how local manufacturing, community college training, and reshoring can support growth. The panel discussed cybersecurity, trade relations, supply chain disruptions, and the need for better coordination with hospitals and regulators, while AdvaMed stressed that medical devices are already heavily regulated by the FDA and should generally be exempt from broader state laws that could create a patchwork of requirements. Members also discussed AI in MedTech, workforce training, and the possible effects of federal NIH funding cuts, with witnesses saying MedTech is less dependent on NIH than biopharma but still benefits from a strong innovation ecosystem. Committee members then asked about AI, affordability, patient satisfaction, women’s health, and the R&D tax credit. Witnesses said AI is helping reduce errors, redundant testing, and imaging time, while keeping clinicians in the loop, and that digital pathology and robotic surgery are improving diagnosis and treatment. They also noted that packaging, plastics, and recycling can affect FDA approvals, and that FemTech is an active and growing area for investment and acquisition. Several members raised concerns about California’s regulatory and incentive environment, including the loss of the R&D tax credit, and witnesses said the absence of tax incentives has made it harder to keep companies and jobs in the state. The second panel featured company representatives from Lyca Biosystems, Intuitive, Saravia Neurosciences, and Newman. Dr. Monroe described digital pathology as a way to digitize tissue slides, improve access to subspecialty review, and enable AI-assisted diagnosis, especially for cancer care and rural areas. Intuitive highlighted robotic-assisted surgery, including the da Vinci system and the Ion bronchoscopy platform, and said its technologies improve precision, reduce complications, and support clinician-led care. Saravia Neurosciences presented an early-stage neurotechnology for dementia that uses MRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation and AI-driven personalization, and argued California needs a state translational fund to bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization. Newman, a startup working on home diagnostics, said California’s permitting, zoning, and manufacturing rules make it difficult to scale advanced manufacturing locally and urged streamlining, reduced red tape, and incentives to keep manufacturing jobs in-state. Committee members again focused on tax credits and asked how the state could better support manufacturing, translational funding, and the retention of high-paying MedTech jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• and dairy to plant-based, which would be a better profit center for them, just trying to get them a bridge
• and dairy to plant base, which would be a better profit center for them, just trying to get them a bridge
• And importantly, the community aspect is important also for building those bridges from academia to industry

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibitive, which is part of what drives our recommendation to have mobile health units to kind of bridge
• that service within the public health office or prefer to go to a community provider, we can be the bridge
• We are the safety net and will be that bridge.

Transcript Highlights:

• like to help you with that, you know, whatever we can work with now at this time, do you have any bridges
• You know that we shouldn't be having uh school buses going over bridges that are not uh uh satisfied
• them check their inventory and see, you know, what, uh, you know, the status of, uh, if there's any bridges

Transcript Highlights:

• office and the governor's office. permitting support, supply chain grants, and a partial role in bridge
• office and the governor's office, permitting support, supply chain grants, and a partial role in bridge
• By supporting these initiatives, Texas can not only help advance nuclear reactor companies bridge the

Bills: SB1468, SB1612, SB1789, SB2530, SB2571, SB2717, SB2967

Keywords: utility systems, Texas A&M, regents authority, construction, improvement, construction contracts, trust funds, property rights, mechanics lien, contractors, trustee liability, mechanic's lien, liability, attorney's fees, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, catastrophe year

Transcript Highlights:

• And California Alliance survey data shows that without bridge funding, another 34% of existing FFAs may
• But I do want to acknowledge that the bridge funding that was provided in last year's budget does seem
• But do want to acknowledge that the bridge funding that was provided in last year's budget does seem
• We are very grateful to partner with CDSS in the last budget year, 2025-26, for some bridge funding,

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.