Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a quorum and are duly constituted to do business.
• And to have it jammed together at the last minute is not the way that I prefer to do business.
• And to have it jammed together at the last minute is not the way that I prefer to do business.
• And to have it jammed together at the last minute is not the way that I prefer to do business.
• And to have it jammed together at the last minute is not the way that I prefer to do business.

Committee: House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• We're pretty busy right now with the budget going on on Beacon Hill, so some of the members are at a
• , property, criminal justice, public safety,... ...including automotive, business, property, criminal
• Career and education programs are industry certified, have strong business partnerships and a variety
• Between Quincy and North Quincy High Schools, we have seven business elective teachers, and our business
• Next year, we are introducing a new AP Business with Personal Finance class.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE) and related legislation. Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for ongoing statewide efforts to expand awareness and access to CTE, especially in middle school, improve equipment and facilities, and strengthen coordination with workforce partners. Quincy administrators described the district’s CTE system, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, enrollment of about 1,360 students, updated DESE-aligned frameworks, safety practices, business electives, and funding supported by the district budget plus state, federal, and local grants. Presenters highlighted work-based learning, industry credentials, and partnerships with employers, unions, Quincy College, MassHire, and advisory committees. Examples included co-op placements, internships, clinical placements, Military Mondays, Credit for Life, Skills Capital and Perkins-funded equipment upgrades, and a planned engineering Chapter 74 application at North Quincy. Assistant Superintendent Aaron Perkins also outlined the district’s MyCAP college-and-career planning initiative and its goal of creating a vertically aligned readiness model beginning in the middle grades. Students Ellie Crump, Emily Infantino, and Alexander Liu testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or shop experiences, and postsecondary plans. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for integrating CTE with general education and said the testimony would inform future legislation. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn and unanimous agreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the business specialist for the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition.
• My job as business specialist is to help the businesses and existing businesses on West Broadway and
• And because of it, we as the business association, not like any other business association in the City
• </c> of it we as the um as the Business of it we as the um as the Business Association<00:36:30.040><
• </c> Association not like any other Business Association not like any other Business Association<00:36

Bills: HF339 , HF1272 , HF2121 , HF2122 , HF1216 , HF1003 , HF2319

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's going to be a busy day.
• plan, business case for it.
• </c><00:12:42.240><c> Um</c> business plan business case for it.
• Um business plan business case for it.
• </c> um business area. um business area. Thank<06:06:06.878><c> you.</c> Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• businesses are or different professions You know, these businesses are different professions.
• My mission was to start a business of my own after years of working under others.
• The mission of my design business was to meet other small businesses where they were by offering space
• I started my design business to help other small businesses.
• Business and Professional Code Sections 2053.5 and 2053.6.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Professions Committee and the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development
• businesses are or different professions you know these business businesses are different professions
• The mission of my design business was to meet other small businesses where they were by offering small
• I started my design business to help other small businesses.
• Business and Professional Code Sections 2053.5 and 2053.6.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its mission, recent modernization or enforcement work, and requested continuation of its authority. Committee members focused on access to care, workforce impacts, fee structures, transparency, and whether proposed changes would improve public protection without creating unnecessary barriers. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate to a bachelor’s degree for entry-level licensure, fee cleanup changes, and ongoing work on the role of LVNs in respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree change would better align with national trends and could support future reimbursement and professional advancement, while public commenters and some legislators warned it could worsen shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Much of the public testimony centered on families and facilities relying on LVNs for trach and ventilator care in congregate living health facilities, with requests to preserve or expand exemptions. The board also discussed its reserve cap and efforts to modernize licensing and enforcement systems. The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders argued the current voluntary certification/title-act model works, that complaints have not shown public harm, and that licensure would disrupt the workforce and create barriers for experienced designers. Committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, transparency, and whether the model provides enough accountability or consistent plan acceptance by local jurisdictions. Public testimony was split between supporters who said the current system is flexible and effective, and critics who said the private structure lacks accountability and creates confusion, especially for commercial work and plan check acceptance. The Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster application times, new continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules. Members and stakeholders discussed a proposed audiology assistant license, which the board and the California Academy of Audiology supported as a way to improve access to care and reduce workload pressures. The Occupational Therapy Board described strong enforcement and licensing performance, a new strategic plan, and a request for additional fee authority to address rising costs and reserve concerns; public testimony largely supported the board and a proposed reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The Naturopathic Medicine Board emphasized consumer protection, unlicensed practice enforcement, and consumer confusion over titles, saying most of its enforcement workload involves unlicensed activity and that stronger title protection and clearer statutory authority are needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that short-sighted business deal ended up costing taxpayers $800 million.
• We had a busy morning.
• So this is super important for the community and businesses and consumers.
• The provision allowing physical service of business record warrants only at a business request also provides
• The provision allowing physical service of business record warrants only at a business request also provides

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for five House bills, then held public hearings on several measures. On Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, the committee heard staff and sponsor testimony on expanding health care merger notice requirements to the Attorney General, adding transactions involving majority ownership/control and asset sales, requiring public posting of notices, pausing closings until information requests are substantially complied with, and adding filing fees. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, nurses, and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and oversight of consolidation and private equity in health care; the Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Hospital Association were neutral after compromise language, though the hospital association raised concern about the added fees. The hearing closed with many people signed in pro and con but not testifying. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 2333, which would allow candidates and elected officials to use campaign or surplus funds to reimburse personal security expenses related to threats tied to their public roles. The sponsor and several prosecutors described personal threats and argued the bill is needed to protect public servants, while public disclosure officials said current PDC processes and the state Address Confidentiality Program already provide some protections and cautioned against over-codifying agency discretion. Some testimony urged restoring earlier address-protection provisions, while county auditors said the revised bill removed operationally unworkable redaction language and was acceptable as amended. The bill had broad signed-in support and opposition, but no vote was taken. For Engrossed House Bill 1574, staff explained the bill would expand Good Samaritan-style protections for people seeking overdose help, bar arrest or conviction for possession in those circumstances, limit related penalties and forfeiture, and allow hospitals and other health facilities to distribute public health supplies without committing paraphernalia infractions. Supporters said it would save lives and improve access to drug checking and harm reduction services, while prosecutors and law enforcement groups said the bill was too broad, especially regarding arrest limits, protection-order violations, probation/parole, warrants, and civil forfeiture. The sponsor said the bill was intended to keep people alive and encourage calls for help. The committee also heard Engrossed House Bill 2156, which would let Attorney General investigators be designated limited authority peace officers to electronically serve search warrants in economic and financial crime cases; the AGO and retailers supported it as a tool against organized retail theft and wage theft, while sheriffs and police chiefs opposed it and urged added guardrails and deconfliction with local law enforcement. Finally, on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320, the committee heard a bill to regulate 3D-printed and digitally manufactured firearms and digital firearm manufacturing code. The sponsor and supporters, including students, pediatricians, and a gun-violence survivor’s family member, said it was needed to address untraceable ghost guns and keep pace with technology, while opponents argued the bill was overbroad, raised constitutional concerns, and targeted files and speech rather than criminal conduct. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is also about protecting local jobs and small businesses.
• It just seems like it's more of a business issue.
• I'm all about competitive business.
• I could sell and get out of the car business, but I feel called to be in the business, so here I am.
• I could sell and get out of the car business, but I feel called to be in the business, so here I am.

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of the folk it is that write bills about small businesses have never been in the install business
• All the other expenses that stress small businesses.
• The truth is that transparency is not anti-business.
• Any further business at the desk? There is no further business at the desk.
• &gt;&gt; ANY FURTHER BUSINESS AT THE DESK? &gt;&gt; THERE IS NO FURTHER BUSINESS AT THE DESK.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will begin with the second order of business, which is executive and official communications.
• We will begin with the second order of business, which is executive and official communications.
• Members, we now proceed to the fifth order of business.
• Members, we will now proceed to the sixth order of business, which is second reading of Senate bills.
• ,</c><00:03:48.319><c> which</c><00:03:48.560><c> is</c> to the sixth order of business, which is to

Transcript Highlights:

• That's their business.
• It's going to be bad for Texas as a business, our business. ...will be trashed.
• It's failing legitimate businesses.
• hemp businesses.
• I have a multitude of businesses. This isn't one business for me.

Bills: HB5

Committee: House Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> grow our business. That's what we do. grow our business. That's what we do.
• My business is Brandy Carroll Public Adjuster, PLLC. I started my business in 2018.
• </c> my business in 2018. my business in 2018.
• busi- this could be a business that I busi- this could be a business that I can<00:58:26.200><c> pass
• </c> you've done as far as your business. you've done as far as your business.

Committee: House Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if you're saying this particular business or this particular group of businesses are affected
• What does that tell every single business who wants to do business with states or the city government
• So then what are those businesses going to do?
• What does that tell every single business who wants to do business with states or the city government
• So then what are those businesses going to do?

Committee: House Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Staying on that same order of business, I ask to recognize the lady from St.
• Staying on that same order of business, I ask you to recognize the lady from St.
• Staying on that same order of business... Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker, staying on that same order of business.
• The next order of business is announcements. Gentlemen from Washington. Mr.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 135-1. Members then observed a moment of silence for a constituent killed in a roadway tragedy, and several members introduced guests, including family members, veterans, students, and a child celebrating his birthday on the dais. The chamber then considered a series of bills. HB 2944, dealing with automatic continuation of a senior property tax freeze without annual reapplication, passed 145-0. HB 2230/2978, addressing school instructional methods by limiting excessive screen-based instruction and promoting cursive writing, passed 143-10 after extended debate over technology use in elementary schools. HB 1825, removing sheriffs and prosecutors from county salary commissions with a Boone County carve-out, passed 152-0. HB 1840, creating a Purple Alert system for missing individuals with developmental disabilities, passed 153-0, and its emergency clause was adopted 143-8. HB 1623, allowing emergency suspension or restriction of licenses for massage therapists and chiropractors, passed 103-48. HB 3279, moving the Community Service Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, passed 151-0. HB 2508, clarifying certificates of good standing for series LLCs and making them searchable, passed 152-0. HB 1963, allowing social workers to supervise after three years of practice, passed 151-0. HB 2408, removing the appropriation cap for grants serving the deaf-blind community, was perfected and printed. HB 3113, requiring Narcan in public buildings, designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, and expanding school-law enforcement prevention efforts, was perfected and printed after discussion about funding and Narcan shelf life. HB 3000, fixing signature requirements for local audits based on population at the start of petitioning and adding a fire district surplus-sale amendment, was perfected and printed as amended. HB 2898, reviving and refining land bank authority and Chapter 141 judicial foreclosure tools, was perfected and printed after debate about neighborhood cleanup and title clearing. HB 1740, renamed Melanie’s Law, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving and strengthening ignition interlock requirements, was perfected and printed following emotional testimony from members and the sponsor’s explanation of the bill’s origins. At the end of the session, the House moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a fish fry notice. A member also issued a correction and apology regarding an earlier false report about Willie McGee. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, again, there's a lot of business already outside of it as well.
• But I think there's a lot of business outside of the clearinghouse.
• But I think there's a lot of business outside of the clearinghouse.
• And so you have companies coming in, and there is a way to build business.
• And so you have companies coming in, and there is a way to build business.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held its first outcomes review oversight hearing on the residential fair plan clearinghouse program created by AB 3012. Chair and members focused on whether the program is actually helping depopulate the California Fair Plan and move policyholders back to the voluntary market. The Fair Plan and Department of Insurance testified that the program exists as a platform for admitted and, in some cases, non-admitted insurers to review Fair Plan policies and make offers through the broker of record, but they acknowledged limited participation and limited results. CDI said it has received no formal complaints specific to the clearinghouse, but identified obstacles including only 11 participating residential insurers, the broker-of-record requirement, compensation and appointment issues, and the lack of direct consumer contact. CDI said about 730 residential risks have moved to voluntary market coverage through the program from June 2021 through April 30, 2025, and opt-outs are under 1%. Committee members pressed witnesses on the program’s opacity, the lack of data on offers made versus policies actually moved, and whether the clearinghouse is functioning as intended. CDI and the Fair Plan said they do not have data on how many offers have been made, only on cancellations that are self-reported and marked as clearinghouse-related. Members also raised regional growth in Fair Plan enrollment, especially on the Central Coast, and concerns about underinsurance when policyholders move back to the regular market. CDI recommended more mandatory reporting, broader broker education, possible direct offers to policyholders after a period of time, and changes to commission and appointment rules to reduce barriers to insurer participation. The second panel of industry witnesses generally agreed the clearinghouse is not a stand-alone solution and said its effectiveness depends on a healthier admitted market and actuarially sound Fair Plan rates. Independent agents and brokers, admitted-market insurers, and surplus lines representatives said the current system is constrained by low rate adequacy, limited insurer appetite for high-risk properties, operational friction, and misaligned incentives. Several witnesses suggested improvements such as better data sharing, clearer depopulation procedures, stronger broker education, and more flexible appointment or compensation rules. Some supported giving the program more time under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, while others said the Legislature should consider whether to strengthen, modify, or potentially sunset the program if it continues to produce limited results. A public witness later reported that a new carrier had recently joined the clearinghouse and was working with brokers to bring in additional capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• State law imposes restrictions and... ...in a lawful profession, trade, or business.
• “Let’s have Washington join four other states that are successfully meeting businesses’ needs through
• How come we cannot have a say in it if we allow big business and other such private-interest workers
• I didn't know there was a specific exemption for certain small businesses.
• And so if you are workers of a small business with half a million dollars or less of annual revenue,

Bills: SB5437 , SB6152 , SB6058 , SB5944 , SB6039 , SB6117

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: noncompete, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant, nonsolicitation, employment contract, worker mobility, labor law, wage suppression, trade secrets, confidentiality agreement, franchise, independent contractor, employee mobility, economic growth, entrepreneurship, job mobility, restraint of trade, customer solicitation, post-employment restrictions, FTC noncompete rule

Transcript Highlights:

• If enacted, businesses must assume that the choice to do business in California means that their future
• Ruben Gera, chair of the Latin Business Association, representing over 700,000 Latino businesses in California
• No business would stay in business very long if they simply said, let's just start spending money.
• Another business is called Red Rock Biofuels.
• They went out of business as well.

Summary: The committee hearing centered first on AB 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, which would direct CalEPA to identify major fossil fuel companies, study California’s climate damages, and assess fees on the largest polluters to fund resilience, recovery, and related projects. The author and supporters argued the bill would make polluters help pay for climate harms, protect taxpayers, create jobs in construction and clean energy, and dedicate at least 40% of funds to disadvantaged communities. Support testimony came from environmental justice groups, labor, youth advocates, health organizations, and many individual witnesses, while opponents from the building trades, chambers of commerce, petroleum, and business groups warned it would raise fuel and consumer costs, threaten refinery jobs, and create legal and economic uncertainty. Committee members debated the bill’s impact on affordability, jobs, refinery closures, and whether cap-and-trade already addresses climate funding needs. The committee ultimately voted to give AB 1243 a due pass recommendation to the Judiciary Committee, with the roll left open. After AB 1243, the committee moved to another bill on wildfire mitigation and related resilience work. The author said the measure addresses a long-running wildfire problem and accepted committee amendments, describing the bill as a response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons and the need to help communities stay safe and rebuild after disasters. The transcript cuts off as that presentation begins, so no final action on the second bill is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess my different business models.
• However, if something goes business.
• And I know businesses in that area.
• </c> and kind of how businesses eb and flow. and kind of how businesses eb and flow.
• ,</c><01:20:04.960><c> the</c> that we can engage with a business, the that we can engage with a business

Summary: The Government Contract Committee met with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Representative McCool after the death of his sister, and approved the April 14 minutes. The committee then reviewed a large agenda of contracts and amendments, beginning with a deferred Office of the Controller procurement involving broker services. Members questioned why a contract that had previously been handled for about $300,000 annually was now priced at about $1 million, and why the procurement was limited to one year. Office of the Controller staff said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the work had previously been treated as not practical to bid, and the new RFP was intended to increase competition. They said the technical evaluation was scored before cost was considered, that past performance was not scored because it was seen as unreliable, and that AON received the highest technical score despite not being the lowest bidder. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action and let the contract proceed to the Finance Cabinet, with members noting continuing concerns about the pricing and process. The committee next considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment for language services. DCBS representatives said the additional funding did not come from a new cut elsewhere, but from reduced spending on interpreter services because commonly used forms had been translated into other languages, freeing up funds for the contract. The committee approved the item unanimously. The final major item discussed was an initial contract for the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists for legal services. Board staff said the board had been without a permanent general counsel since March 2024 and had relied on special and conflict counsel because of unusually heavy litigation, including 11 active cases, plus broader disciplinary and licensing changes tied to recent legislation and an oversight report. They said the contract was a not-to-exceed amount funded entirely by agency fees and that the board was currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing prior legislation and oversight findings about problems at the board and saying the contract was needed to help the board address ongoing litigation and corrective work. The committee approved the contract and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, sending them forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> actions their actual business did not actions their actual business did not take<00:04:15.439><c
• </c><00:05:04.320><c> owners</c> receives calls from business owners receives calls from business owners
• on that business.
• The time that it would unwind the entire business is if a whole business was opened in someone's name
• </c> will tell you as a brand new business will tell you as a brand new business owner<00:10:19.760><

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on the on the on the existing businesses on the on the on the existing businesses attributes<02:
• </c> account they're not tied to the business account they're not tied to the business entities<02:22
• </c> filing has filed against that business filing has filed against that business okay<02:26:44.279>
• </c> and prevent fraudulent business and prevent fraudulent business formations<02:26:59.359><c> are<
• their businesses.

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, which would add ski, snowboard, and boat wax containing PFAS to the state’s consumer-product restrictions. The sponsor argued the product is already banned in many places, has PFAS-free alternatives, and is used in ways that can directly contaminate water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and said the bill was a simple extension of prior PFAS legislation. A witness also described a personal experience where a liquid ski wax disappeared from the market and later returned, likely because of PFAS concerns. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167 without a vote. The committee then opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett said the bill was modeled on New Jersey law and intended to let student-athletes earn compensation from NIL without losing institutional scholarships, while also requiring licensed representation and setting limits on certain endorsements. He described the measure as proactive because NIL rules are evolving and could create conflicts among schools and future lawsuits. Members questioned whether the bill should apply to two-year institutions, whether it should exclude firearms and weapons, and whether the scholarship protections would cover need-based or academic aid as well as athletic scholarships. Moffett said the scholarship language was intended to protect scholarships generally, but not need-based aid specifically, and he acknowledged discomfort with some of the endorsement restrictions. Public testimony on HB 312 was mixed. One supporter, a former Division III athlete and coach, backed the bill but urged removal of a section allowing institutions or athletic bodies to use an athlete’s NIL without compensation, arguing most New Hampshire athletes do not receive NIL money and should not have to work extra jobs to cover basic expenses. The chair also raised concerns about the bill’s contractual and identity-rights implications, referencing prior committee work on a J.D. Salinger-related identity case and noting the committee had previously declined to get involved in similar contractual disputes. No vote was taken during the hearing.