Transcript Highlights:

• We track the financial transactions for foster parent reimbursement and adoption subsidies.
• > adoption</c> foster parent reimbursement and adoption foster parent reimbursement and adoption subsidies
• 02.600><c> it</c><00:59:02.720><c> does</c><00:59:02.880><c> provide</c><00:59:03.280><c> some</c> subsidies
• Uh it does provide some subsidies.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Commonwealth Office of Technology 00:01:00 Department of Education 00:21:00 Transportation Cabinet 00:35:30 Secretary of State 00:45:15 Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:56:11 Discussion of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Related legislation 01:09:11, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and then focused first on the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s legacy systems and two specific projects. COT officials said many agencies have made progress moving off legacy applications, with remaining mainframe systems slated to be retired through RFPs or other work orders. They also described a legacy funding pool of $10 million per biennium used to help agencies transition. The two projects discussed were the Kentucky aerial photography and elevation data program, which provides statewide aerial imagery and lidar data for GIS, E911, environmental, transportation, and other uses, and a citizen identity and access management system intended to give residents a single login for state services. Officials said the GIS program costs about $1.2 million annually to host and maintain, with data acquisition costing several million more per year, and that the citizen identity system would cost about $2.5 million per year after an initial three-year COT investment. Members asked about duplication of funding, licensing, local government use, and whether multi-factor authentication would be required; COT said the GIS data is being acquired as statewide unlicensed data and that MFA would be available but not yet mandated statewide. Committee members pressed COT on costs, overlap with cabinet-level IT spending, and the practical benefits of the GIS and identity projects. COT explained that GIS hosting is generally covered through enterprise assessments billed quarterly to agencies, while the new aerial data is intended to benefit the whole state and local partners. On the identity project, officials said it would centralize authentication for citizens who use state systems, improve compliance with zero-trust and NIST-related security expectations, and reduce help desk and maintenance burdens through self-service account tools. Members also discussed whether the system would extend to local governments; COT said it would be a Kentucky.gov-style state login for users inside the state identity infrastructure, not a local-government system. The Department of Education then testified that it does not operate mainframes or major legacy systems, having moved long ago to cloud-based, off-the-shelf products and vendor-supported services. KDE officials described a strong emphasis on staff cybersecurity awareness, standardized statewide systems, vendor risk-sharing, and reducing sensitive data exposure, including efforts to move away from student Social Security numbers. They also highlighted a transition from Microsoft Active Directory to Identity Automation, which they said will improve identity management and make multi-factor authentication universal across K-12. In response to questions about Kentucky Wired and internet service, KDE said all 171 school districts and KDE agencies have been moved to a new next-generation internet service through ENA by Zayo, with strong satisfaction, e-rate savings, and better reliability. Officials warned that any internet disruption would immediately affect attendance, grades, student records, payroll, security systems, and communications across the K-12 system.

Transcript Highlights:

• when we've already spent the taxpayer money on the best management practices and cost share and subsidies
• ><00:15:23.240><c> cost</c><00:15:23.519><c> share</c><00:15:24.279><c> and</c><00:15:24.800><c> subsidies
• </c> practices and cost share and subsidies practices and cost share and subsidies and<00:15:26.000><

Bills: HF363 , HF2155 , HF1524 , HF821 , HF1677 , HF1292

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF363, property tax credit, agricultural water quality credit, Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program, clean water fund, class 2a, class 2b, certified acres, conservation incentive, water quality, agricultural property, county assessor, county auditor, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, property tax reimbursement, school district reimbursement, legacy finance, taxes committee, southeastern Minnesota

Transcript Highlights:

• know, give money back directly to child care providers, whether we should increase scholarships and subsidies
• know, give money back directly to child care providers, whether we should increase scholarships and subsidies
• know, give money back directly to child care providers, whether we should increase scholarships and subsidies
• know, give money back directly to child care providers, whether we should increase scholarships and subsidies

Bills: HF656 , HF655 , HF633

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child care, childcare, day care, daycare, licensing, variance, licensed capacity, capacity limit, staff qualifications, staffing, child care center, family child care, provider flexibility, Minnesota career lattice, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, licensing rules, enrollment, indoor space, professional development

Transcript Highlights:

• Ongoing global events also highlight another point. E15 is also produced here in Minnesota.
• </c><01:27:23.120><c> Ongoing</c><01:27:23.760><c> global</c><01:27:24.400><c> events</c> further savings
• Ongoing global events further savings.
• Ongoing global events also<01:27:25.120><c> highlight</c><01:27:25.520><c> another</c><01:27:25.840><
• My understanding of this program and this bill is simply that they would get a subsidy for the amount

Bills: HF3898 , HF3957 , HF4372 , HF4350 , HF3692 , HF4085

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension

Transcript Highlights:

• better respond to rising demand, which would improve affordability without requiring any government subsidies
• I actually spent my morning this morning up at a Real Estate Journal event trying to attract builders
• real morning this morning up at at uh a real estate<00:29:59.200><c> Journal</c><00:29:59.559><c> event
• c><00:30:00.159><c> trying</c><00:30:00.399><c> to</c><00:30:00.600><c> attract</c> estate Journal event
• trying to attract estate Journal event trying to attract Builders<00:30:01.279><c> and</c><00:30:01.480

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Who attends these events, especially the larger-scale PGA events?
• A typical PGA event is not a one-day event. It's a seven-day event.
• Anderson explained that a typical PGA event is not a one-day event.
• </c> one-day event.
• It's a it's a 7-day event one-day event.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This graph shows us the impact of extreme weather events in Minnesota.
• And that was when we had $3 billion weather events the same week in May in central Minnesota.
• So it was a half-hour storm in the Twin Cities, and it was more than a billion-dollar event.
• </c><00:54:20.720><c> in</c><00:54:20.960><c> April</c> I did a class at the MHA event in April I did
• a class at the MHA event in April and<00:54:21.440><c> I</c><00:54:21.839><c> I</c><00:54:22.400><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, getting to know Meg is not a one-time event. It's been a yearslong excavation.
• Some providers face in accessing food subsidies.
• people who served, leaned in, and led through a pandemic, through challenging national and world events
• sorry—since 1876 Colorado's story has been immense, from mining booms, social shifts, environmental events

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this in-person, Zoom meeting and YouTube live stream event will include just one agenda, our 9:15
• In the unlikely event that we must abruptly end this hearing due to major technical difficulties, the
• So the plan is that this person would not only be a repository, but in the event, like the federal law
• 59.040><c> officers</c> And I'd also like to change the description of the threshold for a grant or subsidy

Bills: SB2040 , SB2248 , SB2530 , SB2732 , SB2871 , SB2919 , SB3076 , SB3300 , SB3301

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• And prolonged grief and bereavement can be, and many times it's a sudden traumatic event.
• can be expected to be provided to the injured individual in the future because of the injury-causing event
• Your subsidy can be limited to your past medical expenses.
• term, is succeeding in their life may not have substantial disruption in their daily routine, but the event

Bills: HB4806

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they work an extra 10 hours, they get a cliff effect, and so their rent is affected or their food subsidy
• organizations and organizations that serve the LGBTQ community have reached out to us in need of meeting and event
• Through that model, we provide more than $5 million each year to hundreds of nonprofits and events.
• Through that model, we provide more than $5 million each year to hundreds of nonprofits and events throughout
• And so, you know, if someone needs $10,000, probably for an immediate event, it doesn't make sense for

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event that it's so complex that we feel like we need to use outside counsel, we would go with
• In the event<00:12:07.840><c> that</c><00:12:08.000><c> it's</c><00:12:08.160><c> so</c><00:12:08.280
• ><c> complex</c><00:12:08.760><c> that</c><00:12:08.880><c> we</c><00:12:09.040><c> feel</c> event that
• it's so complex that we feel event that it's so complex that we feel like<00:12:09.360><c> we</c><00
• But also, there's a subsidy component, which is like a credit for folks that are heading maybe into winter

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• And therefore, it prevents cardiovascular events and accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness. .
• ..therefore prevents cardiovascular events, accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as
• Healthcare institutions have raised concerns about being asked to respond to allegations of events that
• provide to acute care facilities, small and large health care acute care hospitals, and we work on subsidies
• the amount of pressure and stress that it went through throughout the course of the half marathon event

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 2726 would require coverage for diagnosis and treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea, including a tongue-muscle stimulation device. The sponsor and medical witnesses said the device is a less burdensome alternative to CPAP and could improve adherence and reduce long-term complications, while Access said it already covers medically necessary sleep apnea treatment but was neutral and concerned the bill could narrow review and limit cost-effectiveness analysis. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment and then gave HB 2726 a due-pass recommendation by an 8-4 vote. HB 2435, as amended, would create a provisional licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians who meet specified ECFMG-related criteria, with supervision, fees set by the Medical Board, and automatic conversion to a full license after four years if conditions are met. Supporters argued Arizona faces severe physician shortages, especially in rural and tribal areas, and that the bill would bring in experienced doctors while preserving oversight. Opponents, including the Arizona Medical Board, said current law already allows case-by-case licensure review and warned the bill could weaken safeguards and bypass existing scrutiny. After adopting the amendment, the committee approved HB 2435 on a due-pass recommendation. HB 2958 would require Access coverage for comprehensive dental care for pregnant women age 21 and older, with a $500,000 general fund appropriation for a pilot program. The sponsor and public health witnesses said dental care during pregnancy is linked to better maternal and infant outcomes and could reduce emergency room use and complications. The committee adopted the bill and sent it out with an 11-1 due-pass recommendation. HB 2176, which sets timelines and standards for health care institution complaint investigations and dispute resolution, also received broad support from hospitals and was approved unanimously on a 12-0 due-pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2447, which would bar insurers from reimbursing certified registered nurse anesthetists at a lower rate than anesthesiologists for the same service. Opponents argued the bill would interfere with private contracting, ignore differences in training and liability, and likely raise costs for the state and taxpayers; supporters said anesthesia demand has outpaced reimbursement and that parity is needed to protect access, especially in rural areas. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 2447, before any vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And therefore, it prevents cardiovascular events and accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Therefore, it prevents cardiovascular events, accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness, as well
• Health care institutions have raised concerns about being asked to respond to allegations of events that
• provide to acute care facilities, small and large health care acute care hospitals, and we work on subsidies
• the amount of pressure and stress that it went through throughout the course of the half marathon event

Bills: HB2176 , HB2333 , HB2435 , HB2447 , HB2617 , HB2683 , HB2686 , HB2725 , HB2726 , HB2906 , HB2953 , HB2958

Committee: House Health & Human Services

Keywords: health care, licensure, complaints, investigation, safety, patient care, regulatory compliance, prosthetics, orthotics, health insurance, Medicare, medical necessity, disability rights, coverage, reimbursement, internationally trained physicians, medical board, clinical training, provisional license, healthcare workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• million that the state receives each fiscal year, used to support primarily families with a child care subsidy
• million that the state receives each fiscal year, used to support primarily families with a child care subsidy
• million that the state receives each fiscal year, used to support primarily families with a child care subsidy
• </c><00:47:10.000><c> a</c><00:47:10.160><c> child</c><00:47:10.400><c> care</c><00:47:10.640><c> subsidy
• </c> families, uh with a child care subsidy families, uh with a child care subsidy to<00:47:11.680><c

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the MinnesotaCare program up to 400%, is funded by federal subsidies, and if the health plan costs
• go up, those subsidies are going to go up, and that alone is going to require more federal money, which
• that it's none of this—there's no free money anymore. ...want to remind you that the MinnesotaCare subsidies
• , the MinnesotaCare program up to 400%, is funded by federal subsidies, and if the health plan costs
• go up, those subsidies are going to go up, and that alone is going to require more federal money, which

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite there being two other extremely large, um, advocacy events at that time, we estimate there was
• No state money for facilities, no county land for cages, no town subsidies for prison profiteers.
• No state money for facilities, no county land for cages, no town subsidies for prison profiteers.
• No state money for facilities, no county land for cages, no town subsidies for prison profiteers.
• Land for cages, no town subsidies for prison profiteers.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that it appears as though in the event that it appears as though the<00:52:38.960><c> provider</c><00
• So they're sitting in on trainings, and we take them to industry events so they're talking with other
• These are not subsidies, and they do not cost the state anything.
• These are not subsidies and they base.
• These are not subsidies and they do<04:27:26.640><c> not</c><04:27:26.720><c> cost</c><04:27:26.960><

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• to repeat this many times: legal aid is homelessness prevention, early intervention, preserving subsidies
• ... ...is homelessness prevention, early intervention, preserving subsidies, enforcing habitability laws

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, you know, we talk about subsidies, and we subsidize a lot of things in the state for things.
• You know, we talk about subsidies, and we subsidize a lot of things in the state for things that people

Summary: The committee heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal strategies such as deterrents, conflict reporting, and outreach. The author and supporters said the program had been effective but lost funding in 2024, and they argued it would help communities, ranchers, and wildlife by preventing conflicts before they escalate. Support came from conservation, animal welfare, local government, and county groups, while the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Farm Bureau opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer limits on when nonlethal measures are practicable and protections so compensation funds for livestock losses are not reduced. Members discussed wolf-livestock conflicts, compensation, and the need for continued collaboration. The committee voted 2-0 on call to send the bill to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large housing and development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA. The author and sponsor EBMUD said the bill is needed to keep water planning tied to land-use planning and avoid “paper water” problems, especially as climate and drought conditions worsen. Supporters included water agencies, environmental groups, labor, and local governments. The California Building Industry Association opposed the bill, arguing that current law already requires verified water supplies, that the bill could add unnecessary process and litigation risk, and that it could slow housing production. Members raised concerns about duplication in cities that also operate their own water systems, but the author said the goal was better coordination, not more bureaucracy. The committee voted 4-1 on call to send the bill to Local Government. The committee also heard SB 1270, which would expand the state wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot to the top 10 counties by wildfire risk and social vulnerability, adding Riverside, Calaveras, Los Angeles, and Tehama counties and prioritizing future funds for those areas. The author said the bill responds to recent destructive fires and aims to extend home-hardening assistance to more high-risk communities. There was no opposition, and members discussed how to scale funding, whether the program should be broader than the listed counties, and how to focus on cost-effective mitigation. The committee voted 5-0 on call to send the bill to Emergency Management. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major science funding measure that would place a $23 billion bond on the ballot and create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research to support research in the state. The author and supporters said California’s research sector is a major economic engine and that federal funding cuts and instability threaten jobs, talent retention, and scientific progress. There was broad support from UC, CSU, labor, health, and research organizations, with no formal opposition. Some members raised concerns about the role of sponsoring unions and the potential for politicization, but the author said the new foundation would operate under California law and that the measure is meant to protect science funding and collaboration. The committee discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on SB 895.