Transcript Highlights:

• in the gallery from interfering with legislative proceedings or disrupting the orderly conduct of official
• How a president can instill so much fear that congressional and state officials within his own party
• AB 16 is a simple and practical common sense measure to clarify that county election officials have the
• At its core, AB 16 is about supporting our hardworking county election officials and their teams with
• AB 1286, the The Public Employment Transparency Act will require a public official to disclose the date

Transcript Highlights:

• While elected officials often receive public recognition, the reality is that none of us accomplish work
• The official general revenue estimates for fiscal year, Postles and Short.
• The official general revenue estimates for fiscal year 2026, Madam Speaker, close the third and final
• This resolution provides the official revenue refund and unencumbered funds estimates for fiscal year
• The official general revenue estimate for fiscal year 2027.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• you are able to testify in the allotted time, your registered position will be reflected in the official
• If y'all aren't familiar, we are the statewide Domestic Violence Coalition, representing programs and
• So you have before you yet another bathroom bill, and I come before you today as a county official to
• First, you consider the perspective of county officials who, with the rising cost of housing, wages,
• State employees, legislators, and state officials are prevented from bringing up a real issue.

Bills: HB7 , SB 8 , HB7 , SB 8

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• classified at the residential rate, yet have not faced the same attempt at reclassification by county officials
• Residential rate, yet have not faced the same attempt at reclassification by county officials.
• This bill would ensure our property classification structure is consistent statewide in line with federal
• But she also noted that when the assessor makes a change, the law already requires an official notice
• The question was whether the official notice and mailings would satisfy the bill’s requirement.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Riser, last time I checked, you are an elected official, right? Yeah, I think so.
• And you would agree that as an elected official, it's your job to not just represent the department.
• So we have to say, look, we're the elected officials here.
• statewide population trends.
• He said they are not talking about statewide or region-wide deer areas.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 706 by Representative Riser, which would set a more detailed process for commercial saltwater disposal wells, including site-specific modeling and pressure review. Riser and industry witnesses argued the bill would provide clearer, more predictable rules for operators who have faced long delays and changing requirements, while Department of Conservation and Energy officials said they are already developing guidance and that any pressure standard must remain site-specific to avoid fracturing confining layers, protecting drinking water, and staying within EPA primacy requirements. The department emphasized that geology varies widely across Louisiana and that a fixed pressure number in statute could be unsafe in some locations. Members also discussed the fiscal note, the need for additional staff, and whether the bill would tie the department’s hands or force approvals; witnesses said the bill’s modeling requirements were conservative, but opponents warned the statutory pressure ranges could conflict with site-specific safety determinations. After a technical amendment was adopted, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a 6-6 tie. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 4 by Representative McCormick, which would suspend Louisiana’s deer baiting ban for 18 months in areas affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD). McCormick and Hunter Nation representatives argued that baiting bans have not stopped CWD in other states, that deer feeders and food plots are part of hunting culture, and that Louisiana should rely on science and a more flexible approach. They cited Wisconsin as an example where CWD spread despite long-standing feed bans and said there has been no proven human transmission. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials said bait bans are one of the few tools available to reduce artificial congregation of deer and help limit disease spread, and they explained that the department is also working with a CWD task force and another proposal that would tie restrictions to a 1.5% prevalence threshold rather than an across-the-board suspension. The discussion ended with the department providing information on the impacts of both measures, but no final action on HCR 4 was recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• place a new outdoor advertising display like billboards until the Department of Transportation officially
• has been fully open to vehicular traffic for almost two years, we've been informed that it won't officially
• place a new outdoor advertising display like billboards until the Department of Transportation officially
• This rule made sense ...won't officially be accepted for another three years.
• I'm not sure you need it—it's your district; this is not a statewide bill—but again, just commend you

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization heard several bills related to outdoor advertising, open meetings, and San Francisco economic development. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up processing of outdoor advertising permits by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and clarifies customary maintenance of signs. Supporters said the bill would reduce permit backlogs and help local governments and the billboard industry; there was no opposition. The committee passed SB 364 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for additional votes. SB 470 by Senator Laird would extend until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative Bagley-Keene open meeting rules adopted in SB 544, allowing state boards and commissions to continue using remote participation under specified conditions. Supporters from the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities said the current law has increased public participation, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including ACA of California Action, the California News Publishers Association, and media and transparency groups, argued the bill weakens in-person public access and accountability. The committee approved SB 470 to Appropriations, with some no votes and the roll held open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would let San Francisco create a hospitality zone in Union Square/Yerba Buena with up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants to support downtown recovery. City and business representatives said the measure would help fill vacancies, attract restaurants, and boost foot traffic, while remaining temporary and geographically limited. The bill passed to Appropriations with broad support and no opposition. SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the special outdoor advertising rules for signs in former redevelopment areas; supporters said it would give affected communities time to find a permanent solution, while billboard industry opponents warned about compliance and federal highway funding risks. The committee passed SB 783 to Appropriations as amended, and then adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• place a new outdoor advertising display like billboards until the Department of Transportation officially
• place a new outdoor advertising display like billboards until the Department of Transportation officially
• This rule made sense Won't officially be accepted for another three years.
• And the desire of government officials for flexibility. Thank you for your time and consideration.
• Sure, it's your district; it's not a statewide bill.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization met and heard several bills, beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up outdoor advertising permit processing by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and it also clarifies customary maintenance for signs. Supporters from Fountain Valley and the outdoor advertising industry said the bill would reduce delays and help local revenue; there was no opposition. The bill passed 13-0, with the roll left open for additional votes. The committee also heard SB 470 by Senator Laird, which extends until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative open-meeting rules for state boards and commissions created by SB 544. Supporters, including the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, said remote participation has increased public attendance, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including the ACLU of California Action, California News Publishers Association, and media and good-government groups, argued the bill weakens transparency and should be more narrowly tailored. The bill passed 12-4, with the roll left open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would create a hospitality zone in San Francisco allowing up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants in the Union Square/Yerba Buena area. Supporters said the measure would help downtown recovery, fill vacant storefronts, and support small restaurants by offering licenses at the ABC application fee rather than the high secondary-market price. The bill passed 16-0, with the roll left open. Finally, SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the current rules for outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas. Supporters said the extension would protect existing signs and give communities time to work on a permanent solution, while opponents warned about unfair market advantages and possible federal highway funding risks. The bill passed 21-0, and the committee adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing, too, in here, it gives one elected official the authority to tell another elected official
• We're giving legislative authority to one elected official to govern another elected official, not a
• The other thing, too, in here, it gives one elected official the authority to tell another elected official
• We give in legislative authority to one elected official to govern another elected official, not a government
• What they have done is been elected officials, and they've been elected officials and been stewards of

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.

Transcript Highlights:

• Officials for the town of led city were present to address substantial non-compliance with municipal
• accounting law, and the committee approved a motion to give town officials 60 days to reach compliance
• Officials from 10 entities were present to address repeat findings.
• The committee filed 211 current reports and deferred 14 reports to allow officials to answer the questions
• Officials from five school districts and two open-enrollment public charter schools were present to answer

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The committee first approved the June 5 minutes, then received and adopted the Executive Committee report, which noted adoption of prior minutes, staff updates on audits and special reports scheduled for the standing committees and full Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, and no other business. The Counties and Municipalities report focused on delinquent private water and sewer audits and municipal accounting compliance: turnback funds were reinstated for 40 of 43 entities after required reports were filed, three entities remained ineligible, several audits remained delinquent, and the committee approved escrow of 50% of Fargo’s turnback and gave officials from another town 60 days to reach compliance. The committee also reviewed numerous current and deferred reports, with many referred to prosecuting attorneys, the Attorney General, or the Governmental Bonding Board. The Education report covered 79 school audit reports, including 56 with no findings and 23 with findings. Officials from several school districts, two charter schools, and the Department of Education attended to answer questions about repeat findings. Eleven reports were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were also certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, Blytheville School District’s report was deferred, and 78 reports were filed. The committee also adopted the state agencies comprehensive financial report, which identified issues including an unauthorized payroll disbursement and insufficient collateral at the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism and missing accounting entries at the Treasurer’s office; seven reports were filed and two deferred to September. Members then considered the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit report, which had been deferred previously but were adopted without further questions. A special report on the Employee Benefits Division’s health plans drew extensive discussion. The report found no findings but showed the state employee plan’s fund balance increased while the public school employee plan’s fund balance declined, with rising claims and pharmacy costs offset partly by higher rebates. Members questioned whether the audit addressed legal compliance, the sharp increase in claims, administrative costs, GLP-1 drug spending, and possible deductible changes. Agency officials said the audit was primarily financial, not a provider-level compliance review, and explained that inflation, utilization, rebates, and contract negotiations were driving costs; they also said outside consultants were used on the Blue Cross Blue Shield RFP at a cost of about $240,000. On motion, the committee voted to hold the report over one month for further review. Finally, the committee reviewed a Legislative Audit report on case transfers in the 19th West Judicial District Circuit Court. The review examined random assignment and transfers among divisions, found that 1,673 of 9,351 open cases had at least one transfer, and identified some transfers lacking documentation or not matching the data, though several discrepancies had been corrected. Audit recommended strengthening documentation and electronic controls and considering incorporation of the prosecutor-confirmation policy into Administrative Order No. 2015-1. After no further questions, the committee adopted the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for September 10-11.

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost all of the services that are provided statewide for that additional service is dental.
• We will officially close the bill hearing on Senate Bill 300. Closing comments on this measure.
• We will officially close the bill hearing on Senate Bill 300.
• This bill revises the statewide standard for measuring outcomes and for assessing and evaluating persons

Transcript Highlights:

• Corbyn, Madam Chair, House Bill 2029 requires an applicant to answer the official information applying
• I echo Representative Contreras's sentiments, especially given the statewide nature of this program and
• having education or research programs that are able to effectively communicate and be enacted at the statewide
• Contreras's sentiments, especially also given that the statewide nature of this program and this work
• having education or research programs that are able to effectively communicate and be enacted at the statewide

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water heard three bills related to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) and water conservation funding. HB 2029 would require grant applicants to provide additional information about how water-conservation grant funds will be used, including expected long-term water savings, efficiency improvements, or reliability benefits. WIFA testified neutral, saying most of the information is already collected in agency policy and that the program is voluntary and reimbursement-based. The bill passed 9-1 with a due pass recommendation. HB 2030 would remove education and research programs from the list of allowable uses for the water conservation grant fund. Committee discussion focused on how much funding had gone to education/research projects and whether those projects still produced meaningful water savings. WIFA said about 15 projects with education or research components received roughly $10.5 million and were associated with an estimated 180,000 acre-feet in savings, though those savings were projections and the projects were not purely educational. Several members opposed removing those categories, but the bill passed 6-4 with a due pass recommendation. HB 2096 would expand WIFA financing to include remediation, closure, or replacement of cesspools that threaten groundwater, surface water, or public health, and would allow counties to use revolving-fund financing and income-based assistance for such projects. County and association witnesses supported the bill, describing the public health risks of aging cesspools and the need to help homeowners afford replacement systems; ADEQ was neutral. WIFA said the bill clarifies county authority to enter loans for this purpose and noted the funding would come from existing federal revolving-fund resources. The bill passed unanimously, 10-0, with a due pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• [House Bill 2029] Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2029 requires an applicant to answer official information
• I echo Representative Contreras's sentiments, especially also given the statewide nature of this program
• having education or research programs that are able to effectively communicate and be enacted at the statewide
• Contreras's sentiments, especially also given that the statewide nature of this program and this work
• having education or research programs that are able to effectively communicate and be enacted at the statewide

Bills: HB2029 , HB2030 , HB2096

Committees: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water , House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Keywords: water conservation, grants, infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainability, grant fund, Arizona water law, A.R.S. 49-1332, water efficiency, water reuse, education programs, public outreach, rainwater harvesting, gray water, graywater, drought-resistant landscaping, xeriscaping, turf removal, groundwater recharge, aquifer health

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 664 provides statewide standards and accountabilities for magistrates.
• On that note, why would we limit, why would not this provision apply statewide?
• Well, it's official government records that have come in from probably us or it could...
• Court or designated county officials. I move passage.
• These officers play a vital role in regulating statewide law enforcement standards.

Bills: SB664 , SB40 , SB9 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB27 , SB207 , SB2938 , SB1901 , SB1227 , SB1248 , SB912 , SB1321 , SB2143 , SB2145 , SB1497 , SB1239 , SB2180 , SB1388 , SB1762 , SB1662 , SB1951 , SB1537 , SB493 , SB378 , SB1020 , SB1018 , SB992 , SB958 , SB920 , SB1350 , SCR25 , SB687 , SB1332 , SB2185 , SB552 , SB664 , SB40 , SB9 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB458 , SB482 , SB927 , SB984 , SB651 , SB1620 , SB2124 , SB2448 , SB841 , SB843 , SB402 , SB2662 , SB2053 , SB2332 , SB2112 , SB745 , SB1247 , SB1789 , SB27 , SB207 , SB2938 , SB1901 , SB1227 , SB1248 , SB912 , SB1321 , SB2143 , SB2145 , SB1497 , SB1239 , SB2180 , SB1388 , SB1762 , SB1662 , SB1951 , SB1537 , SB493 , SB378 , SB1020 , SB1018 , SB992 , SB958 , SB920 , SB1350 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10 , SCR25 , HB2525 , HB142 , HB140 , HB29 , HB451 , HB3809 , HB3307 , HB 1130 , HJR1 , HB9 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB2308

Keywords: Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A, bail training, Article 17.024, Article 15.17, local administrative judge, State Commission on Judicial Conduct, Office of Court Administration, county courts, criminal justice, criminal jurisprudence, judicial qualifications

Transcript Highlights:

• education property tax, the statewide education property tax, the swept swept swept tax.<00:34:04.000
• And so they said, you know, 'We as government officials could do our jobs better if we just had access
• Tax us like we're not utilities, and no one else has to provide this information to local officials for
• And so having reams of information available to public officials made us understandably uncomfortable
• We’re appraising these properties in mass for basically statewide, where assessors will be looking at

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 302, which would allow the state treasurer to invest public funds in precious metals and digital assets. The sponsor was not present, so Representative Urs introduced the bill briefly and said he did not know much about it. No one from the Treasury Department testified, and members repeatedly noted the treasurer’s absence. Susan Elme testified against the bill, arguing that these investments are highly volatile and contrary to the treasury’s duty to remain stable and liquid. She said the bill should be killed. In questioning, she estimated the 5% cap in the bill would amount to roughly $10 million, depending on available funds, and said such investing would be more appropriate for an individual day trader than for the state treasury. Members also discussed prior legislative experience with Bitcoin-related proposals and raised concerns about whether the treasury had the staff expertise to manage commodity or digital asset investing. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, it agreed to hold a work session and seek additional information from the treasurer, with a plan to revisit the bill on April 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, there's big concerns nationwide, statewide, as to expansion related to that.
• Obviously, there's big concerns nationwide, statewide, as to expansion related to that.
• Credit union concerns are nationwide and statewide as to expansion related to that.
• And if they paid the $25 fee, a lot of this becomes moot, correct, because they would be an official
• </c><00:42:19.119><c> member</c> because they would be an official member because they would be an official

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a long agenda of administrative regulations, most of which were advanced with staff-suggested amendments and no objection. Early items included the Kentucky Public Pension Authority’s 105 KAR 1:451, which updates reporting language and adds the contractor wizard for certain employers, and a large package of Board of Veterinary Examiners regulations that revise fees, facility and AHP registration requirements, continuing education, liability, and practice rules. The Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s compact-related regulation and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors’ complaint and compact rules were also reviewed and approved with amendments, along with fish and wildlife rules affecting elk hunting, youth deer season length, bear-dog approvals, and foxhound enclosure permits. The committee also approved transportation, education, workplace standards, horse racing, and several health and human services regulations, including Medicaid waiver reimbursement updates and a child care regulation that sends certain large claims to the Office of Inspector General for review. Several agencies briefly explained their regulations when members asked questions. Fish and Wildlife said the elk population is strong and the baiting change is intended to support harvest monitoring and fair chase, while the longer youth deer season was meant to give young hunters more opportunity. The Department of Community-Based Services said the $10,000 and $5,000 claim thresholds were meant to clarify rare cases involving possible fraud or unresolved recoupment issues. The Department of Financial Institutions’ 808 KAR 5:305 drew the most discussion: it would allow certain state-chartered credit unions with a low-income designation to participate in federal programs, including limited non-member deposits and supplemental capital, but the regulation was deferred again amid continued discussions. The Kentucky Bankers Association testified against the credit union regulation, arguing that allowing non-member deposits conflicts with existing statute limiting credit union deposits to members and other credit unions, and that an administrative regulation cannot override that statutory restriction. Committee members heard the agency’s explanation that the proposal is intended to help underserved communities and that the non-member deposit authority would be limited, but no final action was taken because the item was deferred. The meeting otherwise concluded with the remaining regulations being called, discussed briefly, and approved or advanced without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, compensatory funding statewide had increased 82.8% based on the calculations that we have and the
• Uh, compensatory funding statewide had increased 82.8% based on the calculations that we have and the
• </c> a district by district or statewide a district by district or statewide analysis<00:49:49.920><c
• </c> of School Business Officials of School Business Officials significantly<01:08:40.279><c> limits<
• It's a statewide issue that districts.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Officials for the towns of Jericho and Haynes were present to address questions regarding failure to
• Officials for 16 entities were present to address repeated findings.
• The committee filed 207 current reports and deferred 8 reports to allow officials to answer questions
• It's a statewide effort, system-wide, agency-wide, and it includes a lot of cooperation.
• There is a statutory requirement under law that when an official who's over...

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:

• Geographically across our state, we may not have a shortage, but I'm wondering if that's a statewide
• And I would say the quotes we made were statewide.
• It was meant to educate building officials as to the level of training and...”
• And you get a stamp that proves that, and then it's educating the building department officials that
• So we continuously work with the International Code Council and with the building officials to do the

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:

• Geographically across our state, we may not have a shortage, but I'm wondering if that's a statewide
• And I would say the quotes we made were statewide, and so it doesn't disaggregate for the underserved
• It was meant to educate building officials as to the level of training and competency that the people
• It was meant to educate building officials as to the level of training and competency that the people
• And then it's educating the building department officials that these people that have this stamp are

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate business committees held a sunset review hearing for five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each board or council described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused on workforce access, transparency, fee authority, and whether current regulatory structures are appropriately tailored to public safety. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issue was a proposal to move toward a bachelor’s degree requirement for licensure. Board representatives said the change would better align education with the complexity of care and could help the profession’s long-term status and reimbursement prospects, but Assembly Member Addis and others raised concerns about rural access, staffing shortages, and added barriers to entry. Public commenters, including respiratory therapists, families, and congregate living health facility operators, strongly opposed the degree mandate and urged continued use of LVNs for certain respiratory tasks in community settings. The board also discussed its ongoing work on LVN respiratory care issues, updated suctioning guidance, digitized licensing and enforcement systems, and fee cleanup language. The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current title-act certification model, arguing it establishes competency without evidence of public harm and avoids the disruption a full licensure system could cause. Several committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, the private nonprofit structure, Bagley-Keene compliance, and whether certification meaningfully improves plan acceptance or public safety. Public testimony was split: supporters said the system works and preserves flexibility, while opponents argued the model lacks accountability, creates confusion, and does not reliably prevent plan-check denials or protect the public. The speech-language pathology/audiology board reported major modernization gains, including a new online licensure system, faster processing, continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules; it also received support for creating a new audiology assistant license category, while a consumer group urged more public members, proactive inspections, and faster discipline. The occupational therapy board reported growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and a need for additional fee authority to address rising costs, while public testimony supported reducing advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The final naturopathic medicine item began at the end of the transcript, but no substantive discussion was captured before the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Geographically across our state, we may not have a shortage, but I'm wondering if that's a statewide
• And I would say the quotes we made were statewide.
• It wasn't meant to solve all the problems; it was meant to educate building officials as to the level
• And you get a stamp that proves that, and then it's educating the building department officials that
• So we continuously work with the International Code Council and with the building officials to do the

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 licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused heavily on workforce access, public safety, transparency, and fee authority. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree for licensure, fee structure changes, and ongoing work on LVNs performing respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree proposal was intended to strengthen competency and could be phased in without harming access, but several public commenters—especially respiratory therapists and families of medically fragile children—argued it would worsen shortages, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Other stakeholders supported clarifying LVN authority in congregate living health facilities, while the California Medical Association flagged the proposed Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist classification as having limited current workforce impact. The interior design segment drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current voluntary certification/title-act model, saying it establishes competency, has produced minimal complaints, and that licensure would unnecessarily disrupt the workforce and create barriers without demonstrated public harm. Committee members questioned the lack of state-style enforcement authority, transparency, and Bagley-Keene compliance, and some public commenters criticized the private structure and inconsistent plan acceptance in local jurisdictions. Supporters of the current system said the certification and commercial designation help educate building officials and allow qualified designers to work safely, while opponents argued licensure would provide clearer accountability and reduce confusion. The speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster turnaround times, and new continuing education audits and advertising rules. The board supported creating a licensed audiology assistant category to improve access to care, and public commenters generally backed the board while urging continued modernization. The occupational therapy board described steady growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and requested additional fee authority to address rising costs; the main public comment supported the sunset extension and a reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The naturopathic medicine board emphasized consumer protection, enforcement against unlicensed practice, and the need to clarify statutes; it said most licensed naturopathic doctors practice in underserved areas and welcomed legislative collaboration on scope and enforcement issues.