Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4583 by Slauson, relating to the dissolution of public utility agency, referred to the Committee on
• HB 4585 by Spiller relating to the submission, payment, and audit of certain claims for and utilization
• HB 4668 by King ruling the authority of the Public Utility Commission to retain assistance for regional
• proceedings Affecting electric utilities and consumers or for the committee on state affairs hb 4669
• Proceedings of the Municipal Utility District for the Committee on Land and Resource Management.

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• as empowering parents and legal guardians to set exactly what their children are not to use, see, utilize
• He offered his colleague to his right, Mark Krueger, his chief of consumer protection, to add anything
• But it does provide a tool, an additional tool that parents can utilize to what else may be out there
• We would be able to utilize those Medicaid costs with that provider fee.
• Division staff still find some utility in it. Again, thanks to everyone involved.

Bills: AB52, AB76, AB163, AB388, AB483

Keywords: health insurance, claims process, insurance regulation, admin penalties, healthcare access, cannabis, cannabis establishment, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, advertising regulations, packaging requirements, unlicensed cannabis activities, state prosecution, confidentiality, Cannabis Compliance Board, disciplinary proceedings, mental health, counseling, interstate practice, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• Key infrastructure is already in place, like utilities, transportation access, and event facilities.
• AB 2705 protects taxpayers and consumers by establishing a uniform approach for contracts to locate,
• This is really a framework that provides a tested and balanced process that protects consumers while
• Now, the core issue: AB 2705 is a straightforward consumer protection measure.
• This bill does not protect consumers.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our pages are the ones who probably understand as much as anybody that this is a time-consuming and mind-consuming
• Our pages are the ones who probably understand as much as anybody that this is a time-consuming and mind-consuming
• Consumers' money, yet drug costs and premiums keep rising.
• Sponsors and ultimately consumers. Thank you very much.
• Our pages are the ones who probably understand as much as anybody that this is a time-consuming and mind-consuming

Bills: SB65, SB248, SB330, SB378, SB844, SB1330, SB1410, SB1475, SB1476, SB1565, SB1618, SB1623, SJR39, SJR47, SB2084, SB1655, SB1679, SB2174, SB1775, SB1873, SB1204, SB1884, SB1916, SB1937, SB1447, SB1500, SB2007, SB2074, SB1944, SB2018, SB1984, SB2026, SB2045, SB2049, SB2062, SB2112, SB2118, SB2127, SB2134, SB2135, SB2139, SB2154, SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:44.920> provider the grid however our utility provider the grid however our utility
• What did the utility say?
• Mrs hodell um and then from the utility Mrs hodell um and then from the utility XL<00:51:03.880>
• energy consumers.
• energy consumers.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We think consumers understand that. We do.
• And that's important for consumers.
• I think the consumer guide could be looked at again.
• So I think the consumer guide could be rewritten.
• So I think the consumer guide could be rewritten.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), beginning with a presentation from Two Life Communities on its Opus Newton model, which is opening in the fall. Two Life described Opus as a middle-income, modern CCRC built around affordability, care coordination in residents’ apartments rather than separate care buildings, and resident-driven community life. Commissioners asked about financing, home care arrangements, affordability, Medicaid/MassHealth access, and the role of resident councils versus board representation. Two Life said it wants to remain within the CCRC framework, but expressed concern about proposals that would require multiple discrete care levels, impose deadlines on entrance-fee refunds, or require resident board seats. The commission then discussed possible recommendations. There was broad support for Senate Bill 478, which would require clearer disclosure of entrance-fee refund terms in a separate document for prospective residents. On refund timing, members were divided: some favored a one-year deadline or a deadline with waivers, while others opposed a fixed deadline because of financing risks and the potential impact on new development and current residents. Several members suggested keeping the status quo but adding better data collection and reporting on refund timing. On the CCRC definition and marketing, members debated whether the current statutory definition is too vague and whether the commission should recommend clearer standards or a certification-like process, while also noting resource limits for state oversight. Members also discussed the Age CCRC Consumer Guide, with general agreement that it should be updated and made more useful to consumers, possibly with clearer questions to ask and more information about facilities, though some cautioned against adding subjective financial-risk statements that would be hard to administer. On resident representation, several commissioners strongly supported requiring resident voting members on boards, while providers argued that strong resident associations and regular meetings with boards may be preferable and that communities should retain flexibility. The meeting ended with a request for written comments by July 11, draft recommendations to be circulated July 18, and a possible final meeting on July 21, with the commission aiming to finish by August 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• We sell vegetables, seedlings, and fruit mostly direct to consumer.
• Um, and we utilize USDA With a farm. Um, and we utilize USDA definitions for what a farm is.
• In other we consume is grown here.
• to utilize the rental program. program. program.
• <01:50:18.719> protection the AG's office, um consumer protection the AG's office, um consumer

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• do is to provide better information to stakeholders and policy makers on how health care is being utilized
• , how it's being consumed, and the cost implications of those dollars. of a physician that serves on
• Cost to us that the consumer that's buying the insurance will have to pay for. Yeah.
• And I would imagine, you know, utilization and the cost of those benefits drive. premium cost so.
• have this question come up all the time in my business and this would make it much easier for the consumer

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it has applicable knowledge to apply to continue my service on the consumer credit mission.
• Manipulation prices to avoid taxes and aligns the tax with what is actually being consumed.
• Do you have any data on the utilization of smokeless tobacco with minors?
• Uh, 2933 is a consumer protection bill.
• I want them to have to swallow something because we have to protect our consumers.

Bills: HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800

Keywords: funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• yield myself such time as I may consume. yield myself such time as I may consume.
• In other words, utility consumer<04:35:15.439> or<04:35:15.680> customers<04:35:16.160>
• I may consume. I may consume. Gentleman's<05:23:14.080> recognized.
• existing utility corridors.
• existing utility corridors.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:47.680> in when we became an operating utility in when we became an operating utility
• <00:31:39.360> and between uh Our member utilities and between uh Our member utilities and
• have to do so it's still the utilities have to do so it's still the utilities that<00:57:22.319>
• working with our our public utility working with our our public utility within<01:24:16.679>
• And while on number 11, we did talk about... utility it's it's you know it's its own utility it's it's

Bills: HF75

Keywords: HF75, earned incentive release credit, earned incentive credits, revocation, revocable credits, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, prison discipline, incarcerated persons, inmate misconduct, facility rules, sentence reduction, supervised release, Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, public safety, rehabilitation, prison credits, executed sentence, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• protection AB 270 the motion is do pass to the committee on privacy and consumer protection ransom Aye
• and energy AB 367 the motion is do pass to the committee on utilities and energy Ransom Aye Hadwick
• The motion is due passed to the Committee on Utilities and Energy. AB 615.
• The motion is due passed to the Committee on Utilities and Energy. Ransom. Aye. Ransom. Aye.
• AB 270, the motion is do pass to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Baines? Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Outside the health care sector, when companies merge, the prices for consumers go up.
• So are we just consuming more? on something.
• We could think about, well, how much of it are we consuming more of that thing?
• In the medical field, you've basically taken the consumer out of it.
• This data is old, but it is an increase of both utilization, but more so in price.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we want to make it as easy as possible for the consumer.
• We wanted to make sure it was as easy as possible for the consumer.
• Because we want to help consumers.
• It simply ensures that our existing consumer protection laws are enforced and consumers can be made whole
• Robert Harrell, with the Consumer Federation of California.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on August 20, 2025, and considered a large number of bills, with most of the discussion centered on election redistricting and several health, labor, environmental, and government-operations measures. The first major item was ACA 8, a constitutional amendment tied to a proposed November special election and temporary mid-decade congressional redistricting in response to partisan redistricting efforts in other states. Supporters, including Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, a 2020 redistricting commissioner, labor groups, and allies of the measure, argued it was necessary to defend democracy, protect representation, and respond to federal actions affecting California. Opponents, including Assemblymember Tom Lackey reading a statement for Assemblymember Gallagher and Assemblymember Dixon, argued the measure would undermine the independent redistricting commission, amount to a partisan power grab, and cost taxpayers roughly $230 million. Committee members also focused heavily on fiscal questions, including litigation costs and county election funding, and Department of Finance staff said counties would be made whole and funding would be advanced. The committee ultimately voted the measure out on a B roll call. The committee then heard SB 280, the implementing bill for the special election and related redistricting process. Supporters repeated the argument that California needed to respond to Texas and other states, while opponents again emphasized the cost, the strain on county budgets, and the state’s broader fiscal pressures. Department of Finance witnesses said the election funding would be provided in advance and that the state would work with counties and the Secretary of State. The bill was moved out on a roll call after extended debate. The committee also advanced several other bills, including SB 283 on battery storage safety standards, SB 470 extending remote participation and open-meeting flexibility for state boards and commissions, SB 697 modernizing stream adjudication procedures, SB 513 requiring more accessible employee training records, SB 30 restricting transfer of older diesel locomotives, SB 841 and SB 81 creating protections for vulnerable facilities and health care spaces from immigration enforcement, SB 358 revising traffic impact fee standards, and SB 630 streamlining state parks land acquisitions. Other measures discussed included SB 62 expanding health coverage benefits, SB 68 requiring restaurant allergen disclosures, and the committee heard both support and opposition on SB 68 from the California Restaurant Association and consumer advocates. Supporters of the health and immigrant-protection bills emphasized patient safety, reproductive health, immigrant rights, and access to care, while opponents on the restaurant bill warned of added mandates and litigation risk for small businesses. Across the hearing, committee members frequently returned to fiscal impacts, county implementation burdens, and whether the bills would save money, cost money, or shift costs to local governments. Several bills were reported out of committee, often on A or B roll calls, with some members not voting on particular measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will no longer be utilizing SCO's legacy general ledger system as the book of record.
• Taxes on business-to-business sales might seem appealing because the resulting costs to consumers are
• Think of goods that are consumed in the process of creating products.
• So we have expanded our authority and our remit to protect consumers and investors.
• Danny Kando, Kaiser, on behalf of the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition, National Consumer Law

Summary: The committee opened with the State Controller’s Office May Revision requests, including funding for Fiscal book-of-record stabilization, a Broadcom IDMS licensing adjustment, the California State Payroll System, ACFR reporting automation, and $3 million for unclaimed property outreach. Testimony emphasized progress on Fiscal becoming the state’s accounting book of record in July, faster ACFR publication, and the move to electronic unclaimed property claims. Members asked about the size of the unclaimed property fund and how quickly money is transferred to the General Fund; the Controller’s office said about $15 billion is held, with most excess transferred regularly, and the LAO noted the fund is the General Fund’s fourth-largest revenue source. No concerns were raised by Finance or the LAO, and the item was closed after no public comment. The committee then heard the administration’s proposal to tax prewritten digital software and software-as-a-service, with Finance saying it would modernize sales tax treatment and raise an estimated $450 million General Fund and $560 million local revenue in 2026-27. The LAO supported modernizing the tax but suggested broader digital goods coverage and a business-use exemption; industry and taxpayer groups opposed the proposal, warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Members also heard CDTFA’s administrative request tied to the proposal, plus a separate CDTFA budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs; that reduction was presented as a savings item and drew positive reactions. Next, the committee considered federal conformity for “Trump accounts,” which would align California tax treatment with federal rules for tax-deferred children’s accounts and avoid tracking burdens for families. The LAO recommended approval, and the item drew no opposition. The committee also heard a proposal to cut the first-year $800 annual business tax to $400 for LLCs, LPs, and LLPs; Finance argued it would lower startup costs and encourage new business formation, while the LAO said the benefit was not well targeted and could subsidize entities that would form anyway. Members discussed the policy tradeoff, and public commenters split between support for small business relief and concern about revenue loss. The final major revenue item was a permanent business tax credit limitation, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability, while excluding the low-income housing tax credit and personal income tax credits. Finance said it would raise significant revenue from large profitable corporations, and the LAO said it was a reasonable option but noted it would mainly affect the R&D credit and could have future implications for programs like California Competes. Public testimony was sharply divided, with business groups opposing the cap and anti-poverty advocates supporting it as a way to recapture revenue. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment request, which would return most of the direct-file-related resources to the General Fund while retaining a smaller staff to improve CalFile, and the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which members and advocates supported despite relatively modest annual donations. The hearing continued with GoBiz proposals on civic media funding, CA RISE reappropriation, and a semiconductor facility reversion, with the LAO supporting the latter two and members raising questions about the civic media program’s scope, outreach, and inclusion of broadcast and ethnic media.

Transcript Highlights:

• to solicit important feedback from stakeholders and the Commission on how we can build out better utility
• I am very upset with the Public Service Commission and our utilities, and I look forward to working with
• everyone on this committee as we go to make sure that we make it easier for our consumers to access
• to solicit important feedback from stakeholders and the Commission on how we can build out better utility
• everyone on this committee as we go to make sure that we make it easier for our consumers to access

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions met for its first convening of the 2026 session and confirmed quorum. The chair emphasized transparency in state agencies and utilities, particularly the Public Service Commission, and referenced prior work on utility affordability, nominations, and chaptered bills from the previous session. The committee considered eight bills. It advanced S.373, which would bar confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions in certain state and municipal contracts; S.1336, creating a New York State Digital Equity Plan and ConnectAll Digital Equity Grant Program; and S.2324, requiring Attorney General and Comptroller review of certain state or public authority real property sales over $250,000. It also moved S.2459 to restore earlier Public Authorities Control Board oversight provisions, and S.3736 to increase information provided to PACB members before project funding votes. Additional bills reported to the floor included S.4071A, clarifying that stormwater is included in the definition of sewage for certain water and sewer authorities; S.4576A, establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon vacancy and correcting gendered language; and S.5551, requiring recording and public posting of certain Empire State Development public hearings. The bills were moved, seconded, and reported out, with several passing unanimously and at least one receiving a negative vote or abstention noted in the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, good afternoon, and the Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
• This year, we've seen major developers in consumer-facing AIs offer access to new tools to encourage
• We utilize the nursing process.
• And also consumers, quote unquote, in health care, unlike many other domains, are highly... ...consumers
• Christopher Sanchez here on behalf of the Consumer Federation of California in support.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:16.960> and sexy utility and sexy utility and appliances.<00:18:19.200> So,<
• That's a billion in utility savings.
• And this technology actually has been utilized for many decades.
• technology actually has been utilized technology actually has been utilized for<00:20:39.840>
• full and they can't utilize the power. full and they can't utilize the power.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But but I would say that that we want to utility utility like a TNT, has a plant in our up as a facility
• Public utilities may request changes to their rates.
• And with respect to those nonprofit utilities, it creates a process for that utility itself to resolve
• And you would think that they that would be passed on to consumers.
• Utilities are experts in this area.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, this is all from the Consumer Settlement Fund.
• Opportunity to utilize the funds that we ourselves recover.
• So the consumer who has access to the consumer settlement fund? Mr.
• This consumer settlement fund, is that where the money is going?
• Consumer settlement fund. Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund. Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion. The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.