Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I think that would be very appropriate to have you on.
• At the appropriate time, we will take a motion. That's a great close.
• This bill makes it a really quick ...appropriately, appropriate lung cancer screenings.
• on Appropriations.
• And I will move the consent file when appropriate, Madam Chair. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, beginning with SB 1124 on lung cancer screening awareness. The author and supporters said the bill would require CDPH signage about lung cancer screening eligibility at tobacco point-of-sale locations to address low awareness and low screening rates. Support came from medical students, physicians, and the California Academy of Family Physicians, while retailers raised concerns about sign size, retailer notification, and implementation. Committee members generally supported the bill and noted the need to work through those concerns. SB 1150 sought to require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry. The author described the bill as a response to inconsistent notification practices and privacy concerns, and the chair and other members shared personal stories about learning they or family members were in the registry without knowing it. Cancer registry and university stakeholders expressed appreciation for amendments but continued to have concerns or wanted more time to review the language. The bill was discussed as a patient-awareness measure rather than a change to reporting requirements. The committee also heard SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1094 on biosimilar substitution and health plan policies, SB 1314 on smoke shop regulation and nitrous oxide restrictions, and SB 1309 on eliminating cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up after lung cancer screening. SB 1400 and SB 1314 drew support from local officials, labor, and public health advocates, with members emphasizing youth protection and local oversight. SB 1094 passed after extensive debate over pharmacist substitution authority and notification requirements, with a 6-0 vote and opposition from biotechnology and physician groups. SB 1309 also passed after members discussed the cost of follow-up care and the value of early detection, despite opposition from health plans over premium impacts; it received a 7-0 vote and was placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the legislature shifted the appropriation to fiscal year 25. However, the U.S.
• In 2024, the legislature shifted the appropriation to fiscal year 25. However, the U.S.
• In 2024, the legislature shifted the appropriation to fiscal year 25. However, the U.S.
• In 2024, the legislature shifted the appropriation to fiscal year 25. However, the U.S.
• It, as the representative mentioned, expands the use of the current $4 million appropriation.

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:29.040> was of the town aid appropriation was of the town aid appropriation was expended
• c> the<00:10:33.040> aquatic annual appropriation for the aquatic annual appropriation for
• any appropriations. any appropriations.
• appropriation side of the spreadsheet. appropriation side of the spreadsheet.
• appropriation side of the spreadsheet. appropriation side of the spreadsheet.

Bills: HF9

Keywords: energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Measure passes and is off to Appropriations. Thank you, Assembly Member Davies.
• Now is the appropriate time for a motion. Motion by all and a second.
• Now is the appropriate time for a motion. Motion by all in a second. Second by.
• The measure passes with five votes and is off to Appropriations.
• It is due pass to the floor, not to appropriations, but to the floor.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• not appropriations not appropriations and<00:25:06.720> um and um and um on<00:25:08.000>
• because $10 million was appropriated because $10 million was appropriated back<00:32:19.960>
• , appropriated, appropriated, the<00:39:57.080> tax<00:39:57.480> dollars<00:39:58.040>
• this money was appropriated years ago. this money was appropriated years ago.
• That is the handles appropriations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, Madam Chair, when the time is appropriate, respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Rubio aye. Rubio aye. Davies aye.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. File Item 9, AB 2272, Colosa.
• The motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. File Item 10, AB 2294, Tau.
• If you're looking for words right now, I don't think it's appropriate at the moment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely split between supporters and opponents on policy and implementation. Assembly Member Wynn presented AB 2507 to strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early consultation across agencies. Supporters from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance said the bill would improve respect, coordination, and program outcomes; no opposition was heard. Wynn also presented AB 2024, a cleanup bill intended to reduce delays in outdoor advertising permit processing by requiring agencies to act on submitted applications. Supporters said it would clarify existing law and reduce uncertainty, and members expressed interest in the measure as a final fix to longstanding interpretation problems. Both bills were later approved and sent to Appropriations. Assembly Member Connolly presented AB 1585, which would require wine labeled “American” to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” designation with California’s 100% sourcing rule for California-labeled wine. Supporters, including growers, farm bureaus, consumer advocates, and family wineries, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling, protect consumers, and help an industry facing bankruptcies, vineyard removals, and job losses. Opponents from major wineries and Wine Institute argued the bill could confuse consumers, create costly label changes, and disrupt blends and cross-regional products that are currently legal under federal law. After extended debate, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations. Assembly Member Ransom presented AB 1605, a DUI safety bill that would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, limiting their ability to purchase alcohol. Supporters from law enforcement and roadway safety groups said the measure would address recidivism and help prevent alcohol-related crashes and deaths, while retailers and restaurant groups raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens. The committee discussed committee amendments and the bill passed to Appropriations. Assembly Member Hoover’s AB 2211, allowing craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the distilling industry and no opposition. The committee also took up AB 1578, which would require local and state elected officials to take anti-hate speech training; supporters said it responds to rising hate crimes, while opponents raised First Amendment concerns and objected to the lack of a clear definition of hate speech. After a lengthy exchange, the bill passed on a party-line-leaning vote to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2717, extending a sunset for off-site advertising displays at large sports venues, was introduced as a venue-revenue and fan-experience measure tied to major upcoming events, and the transcript indicates it was being considered with committee amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, at the appropriate moment, I'd love to be able to make the motion.
• Do pass as amended to Senate Appropriations. The roll. Do pass as amended to Senate Appropriations.
• Moved by Senator Gonzales, the motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations.
• Moved by Senator Gonzales, the motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations.
• The motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations. Senators Arreguin: Aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, permanent supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of existing deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters argued the state needs major new subsidy to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage, while many organizations and local governments testified in support. Habitat for Humanity opposed unless the bond explicitly reserved 10% for CalHome; members discussed that issue and broader negotiations over possible amendments. After quorum was established, the committee approved the bill on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members. The committee also heard SB 1361, which would limit local governments from using SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements as a reason to stall or condition planned transit projects. The author and supporters from LA Metro and the building trades said the bill would prevent opposition to future transit stops from undermining transit expansion, jobs, and climate goals. Several groups that had initially opposed or been neutral, including cities and housing advocates, withdrew opposition after amendments; the League of California Cities moved to no position pending review. The bill passed the committee as amended to Senate Local Government on a do-pass motion, with the roll held open for absent members. Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating an Infrastructure Partnership Financing Program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements tied to housing projects. Supporters said both bills would improve project feasibility and reduce late-stage cost surprises; there was little opposition, though some local government representatives sought continued discussion on implementation details. Both measures were approved on do-pass motions to Senate Appropriations and held on call. The committee also took up SB 908, which streamlines permitting for energy-code-compliant window replacements and limits added aesthetic requirements, with the new-construction portion narrowed to San Francisco; it received support from housing and decarbonization groups and was moved to Appropriations on a do-pass motion, also held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• We received a $2 million special appropriation.
• recurring fund appropriation in this budget.
• The Special Appropriation: This is really a very important one.
• It's the largest wildfire mitigation appropriation in the country.
• So, we have the appropriation for the cost of construction, but we do not have an appropriation for maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• If the appropriate time, I'd move favor. Thank you. I appreciate it. Duly noted.
• At the appropriate time, I'll be favorable. Nice work, Representative. Thank you.
• All right, at the appropriate time, Senator... Easy.
• So at the proper time, appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable.
• So at the appropriate time, Mr. Chair, I'd like to move as amended.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 6, 2026, with five members present. After adopting the April 28 minutes, the committee heard a brief presentation on the new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, which is intended to bring together health care, business, policy, and education leaders to study Louisiana health challenges and build a network for action. Members expressed support for the program and its potential value to health policy work. The committee then advanced several bills, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 57, a nutrition-labeling bill, was amended to push its effective date to December 31, 2028 and reported as amended. HB 62 increased the membership of the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission to 27 members and was reported as amended. HB 193 updated membership rules for the sickle cell commission foundations so long-serving executive directors would not have to reapply repeatedly, and it was reported as amended. HB 815 would allow financial institutions to receive death certificates to help families manage accounts after a death; it was reported favorably after a question about state-licensed banks. SB 405 was substantially revised to codify LDH’s new Ascend nursing-facility quality initiative, including statewide quality oversight goals, stakeholder involvement, reporting requirements, and tools such as dashboards and surveys; after reconsidering prior action and adopting the new amendment, the bill was reported as amended. The committee also approved HB 222, which provides Medicaid dental coverage when needed for another covered medical procedure, and HB 420, which requires background checks for all DCFS employees with access to sensitive information. HB 475 requires verbal consent when AI is used to record or transcribe a medical visit and was reported favorably after a technical question. HB 246 updated membership of the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and the council on grandparents raising grandchildren, including replacing an inactive coalition seat with the state police superintendent or designee. HB 486 would enter Louisiana into the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact to expand access to mental health care, and HB 574 updated outdated board names on the Mental Health Advisory Services Board; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee reported HB 949, which creates a licensure framework for radiologist assistants to help address imaging workforce shortages, especially in rural areas, and HB 584, which requires foster children to be provided luggage instead of trash bags for their belongings and restores “rights” language in the Foster Youth Bill of Rights. The committee also reported HB 1214, restructuring certain LDH facilities into a single system under the secretary’s office; HB 1092, a technical renaming/terminology cleanup bill; and HB 203, which adds members to the uterine fibroids commission. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses emphasized access to care, workforce shortages, child welfare, and quality improvement, and the committee repeatedly adopted amendments and reported the bills favorably or as amended before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is due pass to Appropriations with recommendation to consent calendar.
• The motion is due pass to Appropriations with recommendation to consent calendar.
• On AB 1993, the motion is do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations. Halloran, no.
• On AB 1788, the motion is do pass as amended and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.
• On AB 1539, the motion is do pass as amended and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 25, 2026, with nine measures on the agenda and three bills taken on consent. The committee approved the consent calendar for AB 1736, AB 1853, and AB 2153. The committee also heard several election-related bills, including AB 1993 on ballot-envelope privacy, AB 1788 on nonprofit disclosure of travel payments for elected officials, AB 1560 on barring people convicted of public corruption from lobbying, AB 1539 on presidential and vice-presidential ballot eligibility certifications, AB 1919 on Santa Cruz Metro local tax initiative procedures, and AB 1562 on county selection of poll workers. The chair also noted membership changes and welcomed new and returning members and staff. AB 1993 drew the most debate. The author argued it was a common-sense safeguard to prevent voters’ choices from being visible through ballot-envelope holes, citing a Sacramento County incident and public concern about ballot privacy. County election officials, the Secretary of State’s office, and Disability Rights California opposed the bill, saying the holes also serve accessibility and processing functions, that existing voter instructions already address privacy, and that the measure would create implementation problems and an unfunded mandate. After extended discussion, the committee voted the bill out on a 2-6 roll call and it failed. AB 1788 was supported by the FPPC and the League of Women Voters and passed as amended to Appropriations, with members emphasizing transparency while seeking to avoid unintended coverage of organizations like NCSL and CSG. AB 1560 passed 6-0 despite the Secretary of State’s implementation concerns about how the office would learn of relevant convictions. AB 1539, which would require party representatives to certify presidential and vice-presidential nominees’ constitutional eligibility, passed 7-0 as amended. AB 1919, which would clarify procedures for a Santa Cruz Metro voter initiative to place a transit tax on the ballot, passed 6-2, and AB 1562, which would allow counties to randomly select poll workers, passed 7-1 after discussion about civic engagement, guardrails, and election administration. The committee then completed roll-call adjustments for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I think it'd be appropriate if uh I know we've already stated that there's no fiscal impact, but I'd
• Um I think it'd be<00:05:14.800> appropriate<00:05:15.199> if<00:05:15.840> uh<00
• :05:15.919> I<00:05:16.160> know<00:05:16.320> we've be appropriate if uh I know
• we've be appropriate if uh I know we've already<00:05:17.039> stated<00:05:17.360> that
• > initially<00:07:59.520> $25 appropriated I mean initially $25 appropriated I mean initially

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The Appropriations Committee on Pre K 12 education to come to order and please call the roll Chair
• budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Well, that claims to enrollment a feature in our in our appropriations package.
• And so we wanted to make sure that in obtaining devices are appropriate for their expenses that are appropriate
• They must weigh their child's right to a free appropriate public education.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee meeting, June 28, 2026.
• They would revise the effective date and increase the appropriation to $200,000.
• Money was already appropriated, and they're going to transfer the money internally.
• to FY26 Appropriations Act.
• Appropriates $2.5 million, that actually has been amended out.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is none at this point because the four has already been appropriated.
• They just come back the next year and get an appropriation for that family. Okay.
• And I think this bill is appropriate to honor the service in their life.
• So if the appropriate time, Mr.
• At the appropriate time, I'd like to move this. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 350, which would extend the grade levels at Ecole Pointe-au-Chien from fourth through eighth grade. The sponsor and several members emphasized the school’s importance to Terrebonne Parish, French immersion, and school choice. An amendment was adopted making the bill subject to appropriation, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Members then approved House Bill 749, which authorizes the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority to contract with a program manager for certain savings programs, including ABLE, START, and START K-12, in response to a prior cyber incident and to improve security and customer service. An amendment simplified the bill’s effective-date language so provisions would take effect upon execution of the contract. The bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced House Bill 979 to increase the survivor benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $250,000 to $350,000. Testimony from the governor’s office said the increase could be covered within existing appropriations and that the amount was consistent with inflation since the benefit was last set. The bill was reported favorably. Later, House Bill 42 creating a phased retirement option for public post-secondary employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System was reported favorably, and House Bill 205 to allow local clerks of court to supplement election commissioner pay by up to $100 per election was also reported favorably after extensive testimony about staffing shortages and stagnant pay. The committee additionally reported favorably House Bill 12 extending survivor benefits to reserve officers killed in the line of duty, and House Bill 324 on judicial salaries, after amending it to remove future COLA provisions and leave only the permanent stipend increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items.
• We support this bill and we also requested a data-driven amount for appropriation.
• ,<00:31:54.480> but bill, it has blank appropriations, but bill, it has blank appropriations
• This is making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items.
• <00:33:34.720> going appropriation amounts, and we're going appropriation amounts, and we're

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments. HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states. HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• Attendance is one of your public education reform fund appropriations.
• We, as appropriators and as far as policymakers, are providing support.
• , and $8.6 million for the 2026-2027 year via special appropriation.
• this year and $8.6 million in special appropriations next year.
• , and $8.6 million for fiscal year 2026-2027 through a special appropriation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is relating to emergency management and appropriates funds for the office of the governor in collaboration
• <00:02:10.080> funds<00:02:10.479> for<00:02:10.640> the Management appropriates
• funds for the Management appropriates funds for the office<00:02:11.000> of<00:02:11.120>
• so right now under the appropriate so right now under the contractor<00:20:04.200> repair<00:
• monies for an Office of appropriates monies for an Office of Consumer<00:35:37.160> uh<00:35:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing first took up SB 696, which would create an emergency management office and fund tax credits, grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify homes, shelter development, and staffing. Supporters argued Hawaii needs a dedicated preparedness office and funding before the next hurricane season, while the Tax Foundation said the bill was too vague, especially on who would qualify for the tax credits and under what conditions. The Department of the Attorney General and the insurance division offered comments, and both committees recommended deferral of SB 696. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then heard SB 179 on construction defect remedies and the contractor repair act. Builders, Realtors, carpenters, and a mortgage industry witness supported the bill, saying it would reduce abusive litigation, speed repairs, and help housing production and affordability. Homeowner advocates and plaintiff attorneys opposed it, arguing it would weaken consumer protections, shift repair costs to homeowners, and delay or limit legitimate claims. One testifier suggested the Senate focus instead on stronger alternative dispute resolution, and the committee noted 105 written supporters, four opponents, and one comment submission. The committee next heard SB 416 on allowing pets in rental housing, with the Attorney General recommending a non-impairment safeguard because of possible effects on existing contracts. SB 593 on commercial dog breeders drew support from the Hawaii Humane Society and others, with concerns raised that counties would be expected to enforce the new regime without funding. SB 641, creating a tax on low-alcohol-by-volume spirits beverages, drew opposition from the Wine Institute, which said it would create a tax break for one segment and likely reduce state revenue. SB 1048 on online crowdfunding received support from GoFundMe and comments from the Attorney General, with GoFundMe urging changes to reduce burdens on charitable fundraising. SB 1213, allowing businesses to accept service of process by email instead of maintaining a registered agent, drew DCCA comments and opposition from LegalZoom, which warned email service could be unreliable and vulnerable to phishing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kelsey Vela: ...2019, appropriated an additional 760 FTEs.
• The 88th legislature appropriated $11.5 million.
• The 88th legislature appropriated $11.5 million.
• appropriated directly to Wyndham and their strategy at TEI.
• The $235.6 million that was appropriated to the school district is now being appropriated to TDCJ for

Bills: SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• for Fiscal Year 2026, before final action on the General Appropriations Bill.
• Before final action on the General Appropriations Bill.
• House Bill 4237, an act making certain appropriations for fiscal year 2026, before the final action on
• the General Appropriations Bill.
• the General Appropriations Bill.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met in a floor session that began with routine procedural motions, including quorum checks, roll calls, and brief recesses. Members also welcomed guests and observed a moment of silent tribute for Frederick Pat Waller of Dracut, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and longtime farmer, before taking up the day’s major budget business. The principal item was the FY2026 appropriations legislation. House leaders described the conference report as a roughly $61 billion budget that reduces spending from earlier proposals while increasing Fair Share spending to $2.4 billion. They highlighted funding for education, including Chapter 70 aid, universal school meals, higher education financial aid, MassReconnect, and school clean energy projects; transportation, including MBTA and regional transit authority support; housing and homelessness programs; food assistance; and a new $5 million immigration legal assistance fund. Supporters emphasized fiscal stability, timely passage, and aid to cities and towns, while noting uncertainty from the federal government. The House first passed the supplemental appropriations bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 142-0, then later passed it on final enactment by 143-1. The House then accepted the conference report on the main FY2026 budget by a roll call vote of 139-6, adopted the emergency preamble by a recorded vote, and finally enacted the budget by another 139-6 vote. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn to the following Thursday at 11 a.m., and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, that is due pass to appropriations. Solache? Aye. Castillo? Aye. Marisucci? Patel.
• For file item number two, AB 2516, Petri Norris, due pass to appropriations: Soria, aye.
• For file item number two, AB 2516, Petri Norris, due pass to appropriations: Patel, aye.
• File item number two, AB 2516, Petri Norris, due pass to appropriations. Patel, aye.
• AB 2516, Petri Norris, due pass to appropriations, Marisucci, aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact heard AB 2516, which would create the California Grid Manufacturing Initiative within GO-Biz to address supply chain delays for critical grid equipment, aggregate utility demand, coordinate procurement, and encourage in-state manufacturing. The author and supporters, including labor representatives from UAW, IBEW, the California Labor Federation, CWA, BlueGreen Alliance, and others, argued the bill would lower costs for ratepayers, speed clean energy deployment, improve grid reliability, and create high-road manufacturing jobs. No opposition was presented, and the committee members expressed support for the affordability and economic development goals. The committee also heard ACR 173, which would formalize a sister-state relationship between California and Jalisco, Mexico. The author described the resolution as a way to strengthen longstanding cultural, economic, and educational ties and to emphasize diplomacy and immigrant protections. There were no witnesses in opposition, and members noted the importance of California’s relationship with Mexico. After quorum was established, the committee approved the consent calendar, which included AB 2163, ACR 164, and ACR 166. AB 2516 was passed 7-1 to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, ACR 173 was adopted 8-0, and the consent calendar was approved. The hearing then adjourned.