Transcript Highlights:

• There is a failure of federal agencies and the NRC to provide meaningful oversight.
• We provide information, looking at flashpoints and areas of concern.
• The Protect Act is designed to provide protection for those who are the most vulnerable.
• We do provide them with notification that somebody is leaving the facility.
• Second, guarantee that police do not provide operational assistance to ICE.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several public safety bills, with testimony first on S.2681, Colby’s Law, which would establish safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Supporters, including the family of a child killed at a track, argued the bill is needed because some tracks lack basic protections such as barriers, emergency plans, on-site medical staff, and adequate track maintenance. A motocross track representative opposed the bill as overregulation that could impose major costs and argued existing safety efforts and voluntary safety committees are preferable. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S.2680, which would expand emergency preparedness requirements around aging nuclear power plants and nuclear waste sites from a 10-mile to a 50-mile radius. Supporters from Cape Cod Downwinders, Massachusetts Peace Action, physicians, and other advocates said current law is outdated and insufficient, citing risks from radioactive waste storage, limited federal oversight, and the need for broader evacuation and emergency planning. Testifiers urged the bill’s passage, and no action was taken. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Protect Act, H.5158, dealing with limits on cooperation between state/local agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement. Sheriffs testified about how ICE detainers and notification requests work in practice, emphasizing discretion, public safety, and the difference between sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees. Supporters from labor, education, and health care groups said immigrant communities are living in fear and asked for stronger protections, including bans on 287(g) agreements and clearer limits on ICE activity in schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. The hearing also included testimony on H.4697 regarding training and certification of constables and civil deputy sheriffs, with the Hampshire County sheriff saying sheriffs are already working with POST and MPTC on training standards and that the bill may be duplicative.

Transcript Highlights:

• for DTSC, and provide fiscal stability.
• Chair, the Legislature decided to create the board in part to shape policy, provide more transparency
• I'm the chief finance officer for Needs Network.
• I'm the chief finance officer for Needs Network.
• O'Neill's Network and Kettleman.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing reviewed the five-year implementation of SB 158 and the Board of Environmental Safety’s role in DTSC reform, with members and witnesses focusing on transparency, accountability, fee-setting, permit appeals, community engagement, and the unfinished SB 673 regulations. The chair raised concerns about the board’s effectiveness, including whether it has been too passive, whether its authority is sufficient, and whether a recent board appointment created an appearance of conflict. Testimony from Earthjustice emphasized that DTSC remains too slow and that the board should be more willing to push the department, speak publicly, and use its authority more actively. The California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance supported the board as a forum for transparency and accountability, while also stressing the need for stable funding and cautioning against politicization. Community witnesses described the board as an important improvement because it created a public venue, ombudsperson, and permit appeal process that did not exist before, and because it has at times forced changes to DTSC’s hazardous waste management plan. At the same time, they argued that the board lacks leverage over budgets, staffing, and implementation, and that community input often does not translate into action. One witness urged statutory changes to align the director’s priorities, the hazardous waste management plan, and performance metrics, and to reconsider the current appeals process. Another called for stronger community engagement practices, more accessible public meetings, and outside help to redesign participation processes. Public commenters also asked for youth representation, stipends for participation, and a more direct role for the board in environmental justice matters. Board Chair Andrew Rakestra and DTSC Director Katie Butler said the reforms have produced measurable improvements. They cited greater transparency through public meetings and ombuds services, stronger accountability through public performance metrics and permit appeals, improved fiscal stability, reduced permit backlogs, increased enforcement, and progress on safer consumer products and Exide cleanup. Both acknowledged remaining challenges, including the board’s limited authority over budgets, the need for earlier and more meaningful engagement, delays in completing SB 673 regulations, and the structural deficit in the hazardous waste control account. They also noted that the hazardous waste management plan left major policy questions unresolved and that the board retained oversight of implementation. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation provides cash rounding guidance for goods and services when purchasers pay in cash and
• This legislation was brought by the Idaho Retailers Association and provides guidance on rounding for
• This is an Idaho solution provided by Idaho retailers and turned into legislation.
• And so what this rule does is actually provide limited...
• And so what this rule does is actually provide limitations and guidance to the IPSCC.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Friday, March 20, then reordered the agenda to hear several measures from senators and representatives. It advanced Senate Bill 1350 on cash rounding, which would provide optional guidance for cash transactions when pennies are unavailable, and Senate Joint Memorial 112, which urges Congress to pursue a federal balanced-budget constitutional amendment. Both measures received due pass recommendations without opposition. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1322, which tightens the voter affidavit process for people voting without photo ID by requiring additional identifying information, after testimony from the Secretary of State’s office said about 1,200 voters used the affidavit in 2024 and that the change would allow verification before a ballot is issued. Senate Joint Memorial 109, reaffirming Idaho’s sovereignty and the Tenth Amendment in election administration, also passed with a due pass recommendation. The committee then approved House Concurrent Resolution 35 honoring Idaho’s 2026 Olympic athletes, with members reading supportive remarks about athlete Sammy Smith and other Idaho Olympians. It also advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 122, which reaffirms Idaho’s long-standing relationship with Taiwan and highlights trade and economic ties, including wheat purchases and broader business and technology connections. In each of these items, the committee voted to send the measure to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up two rules for the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission, both related to grant timing and multi-year grant guidance for next-generation 911 projects. Sheriff Andy Creech explained that the rule would add limits and clarity for grant cycles and noted that existing grants would remain valid even if the rule failed. Despite that explanation, the committee voted to reject both docket 15-0601-2501 and docket 15-0601-2215, effectively rejecting both the pending and temporary rule versions. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nakahara, you'll have the opportunity to provide one to two minutes for your opening. Mr.
• Nakahara, you'll have the opportunity to provide one to two minutes for your opening testimony to the
• . transmission for the transmission catalyst, it's really providing a portion of their financing.
• It's really by working through the network.
• Do counties like San Bernardino get included and provided for? Do we see the benefit of I-Bank?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We provide reliable high-tech jobs that allow. hard-working Texas natives to find local careers in the
• HB 4748 also provides for secondary competition, which means... competition between contractors for a
• To provide reasonable flexibilities that enhance the agency's ability to achieve its mission.
• So it is literally an unbreakable network.
• So in the case of network networking is very much that way.

Bills: HB3146, HB3719, HB3895, HB3923, HB4748, HB4751, HB4936, HB4952, HB4990, HB4991, HB5061, HB5196, HB5238, HB5246, HB5487

Keywords: State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative hearings, contested case, contested case hearing, administrative law judge, ALJ, final decision, proposed decision, agency hearing, hearing continuance, rescheduling, Texas administrative law, Government Code Chapter 2001, workers' compensation, Department of Human Resources, Texas Labor Code, Transportation Code, Agriculture Code, Insurance Code

Transcript Highlights:

• provider and requiring insurers to credit patient payments for out-of-network providers toward their
• deductibles if the cost is no more than the cost of care by in-network providers.
• And finally, requiring practitioners to tell patients when a referral is to an out-of-network provider
• if the cost is no more than the cost of care by in-network providers.
• patients in writing when referring them to an out-of-network provider.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously. The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a recovery support provider. I'm also faculty.
• We want to provide this service regardless.
• , and many of these providers are faith-based providers.
• providing a similar level of service.
• I will point out, Four Rivers does get the network funding, SUD network funding.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states are on to the value that California provides, and they want those jobs, and they're providing
• We're providing incentives for a very limited period of time to a production, and to provide incentives
• So we provide funding like that.
• So we provide funding like that.
• My name is Dara Dotto with CAMEO Network, an association of more than 400 small business providers, many

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yeah, this is what I do at Culture Language Arts Network at the Minneapolis American Indian Center
• American network at the Minneapolis American Indian<00:10:29.600><c> Center.
• </c><00:18:14.400><c> an</c><00:18:14.640><c> increased</c> provide funding so that an increased provide
• :16.720><c> tool</c><00:37:17.359><c> in</c> provides a really useful tool in provides a really useful
• Minnesota provides this great Minnesota provides this great opportunity,<01:09:12.440><c> festive</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One item on the agenda is HCR 130, HD1, urging the state, counties, and other relevant agencies to provide
• Hawaii Ant Lab is right there with them, conducting research and providing control for ants despite their
• And thank you for all the work that you do. provide you for the annual report.
• And provide you for the annual report.
• </c> provide increase and sustained funding. provide increase and sustained funding.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint AEN-HRE hearing focused on HCR 130, HD1, which urges increased and sustained funding for the island invasive species committees and the Hawaii Ant Lab within the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent and noted that ISC funding flows through the Hawaii Invasive Species Council budget item via DLNR, while also describing ongoing collaboration with DLNR and efforts to support ant control work. Testifiers from CAPS, the University of Hawaii, the Oahu Invasive Species Committee, and CARES all supported the resolution, emphasizing that invasive species work is underfunded, that the island committees and Hawaii Ant Lab do critical control, research, outreach, and eradication work, and that sustained resources are needed to plan effectively and respond to priority pests such as little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frog. A lengthy exchange followed over whether the resolution was meaningful, since it would be urging the state to fund work the Legislature itself controls. Several members argued that a resolution alone has no legal effect and that funding should come through bills and appropriations instead. In response, the Department of Agriculture said its top biosecurity needs are personnel and chemicals, and noted it is building up its plant quarantine and plant pest control divisions with prior funding and HB 427. Oahu Invasive Species Committee representatives said they rely heavily on Hawaii Invasive Species Council grants, have limited soft funding, and need more stable resources; they also pointed to annual reports and prior testimony as documentation of their work. After a brief recess, the chairs announced they would pass the resolution with amendments to make it more relevant. The amendments changed the title and text to urge the counties, Congress, and other relevant agencies—not the state alone—to provide increased and sustained funding, and added language urging all of those bodies to seek federal grants. The AEN committee then voted to pass HCR 130, HD1, as amended, and the HRE committee also voted to pass it with amendments. The motion was adopted in both committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 237 seeks to bring stability to fuel cost while providing certainty that refiners will stay in the
• SB 237 will allow this important work to continue in order to provide...
• Marie Lou on behalf of CCE at the Central California Environmental Justice Network.
• Marie Lou on behalf of CCE at the Central California Environmental Justice Network.
• Forrest Rezavi with APEN, the Asian Pacific Environmental Network.

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting. SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote. SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also a huge network.
• I urge Congress to provide dedicated resources for this effort.
• Alternatives, because you cannot be a CHIPS recipient and have Huawei as your 5G provider.
• Both the State Department and AID provide urgent, life-saving assistance to human rights.
• Beijing has a golden opportunity to go after networks.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have one to two minutes to provide your opening testimony.
• How do you develop the relationships with local service providers?
• And really, they're sort of the network element of that. And so they have an amazing network.
• On the facilities that have security detail, who provides that security?
• On the facilities that have security detail, who provides that security?

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met with quorum and first considered several governor’s appointments not required to appear. The committee voted to advance Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission appointments: Anacubas and David Hubner, with the latter two receiving split votes but still moving forward. The committee also approved the reference of bills to committees and later, by unanimous add-on votes, approved floor acknowledgments and the remaining appointments on the agenda. The main hearing was on Brian Bishop’s appointment as Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR. Bishop described his law enforcement and Marine Corps background and said his focus would be balancing public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. Senators asked about risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, out-of-county placement, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with local agencies, exclusion zones for victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reviews. Public testimony supported Bishop’s confirmation, including from reentry providers and advocacy groups. The committee then voted 5-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee also heard from Sarah Larson, appointed Director of the Division of Facilities Management and Construction at CDCR. Larson discussed aligning the prison footprint with a declining population, addressing aging infrastructure and heat issues through cooling pilots, and using projects like the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as a model for safer, more healing facilities. Senators asked about prison closures, cold shutdown status, disaster planning, water and utility issues, and how to manage closed or deactivated facilities. Larson said closed facilities are maintained minimally, reactivation would be costly, and the department is exploring more holistic infrastructure planning. Public witnesses from criminal justice and reentry organizations strongly supported her, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nakahara, you'll have the opportunity to provide one to two minutes for your opening. Mr.
• catalyst, it's really providing a portion of their financing.
• It's really by working through the network.
• We work with not-for-profit health care providers in terms of their...
• We work with not-for-profit health care providers in terms of their...

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several routine items and a gubernatorial appointment. The committee approved appointments not required to appear for Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, Richard Stein to the California Arts Council, and Nicholas Hardiman to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. It also approved references to bills, committee and joint committee appointments, subcommittee ratifications, and floor acknowledgments. A rule waiver request from Senators Perez and Padilla to suspend the SR 22.5 bill-introduction limit was approved on a divided vote. The committee then heard testimony from Andy Nakahata, nominee for executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (iBank). Nakahata described his background in infrastructure finance and said he would focus on stewardship, expanding awareness of iBank programs, and working with lenders, financial development corporations, and municipal advisors to reach more counties and communities. Members asked about equitable geographic access, creditworthiness standards, outreach to underserved areas, support for financially distressed hospitals, and the new California Transmission Accelerator program. Nakahata said iBank can work with public and nonprofit health care entities, that transmission financing would be a portion of larger project capital stacks, and that the bank’s role is financing rather than regulating utility tariffs or transmission costs. Public witnesses from the finance and legal sectors testified in support of Nakahata, praising his expertise and leadership. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then voted unanimously to advance Nakahata’s nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does so by providing a complainant who chooses to file a civil action must file no later than
• Senate Bill 26 is a claims bill that provides $2.2 million in relief to the estate of Mark Legata for
• One of the most significant successes is Florida's network of 30 veterans' courts.
• Before the sale of an animal, a pet dealer must provide records of all...
• So Section 7 provides that they have 30 days to challenge the designation.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard a long agenda of bills, beginning with several probate, civil rights, and claims measures. Senators Burgess’s SB 326 on curators of estates was explained as a modernization of probate law; an amendment narrowing the bill was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably 10-0 after limited public testimony, including opposition from Ray Contreras. Burgess’s SB 1096, clarifying filing deadlines under the Florida Civil Rights Act, also passed unanimously 11-0. The committee then approved several claims bills, including SB 28 for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, SB 6 for a child injured after DCF’s handling of abuse allegations, SB 18 for the estate of McKenzie Navarre against the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata against FDOT, and SB 2 for the estate of Daniel Maudsley against DHSMV, with votes ranging from 10-1 to 11-0 and mostly no debate or opposition. The committee also took up trust and family-law related bills. Leader Berman’s SB 786 created a nonjudicial process for closing uncontested trusts and discharging trustees; after a technical amendment and testimony from Ray Contreras raising notice concerns, it passed 11-0. President Gates’s SB 50 expanded veterans’ courts statewide, drew broad support from veterans’ groups and advocacy organizations, and was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Simon’s SB 538 standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and homeschool students; after multiple amendments on homeschool eligibility, fees, and coach compensation, it passed 11-0 with support and opposition from education-related groups. President Gates’s SB 1004, aimed at consumer protections in the sale of dogs and cats, also passed unanimously after testimony from humane organizations. The committee then considered broader policy bills. President Pro Tem Brodeur’s SB 1366 on claims against the government proposed raising sovereign immunity caps and adding CPI adjustments; local government, hospital, and school representatives supported the Senate’s lower-cap approach while warning against the House version, and the bill was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Jones’s SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, as amended, would let head coaches provide limited personal support to student-athletes and require reporting of assistance; it passed 10-0. Senator Grohl’s SB 1178 on foreign influence and foreign countries of concern drew extensive supportive testimony from national security witnesses and was reported favorably 11-0 after a technical amendment and withdrawal of another amendment. Finally, SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles prompted substantial debate and public testimony over domestic terrorism designations, Sharia law references, due process, and free speech concerns; the committee had not yet completed final action on that bill when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 839 would provide an expedited judicial review process for a limited number of qualifying SAF projects
• AB 839 would provide an expedited judicial review process for a limited number of qualifying SAF projects
• , the Last Plastic Straw, the California Black Health Network, a physician and scientist network addressing
• Thank you so much to the committee for the opportunity to provide testimony today.
• This provides us with the tools that we need to be part of the solution for school sites.

Summary: The committee heard AB 839, which would allow up to three sustainable aviation fuel projects to qualify for expedited CEQA judicial review. The author and airline and airport supporters argued SAF is a key emissions-reduction strategy for aviation and that California needs to signal investment certainty after prior project litigation. Environmental Justice and Earthjustice opposed, saying the bill weakens the public’s ability to challenge polluting projects and that SAF facilities can harm already overburdened communities. The committee later took a roll call on the bill and it was held on call after a 3-0 vote, with the motion being due pass to Judiciary. Members then took up AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes in California. The author and a broad coalition of waste, public health, local government, and environmental groups said the devices create fire hazards, add lithium batteries to the waste stream, and burden local recycling and hazardous waste systems. Opponents, including retailers and business groups, argued the bill would mainly affect a small legal market while the illicit market would continue to supply most disposable vapes, and warned of unintended consequences. After discussion about illicit sales, EPR ideas, and reuse alternatives, the committee voted 2-2 on the motion to pass as amended to Revenue and Taxation, so the bill was kept on call. The committee also heard AB 907, which would compensate the six local air district representatives who serve on the California Air Resources Board the same as other board members. The author and supporters said the change would improve equity and help ensure local representation on CARB, and no opposition was presented. The chair expressed support, noting similar legislation had passed the committee previously, and the bill was held for a later vote once quorum issues were resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this program, providers are paid as actions are completed and as construction is completed.
• And then we would look to the number two provider in the application process.
• There's actually six different policies involved with six different providers.
• This is Division of Providers Services and Quality Assurance. It is for $105,000.
• This is Division of Providers Services and Quality Assurance is for $105,000.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have one to two minutes to provide your opening testimony.
• That statute also provides that that has to be focused primarily on victim advocacy.
• How do you develop the relationships with local service providers?
• And really, they're sort of the network element of that. And so they have an amazing network.
• Their network is amazing and their passion for those rehabilitated programs.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments and routine agenda items. It first approved, on call, appointments not required to appear for Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission nominees, with one of the law revision appointments drawing a split vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments before moving to appointments required to appear. Brian Bishop, nominated to lead the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR, testified that he would emphasize public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. In questioning, senators focused on risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with law enforcement, exclusion zones and administrative transfers to protect victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reports. Public commenters from reentry and justice organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 5-0 to send the nomination to the full Senate. Sarah Larson, nominated to direct CDCR’s Facilities Management and Construction, described her CDCR background and said she wanted to help modernize the department’s aging infrastructure to support staff and incarcerated people. Senators asked about aligning facilities with a declining prison population, cooling and heat mitigation, safety during construction, prison closures such as Norco, disaster planning, and how closed facilities are maintained or could be reopened. Larson said CDCR has reduced its footprint, is piloting cooling upgrades at several sites, maintains closed facilities in cold shutdown with minimal upkeep, and uses emergency planning and mutual aid for disasters. She also said the department is exploring infrastructure master planning and more substantial, targeted improvements, and the committee again heard supportive public testimony before voting 5-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Communities in schools is the largest provider of school-based behavioral health services for students
• In a network of 27 affiliates, CIS serves more than 122,000 students.
• CIS provides nearly $5 in services. to advocate for additional state funding to meet the unprecedented
• Food option for breakfast and lunch programs provided by public schools who refer to the Committee on
• HB 702 by Lilani relating to a notification provided by Transportation Networks comparing.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So today I'll be providing some background information on why alternative protein...
• First, I'll provide a quick overview of the Good Food Institute, or GFI.
• In this context, investing in alternative proteins provides a strategic advantage for the United States
• And this is part of a network globally.
• But at UCLA campus, they're working to raise funds, to hold events, to do networking events.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state. The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify. The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry. The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.