Video & Transcript Research : 'authorization'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:14 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- championing of our aerospace technology sector and your work that you do on the Spaceport America Authority
- for your consideration... ...Section 5(B)(2) of the New Mexico Constitution, I am authorizing for your
- Senate Bill 166, introduced by Senator Stewart, an act relating to public funds, authorizing transfers
- Senate Bill 166, introduced by Senator Stewart, an act relating to public funds, authorizing transfers
- You know, the Secretary of Health Care Authority, the Department of Health, Long-Term Care and Aging,
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, authorities to engage UASs are held at the federal level.
- But do they have the authority? Was that the part that I heard? They have a temporary authority?
- We can buy this stuff to do it, but we do not have the authorities.
- Do they have the authority? Was that the part that I heard? They have a temporary authority?
- We can buy this stuff to do it, but we don't have the authorities.
Summary:
The committee held a work session focused on the effects of tariffs on Washington’s economy, agriculture, and small businesses, followed by updates on emergency management, cybersecurity, disaster resilience, tsunami preparedness, and World Cup security planning. Office of Financial Management economist Abdelamintrawe Trieri said tariff increases are expected to raise prices, reduce output and employment, and lower state revenue over a four-year horizon, with the hardest-hit sectors including aerospace, food and beverage manufacturing, and agriculture. Members asked about updated tariff scenarios, crop-specific impacts, inflation versus deflation in different goods, and whether some manufacturing sectors could benefit; staff said updated numbers would need to be rerun as tariff rates changed.
Washington Department of Agriculture representative Ryan Hamm described how tariffs raise costs for farm inputs such as equipment, parts, packaging, and fertilizer, while also affecting exports of key commodities like wheat, potatoes, apples, cherries, dairy, and wine. He said some sectors support tariffs on competing imports, but retaliation and market restrictions have hurt exports, especially to China and, in the wine sector, Canada. Department of Commerce representative Andrea Chartock outlined export assistance, business finance, recruitment, and industry-sector development programs, and proposed expanding tariff-resilience support through market diversification, supply-chain optimization, and efforts to attract investment and federal funding. She also noted uncertainty around delayed federal STEP funding for small business export assistance.
Emergency Management Division Director Robert Ezell warned that federal disaster and mitigation funding is becoming less reliable, citing the denied bomb cyclone disaster declaration, delays in FEMA grant processing, and possible restructuring of FEMA that could shift more responsibility to states. He said Washington may need stronger state-funded public assistance, individual assistance, and mitigation programs, along with broader coordination among state agencies and local governments. Cybersecurity staff described state efforts to support local governments through the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, threat intelligence sharing, vulnerability assessments, and a proposed volunteer incident response team, while noting the loss of MS-ISAC funding and the importance of continued state matching funds for cybersecurity grants. Hazard mitigation and tsunami staff emphasized the need for sustained investment in flood, wildfire, earthquake, lahar, and tsunami resilience, including vertical evacuation structures and language-access outreach. Ezell also briefed the committee on World Cup security preparations and federal grants for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, explaining that the state can buy mitigation capabilities but current authority to use them remains largely federal; the committee asked follow-up questions about fan zones, training, and the meaning of drone mitigation. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment after the presentations and questions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- This is only in response to an authority. authoritarian power grab.
- I just want to thank the author for your leadership on this bill.
- DFPI's enforcement authority is sort of like pulling someone over for reckless driving.
- Just two main. maintain the current regulatory authority and workload at the department.
- Really quick, I support my adult schools, and so I would love to be added as a co-author.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to start with the Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) first.
- Next, the New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee, Sabina Gainer.
- I am the lead staff attorney for the New Mexico Finance Authority.
- These include the Border Authority, the Colonial Infrastructure Board, the Spaceport Authority, among
- Of the policy, travel is authorized after July 1st. After July 1st, okay.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Legislature authorized DWC to conduct their informal hearings.
- SB 143 wisely authorizes two county pilots, one urban and one rural.
- So it's political subdivisions that have the authority to do it.
- Educational institutions also have the authority to do it.
- Which you authored last session, Mr.
Bills:
HB111
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal trust fund authority to reflect updated projections for reimbursement from the FEMA, from the
- The administration itself is requesting that Control Section 90 be added to authorize the Department
- With respect to the request for changes in federal trust fund authority we think this is a reasonable
- And then I just wanted to make one additional. comment on the Federal Trust Fund Authority.
- In 25-26, $11 million ongoing and increased reimbursement authority and ongoing resources.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee, February 17, 2026 - AM
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- commission did not have this authority commission did not have this authority to<00:04:59.360>
<00:05:32.880>- >
tool, <00:05:20.000>the given the authority or tool, the given the authority or tool,- ,
they they are given this authority, they they are given this authority, they - >
- done through the commission's authority done through the commission's authority is<00:25:41.360>
- you, in 1990, the legislature authorized you, in 1990, the legislature authorized those<00:59:17.599
Keywords:
landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Procurement authority in this agency lived in one person.
- They don't have release authority. But what they have and what they call it is placement authority.
- It gives you guys more authority.
- And that's a lot of authority and a lot of people don't want to have legislative limits on their authority
- And that's a lot of authority and a lot of people don't want to have legislative limits on their authority
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations.
The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute.
A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions.
The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill, is it authorizing legislation for the counties to uh— That is correct. Authorize.
- <00:13:12.839>
Authorize. - Authorize. Okay, and That is correct. Authorize.
- Okay, and are<00:13:14.760>
they <00:13:15.000>authorized are they authorized are they - are they authorized to go up to? are they authorized to go up to? to?
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jermaine Turner, followed by welcoming remarks for visiting students and a quorum call confirming the chamber was in session. The body then moved through introductions and began considering bills and messages, including a supplemental budget message from the Governor that was journalized and referred to Budget and Taxation for incorporation into the FY27 budget. The chamber also handled several committee reports and amendments, with multiple measures ordered printed for third reading after no objections.
Among the notable committee actions, the Senate adopted amendments and advanced Senate Bill 538 on Baltimore City raffles for organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams, Senate Bill 108 on water resources and wetlands enforcement, Senate Bill 328 on property tax credits for disabled or fallen public safety and judicial officers, Senate Bill 587 funding the Maryland Patient Safety Center Fund, Senate Bill 765 on property tax sales heir protection and tax credits, and Senate Bill 767 on property tax credits for commercial buildings rented to small businesses. The chamber also adopted favorable reports for Senate Bill 503 on the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Program and Senate Bill 519 on delaying and studying the Earned Income Tax Credit Assistance Program.
The Senate then took up third-reading votes on a series of bills, passing measures including Senate Bills 540, 544, 578, 581, 634, 638, 852, 897, 69, 177, 241, 323, 776, and 439. The final bill, Senate Bill 439 on employment discrimination related to fire and rescue public safety employees’ use of medical cannabis, prompted extended discussion about off-duty cannabis use, impairment, and the difference between prescribed opioids and medical cannabis recommendations. The bill sponsor and other senators debated whether cannabis can be prescribed, the role of physicians, and the lack of a measurable standard for impairment, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill is shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 104 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the town of Ludlow to pay a certain unpaid bill, House No. 4589; and the House bill authorizing the
- the town of Ludlow to pay a certain unpaid bill, House No. 4589; and an act authorizing the town of
- Third reading of the bill: An Act authorizing the appointment of alternate members to the Conservation
- An Act authorizing the appointment of alternate members to the Conservation Commission of the Town of
- Third reading of the bill: An Act authorizing the continued employment of Stephen A.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. It adopted congratulatory resolutions for Fire Chief Michael Sullivan of Wakefield and Joan Smith of Abington, and approved an extension until December 7, 2025 for the Committee on Public Health to report on current House documents. The House also concurred with a Senate referral of a petition on assisted living billing practices to the Committee on Housing, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two additional petitions to committee: one on penalties for reckless or negligent vehicle operation and another designating May 2 as Veterinary Youth Day.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended six House bills for consideration, and the House suspended Rule 7A to take them up on second reading. Those bills concerned the Great Barrington Fire District, a technical change to the George L. Dairy Inland Fisheries and Game Fund, teacher strikes, an Arlington town manager act amendment, payment of an unpaid bill by the town of Ludlow, and additional liquor licenses for Scituate. The House ordered all six bills to a third reading.
The chamber also observed silent tributes to Anthony Dugnan of Hamilton and Boston police Detective Bruce Higgins. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed Senate Bill 23 on alternate members for the Swampscott Conservation Commission, House Bill 2879 on continued employment of a Lancaster firefighter, House Bill 3977 on alternate members for the Beckett Conservation Commission, and House Bill 4529 designating the Wider Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell tennis courts. The House then adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/16/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , member from Anoka, the author, member from Anoka, the author, Representative<00:16:36.520>
Scott - Senate author, Senate author, Erin<00:18:38.000>
Maye <00:18:38.160>Quade, <00:18:38.760 - >
representative I recognize the author representative I recognize the author representative Anderson - I was asked to jump on this and co-author with Representative Kraft.
- <01:15:52.200>
with to jump on this and co-author with to jump on this and co-author with
Summary:
The House first adopted a conference committee report on House File 3900, a constitutional amendment related to state government and school trust lands. Members from both parties praised the work on the bill and said the conference committee returned a clean version of the House-passed measure. The report was adopted without opposition, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a 134-0 roll call.
The chamber then took up Senate File 4282, a forecast-adjustments bill covering K-12 education, human services, children and families, and transportation. Representative Youakim explained that the conference report restored all four forecast articles plus several no-cost education items, including school fund transfers, utility-payment authority, a paraprofessional licensing clarification, a grant extension, and school trust lands language. Representative Mueller moved to refuse adoption, arguing the report had become a catchall and omitted agreed-upon literacy language; that motion failed 62-72. The House then adopted the conference report, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a 94-37 vote.
Next, the House concurred in Senate amendments to House File 4138, the social media bill aimed at restricting addictive social media harms for minors. The Senate had removed House “threat alert” language, and the author said that was the only substantive difference. Supporters said the bill would protect kids online and require parental permission for social media accounts for children 15 and under. The House concurred and repassed the bill as amended by the Senate on a 131-2 vote.
The House then began consideration of Senate File 2373, a labor and industry bill exempting minor league baseball players from minimum wage and overtime requirements. Through a series of amendments, members added provisions on rural cancer research, disability services and employment access, unemployment insurance for certain laid-off Iron Range miners, and agricultural funding items such as depredation, local foods, down payment assistance, and meat processing grants. One proposed amendment to remove the double-fencing requirement for farmed cervidae was strongly opposed as a threat to deer health and was defeated 61-72. The transcript ends during debate on that amendment, before final disposition of the bill is shown.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, and with authority, consider the reality of domestic abuse quite frankly, and in numerous
- That's an issue that should be taken up with the authority.
- And and what the author be interested in knowing.
- That's something you should be taken up with the author. Senator Goodwin, thank you.
- This is actually just a direct authorization of those right to suit.
Bills:
SB1238, SB1277, SB1304, SB1378, SB1423, SB1484, SB1501, SR32, SB1502, SB1721, SB1735, SB1832, SB1847, SB1859, SB1876, SB2170, SB2182
Keywords:
domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation, intimate partner violence, family or household member, repeat offender, felony enhancement, Class B5 felony, stalking, batterers intervention program, court-ordered treatment, protective order, presence of a child, pregnant victim, great bodily injury, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, sex offender registration
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill simply authorizes...
- THIS BILL SIMPLY AUTHORIZES 30 The Attorney General to conduct investigations and initiate
- Tell me what problem we are solving here, giving somebody authority to go out and investigate somebody
- House Bill 1235 is a bill that authorizes Florida to enter into a respiratory care interstate compact
- At its core, HB 1235 is a pro-patient, pro-workforce, and pro-state-authority solution.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.
The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition.
Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database.
Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jul 14th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like to thank Senators Rubio, Cortese, and Stern for authoring this important measure.
- It has also authorized a long-term program to underground power lines.
- co-author and committee for all your work on this.
- And I'd like to first ask the author, what can you do to make it happen? make that happen?
- So I appreciate the author accepting the word diverse.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- >
Secretary Amendment two authorizes the Secretary Amendment two authorizes the Secretary of<00 - <00:32:54.080>
of authorizes the Maryland Department of authorizes the Maryland Department - <00:40:54.240>
a to adopt regulations that authorize a to adopt regulations that authorize - from federal law enforcement authorities from federal law enforcement authorities like<01:12:54.080
- and local law enforcement authorities and local law enforcement authorities that<01:13:07.520>
Summary:
The Senate reconvened with a quorum and began by reading House messages and first-reading bills, including SB 8 on identity fraud and deepfakes and HB 145 on election misinformation and deepfakes, which was referred to Rules. The chamber then handled several concurrence and conference matters. On HB 154, the Open Meetings Act bill for county boards of education, the Senate initially moved to recede from its amendments and accept the House version, but debate centered on a Senate transparency amendment limiting school boards’ ability to censor recordings. A motion to reconsider the amendments was laid over for 15 minutes. On SB 514, a third-degree assault bill, the House refused to recede and a conference committee was appointed. A guest introduction also welcomed a 10-month-old visitor to the gallery.
In second-reader business, the Senate adopted committee amendments and advanced SB 504, which strengthens data privacy protections and limits use of personal data for immigration enforcement, and SB 790, the Public Health Reform Act, which revises the Commission on Public Health, updates the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, adds health equity review processes, and makes related administrative changes. Both bills were reported favorably with technical and conforming amendments and ordered printed for third reading. The chamber then took up HB 191, which would require merchants to accept cash for essential consumer goods and set related rules and exceptions; members questioned its scope, exemptions, and enforcement, and the bill was laid over pending clarification about whether stadiums are covered. Finally, HB 564 on pet cremation and burial services added consumer protection and disclosure requirements for pet cremation providers; its technical amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered passed for third reading.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- to limit uh the giving you authorization to limit uh the required<00:11:54.639>
payment <00:11 - This measure allows authorized employees of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Law
- Personnel from both the uh authorized Personnel from both the Department<00:14:48.600>
of <00: - This takes away the right for adults to consume FDA-authorized products.
- We have to take everyone that's sent to us by the courts and by the Hawaii Paroling Authority.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit.
HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals.
HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue.
HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The author has asked us to defer it, so we will not be hearing it today.
- The author said LDH would do that.
- Representative Landry, because you're speaking on behalf of the author, it's as if the author is making
- of the author.
- I'm not sure if the author meant that the parent would...
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, AI, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, content standards, K-12 education, public schools, curriculum, digital literacy, computer science, STEM, technology education, student privacy, ethical AI, workforce development, future-ready workforce, instructional resources, education policy, school standards, Louisiana education
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 18th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- He gave authorization. Mr. McArthur. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members.
- This hub is created by the governing authority of the parish, right? Yes.
- The governing authority of the parish, right? Yes.
- Okay, and so then it would be the governing authority of the political, the governing authority, a political
- As you said before, it's overseen by the governing authority.
Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended.
Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of a physician who would also be authorized in this case.
- When we delegate that authority to... To another professional.
- That authority, the prescriptive authority, to a PA or an APRN, part of that is ensuring adequate supervision
- And again, I would encourage you to work with the bill author.
- at that point they are acting under the delegation authority.
Bills:
HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance May 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There's no authority there.
- The authorizer provides us certification that the charter is in compliance...
- So we are getting real-time data from the authorizer, which we had on Highlands.
- The authority will rely on information prepared by the chartering authority and the submission of a good
- in a school district-based authorizing program.
Summary:
The committee began with public comment and then heard an informational update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the California Education Interagency Council. State agencies described efforts to better align workforce, higher education, and TK-12 systems through data sharing, dual enrollment, e-transcripts, career passports, and regional partnerships. Members asked about the council’s timeline, strategic plan, reporting requirements, and whether it would have authority to act; administration staff said the council is being stood up, its first meeting is due by the end of June, and a strategic plan is due by the end of November. Members also raised broader questions about the relationship of this work to the Master Plan for Higher Education and common course numbering.
The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants. Finance said the proposal would extend grants for middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add eligibility for regional occupational centers, provide extra support for justice-involved youth, prioritize high-need LEAs, and allow funds for teacher professional development. The proposal would also reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to better align schedules and remove barriers. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing that dual enrollment is already growing and that the proposal does not address major fiscal barriers. The Chancellor’s Office and CDE supported the investment, emphasizing access, equity, and technical assistance, especially for rural and small districts. Members questioned instructional-minute changes, reporting on outcomes, adult learner access, and whether the funds would support ongoing or one-time costs.
Next, the committee considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by using a seven-year definition for LTELs and a six-year definition for students at risk of becoming LTELs, matching the dashboard and research on the typical time needed to reach English proficiency. Some members expressed concern that the proposal could delay intervention for students who have been English learners for four or five years and questioned why the issue was being handled through budget trailer bill language rather than policy legislation. After discussion, the committee voted on a motion to reject the proposal and refer it to the policy committee; the motion received two aye votes and the item was held open.
Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices Project by one year, from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Finance said the extension would continue the existing project, while CDE raised concerns about the project’s contract structure, fiscal management, and scalability. A Marysville Joint Unified School District representative testified that SIP had helped the district bring preschool services back into district schools, expand inclusive practices, and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the project was best positioned to support statewide preschool inclusion goals, with CDE suggesting that existing infrastructure may already be better suited for that work.