Video & Transcript Research : 'appropriation'
Page 109 of 500
HI
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
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.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Dec 17th, 2025 at 01:11 pm
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.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-PSM, CPN Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
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:
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.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Committees' Committee Feb 2nd, 2026 at 10:53 am
Senate Committees' Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The staff recommended them as germane largely due to there being an appropriation. All right.
- It's identified as germane as an appropriation. but it's described as increasing an annual transfer.
- Is increasing a percentage of a transfer considered an appropriation by the analysis? Yes, Senator.
- We did discuss an appropriation. We talked about the fact it is not a one-time appropriation.
- The only change to the bill was that it increased the amount of the annual appropriation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this subcommittee very appropriately asks hard questions and digs into the details, and that's our
- This process wouldn't work without the appropriate oversight that we conduct, but also the appropriate
- And this subcommittee very appropriately asks hard questions and digs into the details, and that's our
- oversight that we conduct but also the appropriate work that the agencies out the appropriate oversight
- that we conduct, but also the appropriate work that the agencies do in order to be responsive and help
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 15th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- It's called the HR Division of Senate Appropriations to order and ask the clerk to call the roll.
- Chairman, the department has noted two bills where there are fiscal notes, where there is no appropriation
- Just replace the fiscal note with an appropriation.
- So, committee, are those three changes appropriately expressed? Yes. I need to consensus.
- So we have a motion by Senator Davison for a due pass recommendation on the appropriations to House Bill
Bills:
HB1012
Keywords:
health and human services, DHHS, appropriations, biennial budget, behavioral health, substance use disorder, opioid settlement, medical assistance expansion, Medicaid, basic care, long-term care, child care assistance, early childhood care, child care provider payments, guardianship, conservatorship, housing loan fund, disability services, extraordinary medical needs, community health trust fund
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Human Services Division met to consider House Bill 1012, the Department of Human Services budget, and reviewed three previously made amendments: correcting a reference to $30 million underfunding, changing “human service centers” to “behavioral health clinics,” and revising section 31 language so the department would review medical assistance services and report findings and recommendations rather than directly implement adjustments. The committee also discussed whether to include funding related to two other bills with fiscal impacts, House Bill 1485 (personal needs allowance) and House Bill 2399 (PRTF reimbursement), noting those measures may go to conference committee and that appropriations could be added there instead of in HB 1012. The committee agreed to proceed with HB 1012 and members noted provider inflation questions would be raised later in full committee.
The division then approved a due pass recommendation on the amendments to HB 1012 and, after a roll call vote, approved HB 1012 as amended on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Mathern voting no. Senator Davison was named as carrier. Members also discussed House Bill 1577, involving wastewater project financing and possible amendments related to a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota for specific projects, and House Bill 1619, for which additional amendments were expected before full committee action. The meeting ended with general thanks and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 15, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- APPROPRIATIONS ACT.
- APPROPRIATIONS ACT REQUIRES EACH CHAMBER WORK FROM THE SAME ALLOCATION, ESSENTIALLY THE SAME CHECKBOOK
- WITH THAT IN MIND I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH OUR SUBCOMMITTEE WHERE WE ARE ON
- APPROPRIATIONS ACT USED TO QUALIFY OR RESPECT HOW FUNDING IN A SPECIFIC APPROPRIATION IS USED.
- PROJECTS OR OTHER SPECIFIC APPROPRIATIONS.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1405, referred to Judiciary; Senate Bill 1407, referred to Appropriations.
- President, I move Senate Bill 1182 be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
- Senate Bill 1182 is re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
- President, I move House Bill 928 be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
- House Bill 928 is re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Do pass this bill to the Committee on Appropriations. Senator Archuleta? Aye.
- They all die in Appropriations. Over the last 10 years, that's happened.
- Do pass this bill to the Committee on Appropriations. Senator Arjelletta. Aye.
- They all die in appropriation. Over the last 10 years, that's happened.
- This bill is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Senator Roll.
Summary:
The committee heard several veterans-related bills. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services groups, and local officials; there was no opposition, and the bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for veterans’ cemetery maintenance endowments, with the state matching private or local deposits up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. It drew support from veterans groups and county representatives and was also approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 1407, which would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse military retirement benefits from state income tax. The author and supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the workforce and economy. The bill received broad support from veterans organizations, county officials, and labor representatives, with no opposition, and was moved to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later completed. SB 1034 would streamline access to disabled veteran parking placards for veterans rated 100% permanent and total, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and other changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and ensure referrals to county veterans service officers. Both bills had support from veterans advocates and food banks, no opposition, and were approved to Appropriations.
Finally, SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, while preserving Title 10 activations and mutual aid arrangements. The author and the California Public Defenders Association framed it as a safeguard for state authority and civil rights; there was no opposition, and it was sent to Public Safety. After the main votes, the committee later completed the held rolls and reported the bills out, then adjourned after thanking veterans and attendees.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Do pass this bill to the Committee on Appropriations. Senator Archuleta? Aye.
- They all die in appropriations. Over the last 10 years, that's happened.
- They all die in appropriation. Over the last 10 years, that's happened.
- Do pass this bill to the Committee on Appropriations. Senator Arjelletta. Aye.
- This bill is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Roll call.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- At the appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable." "All right. Thank you, Senator Hodges."
- At the appropriate time, I'd like to be favorable." "All right. Thank you, Senator Hodges.
- So at the appropriate time, I'd move favorable.
- I believe it's the appropriate time, unless you'd like to close. I waive.
- It simply requires that the schools demonstrate they have provided the appropriate...
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- At the appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable. All right. Thank you, Senator Hodges. Great.
- At the appropriate time, I'd like to be favorable. All right. Thank you, Senator Hodges.
- So at the appropriate time, I'd move favorable.
- I believe it's the appropriate time, unless you'd like to close. I waive.
- It simply requires that the schools demonstrate they have provided the appropriate...
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment.
The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 49 (3-18-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Appropriations and Revenue Committee has met and reports House Bill 500 should pass to rules with
- And also, we appropriate $47 million in the current year to match a deficit.
- The money is appropriated in the future of $47 million for the deficit in the employer contributions.
- And also, we appropriate $47 million in the current year to match a deficit.
- <00:39:25.800>
by increase general fund appropriation by increase general fund appropriation
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Minnesota House passes agriculture finance bill, HF2446 4/24/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And these appropriations are a stopgap.
- Let's be clear, our state will still hurt because of the USDA cuts, but these appropriations help.
- And these appropriations are a stopgap.
- Let's be clear, our state will still hurt because of the USDA cuts, but these appropriations help.
- And these appropriations are a stopgap.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh maybe she was a more appropriate person to ask a question about complaints.
- Uh maybe she was a more appropriate person to ask a question about complaints. >> Oh.
- Uh maybe she was a more appropriate person to ask a question about complaints. appropriate person to
- <00:29:23.600>
But appropriate standards that may fit. - But appropriate standards that may fit.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote.
The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure.
In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee - Morning Session Dec 17th, 2025
A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, if appropriate, I'm going to turn it...
- We are not requesting any of these funds be included in our FY27 appropriation.
- We're asking for a $2.5 million recurring appropriation there.
- We have a $1 million appropriation.
- It stayed pretty steadily across the two appropriations so far.
Summary:
The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Secretary Blaine Arthur and Deputy Commissioner Jan Lee described the agency’s divisions and recent efforts to improve efficiency, including expanded online licensing, electronic veterinary inspection certificates, and a new laboratory information system. They highlighted youth and workforce programs, local food initiatives for schools, market development efforts, and ongoing animal health concerns such as avian influenza, equine herpesvirus, and the threat of New World screwworm. They also discussed staffing, turnover, and uncertainty around federal cooperative agreement funding, while noting they were not requesting new or additional appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Members asked about meat inspection staffing, the use of one-time forestry firefighting funds, biosecurity and national security coordination, and agency staffing levels. The department said meat inspection was currently in good shape but dependent on federal funding stability, and explained that prior firefighting dollars had been used for equipment purchases. They also said they work with state and federal partners, including DHS and FBI, on threat preparedness and have reduced turnover by adjusting salaries and maintaining staffing at or below prior levels.
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission then presented its budget and program overview. Staff described the agency’s long history and current work in water quality, flood control, soil health, unpaved roads, wetlands, and woody species control, especially eastern red cedar removal. They emphasized data-driven, voluntary conservation practices, citing stream cleanups, flood-control dam benefits, pond cleanouts during drought, and the Cherry-Peach watershed project as examples of programs that improve water resources and reduce wildfire risk. The agency said its workload has grown significantly and requested funding for critical dam repairs, local conservation district staffing, continued unpaved roads work, and expansion of woody species control statewide.
Members asked about county matching for road and dam projects, who to contact about flooding roads, sediment removal from pond cleanouts, and the effectiveness of county training programs. Commission staff explained that county in-kind work can count as match, local conservation districts are the first point of contact, and the road training has produced measurable savings and better maintenance practices. They also clarified that “high hazard” dams are those where failure could threaten people or infrastructure downstream, not necessarily dams that are structurally failing.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- For the project's first two rounds of appropriations in 2023 and 2024, Western provided a schematic design
- to it is, I think, giving both the executive and the legislature in our appropriation and oversight
- I got appropriated. I got some capital money for $12 million. Everybody in here knows about it.
- Sale: That's a $40 million appropriation that they got.
- Charles: But yeah, I've seen that, but the $40 million appropriation was during the fire, right?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Now would be the appropriate time to do so: name, organization, and position.
- Now it would be the appropriate time to do so: name, organization, and position.
- Now would be an appropriate time to do so: name, organization, and position.
- The motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Wilson, aye. Davies, aye.
- This would now be an appropriate time for you to provide that.
Summary:
The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But right now, there are many books in that section that are not appropriate for them.
- Accurate and age-appropriate material when they have questions.
- Okay, and you didn't think that the books were appropriate? How did you characterize them?
- Children are capable of deciding for themselves that something is not appropriate for them.
- What you are saying is age-appropriate.
Bills:
HB45, HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042
Keywords:
flooding, disaster response, emergency preparedness, state guidance, public safety, housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- File item 16, AB 1316, the motion is do pass to the Appropriations Committee. Fong, aye.
- The motion is due passed to the Appropriations Committee. Fong.
- The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee.
- The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. Merseucci.
- The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. Merciucci aye. Merciucci aye.
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote.
Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote.
The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.