Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate it.
• And I truly enjoy it, but it was by chance that I found out about House Bill 817 and that it did directly
• And I truly enjoy it, but it was by chance that I found out about Bill 817 and that it did directly affect
• I wish it wasn't like it is, but it is. And when you have...
• I wish it wasn't like it is, but it is.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee began by introducing several RSs, then heard and advanced a series of gubernatorial reappointments, including Skip Smeiser to the Idaho Lottery Commission, Jerry Aldapie to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, and Nikaela Black Abrams to the Idaho State Racing Commission. The committee also heard Bud Tracy’s reappointment to the State Building Authority, with Tracy briefly describing his interest in continuing to serve, though that appointment was held for a later vote. Members then considered election-related legislation. Senate Bill 1398 would restore and align Idaho’s presidential primary with the state primary in May; the Secretary of State, county clerks, and the League of Women Voters supported it, citing higher turnout, easier participation than caucuses, and cost savings. House Bill 872 would eliminate the separate ballot page for constitutional amendments and initiatives, with supporters saying it would save money and reduce confusion, while the League of Women Voters opposed it as making direct democracy less distinct. House Bill 831 would require schools used as polling places to be free of instructional activity on election day and allow districts time to adjust schedules; clerks, the Secretary of State, and the League supported it as improving voter access and student safety. All three bills were sent to the floor with due-pass recommendations. The committee also advanced House Concurrent Resolution 32, which affirms Idaho energy sovereignty and prioritizes in-state dispatchable generation and property rights; the sponsor said it supports reliable, affordable energy and limits impacts from transmission projects, and it passed with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 893, a codifier cleanup bill, also passed unanimously. House Bill 817, which updates tobacco retail laws to better accommodate premium cigar retailers and adult-only cigar events while keeping youth protections in place, drew support from a small business owner and industry representatives and was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1397 would bring private wastewater corporations with more than 100 service connections under Public Utilities Commission rate regulation; supporters said it would protect customers from unregulated monopolies, and the bill advanced with a due-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also a landowner's compensation program, the child support IT modernization project, and one-time
• So, the landowner's compensation program, the child support IT modernization project, and one-time items
• Item 2 is the **OAG's Child Support IT Modernization Project**.
• money into it and continue it.
• It doesn't even get close to it. ...doesn't even get close to it.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was it new construction, or was it retrofit?
• There's some time limit, and it can get people moving. It can be a marketing aspect of it.
• It has a high energy content, and it usually has much lower costs for them to bring it to us.
• This battery system will help modernize the grid, make it more stable, and assist with load control for
• Fuel it up, and it starts heating up and it self-combusts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is lethal, folks. It really is.
• It ran through like really modern subdivisions at the time anyway that were built in the '30s and '40s
• Sometimes it will involve covering it with, you know, they call it capping cover, where they actually
• I just say it every time, and I'll say it again.
• It could be Madam Chairman, 10%, it could be 5%. I Madam Chair, 10%, it could be 5%.

Bills: SB66, SB79, SB108

Keywords: environment, cleanup, contamination, uranium mining, abandoned sites, state funding, mosquito control, public health, surveillance, prevention funds, local government grants, food security, agriculture, food bank, regional program, appropriation, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the water it was supplying. On that particular day, it was supplying half.
• of it.
• The water is changing its usage and the timing of it.
• and never get it right.
• It looks like it could fall in at just about any time.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the January 29, 2026 minutes and then heard a series of presentations focused largely on water infrastructure and water management. Laura Hurway of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators introduced the program, emphasizing statewide water challenges and the need for public-private investment to avoid future curtailment. Lori Gray of the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District described the $21 million modernization of the Ridenbaugh Headworks Canal, including automated crest gates, a trash screen, and an ogee weir, with funding from state grants, the Idaho Water Resources Board, and federal sources. Daniel Hoke, Boise River Watermaster, outlined the Treasure Valley Water Supply Project, which is using telemetry and modeling to track declining drain return flows and groundwater interactions, with a phase-three effort to regulate 15 Mile Creek to stabilize flows. Jay Barlogi of Twin Falls Canal Company described a large canal-lining and pipe-replacement project to reduce seepage, improve efficiency, and add return-flow monitoring and automation. Alan Jackson of the Bingham Groundwater District and Aaron Dowling of Fremont-Madison Irrigation District discussed groundwater monitoring wells, telemetry, canal automation, pipeline conversions, and the role of state, federal, and private funding in improving water delivery and management. The committee then considered several legislative proposals. Representative Raymond introduced RS 331-09C-1 to give the Idaho State Department of Agriculture continuous spending authority for the Range Improvement Fund; the motion to introduce passed. Representative Petzke presented RS 33-135, a concurrent resolution supporting wildlife crossings when backed by local communities; it was also introduced. Representative Boyle presented House Bill 502, which would codify existing Forest Products Commission rules and update statutory language; after discussion about forest health, wildfire mitigation, and public education, the committee voted to send the bill to the House with a do-pass recommendation. Finally, Representative Dygert presented Senate Joint Memorial 107 supporting the Integra Delamar mining project and urging timely federal permitting; after testimony from an Integra representative about BLM engagement since 2020 and recent progress through the Fast-41 process, the committee voted to send the memorial to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not due until June of 2027. Would it be possible to get it sooner than that?
• LCB has acknowledged the limitations of its data, and it does have a plan to replace its current cannabis
• One reason they gave for why it would take so long is that they currently have a systems modernization
• How is it unreliable? Something either weighs a pound or it doesn't.
• How is it unreliable? Something either weighs a pound or it doesn't.

Summary: At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations. The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses. JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can use it for pop-ups. You can use it... You can use it for any other purpose.
• plans around it.
• Is it the landowner that is renting it out that would have to pay the excise tax, or is it the company
• I think they still do own it. It had been upzoned a number of years ago.
• I think they still do own it. It had been upzoned a number of years ago.

Bills: HB2517, HB2480, HB2588, HB1529, HB2223, HB2006, HB2573, HB2141

Keywords: municipal permitting, transit projects, high capacity transit, infrastructure, urban development, residential development, commercial zones, mixed-use zoning, urban planning, state regulations, county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows businesses to modernize equipment and facilities, expand their workforces, and ultimately strengthen
• It limits it within the one-year prescriptive period.
• It does many things.
• It is not meant to... ...grow and thrive and do whatever it does.
• You could wrap it up, sir. If you could wrap it up? Yes, sir.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and favorably reported several bills. SB 1672 removed duplicative state provisions related to labor pools; CS/SB 940 prohibited third-party sale of restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s consent; and CS/SB 1820 made changes to motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer franchise law, including disclosure of performance measures, anti-retaliation protections, and limits on franchise termination or nonrenewal. The committee also approved CS/SB 324, creating a revolving loan program to help small businesses affected by prolonged public works construction, and SB 936, which creates a recurring three-year study of the effects of AI, robotics, and automation on Florida’s workforce and economy. SB 1322, the Florida Rural Jobs Act, was amended and reported favorably to encourage private investment in rural small businesses through a state tax credit program. The committee also reported favorably on CS/SB 910, which regulates for-profit veterans’ benefit assistance services, and CS/SB 656, which extends protections from extraordinary collection actions to all bill-of-care payment actions by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 1264, a broad Department of Commerce agency bill. The strike-all amendment added or revised provisions on Secure Florida, the RISE venture capital tax credit program, data center tax exemptions, business development classifications, military land transfers, and other economic development matters, while also repealing regional planning councils from statute. That repeal drew extensive opposition from local officials and regional council representatives, who argued the councils are important for emergency management, grant writing, planning, and support for small and rural communities. Supporters of the amendment said the councils could continue locally without state statutory involvement. After debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, though Senators Davis and Smith voted no. The committee also considered CS/SB 1238, which would tighten reemployment assistance rules by disqualifying claimants who fail to meet job-search requirements or refuse work, and by adding verification and reporting requirements. Supporters framed it as adding guardrails and preventing fraud, while opponents argued Florida’s unemployment system is already difficult to access and that the bill would add unnecessary barriers and costs. Despite opposition from labor and advocacy groups, the bill was reported favorably, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of Alexis Yarborough and John Gilbert to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Transcript Highlights:

• It modernizes laws on intangible assets, protects against terrorists hiding assets, and helps with blocked
• make it easier for companies... ...preemption, that it should be uniform and make it easier for companies
• is it safe?
• Senator Polsky: Just go and pick it up. Is it a prescription, or is it available over the counter?
• Would it be called oat fluid? Would it be called oat extract?

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and gallery introductions, and several recognitions, including USF Day at the Capitol and visitors from Miami Gardens, Teach For America Florida, and Pathways to Prosperity. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed and others passed after debate and roll call votes. The Senate unanimously passed several Open Government Sunset Review bills, including SB 7010 and SB 7008, which preserve public records exemptions related to insolvent insurance company receiverships and financial technology sandbox applications. It also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, SB 28 and SB 22 as claims bills involving South Broward Hospital District, SB 8 for relief related to a Pasco County School Board accident, SB 1718 preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking abortions without parental consent, and SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands also passed, but with two amendments and some opposition. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which included technical updates, restrictions on certain additives in public water systems, limits on ESG practices in farm lending, drone-related penalties, truth-in-labeling provisions for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, charity registration requirements, agricultural worker housing, and support for FFA and 4-H. The most contentious debate centered on fluoride provisions in the bill: multiple amendments by Senators Berman and Polsky to remove the fluoride language, require targeted fluoride assistance, or order an OPAGA study were all defeated, while a technical amendment by Senator Truenow was adopted. The bill remained on the calendar for third reading after extensive debate and questioning. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and return CS for SB 7016 to second reading, then adjourned until April 16.

Transcript Highlights:

• For it.
• Well, it would have been prior to 1988, and it was by the residents who voted in 1988.
• Ultimately, it shifts the cost to the entire association and its members.
• to see it come back.
• "It does make sense.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• close it.
• And if we can make it happen, we will make it happen.
• And if we can make it happen, we will make it happen.
• Is it 70–80% or is it 10%? Do we have that law in code? We do not.
• That was the year it disappointed everyone when it ended.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And he thought if we could drive it up onto the trailer, wrap it, then he wouldn't have to clean it off
• So we inserted the word "or" to wrap it and it would save him quite a bit of... ...to wrap it and it
• It applies only to counties that operate vehicle ferries that choose to utilize it, and it does not impact
• A 46, if it was a 35-foot trailer when you hook it up, is it? Starts at the hitch?
• It creates a modern process in use in a growing number of states, I think I heard Senator Lovick say

Summary: The committee began with a work session on transportation planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Western Washington. April Putney of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee described the event as a statewide, 39-day tournament with six Seattle group-stage matches, additional possible matches, fan zones across the state, and major transportation impacts centered in the Seattle area, including street closures, increased I-5 traffic, and heavy use of transit, shuttles, ferries, and active transportation. She said the goal is safe, seamless mobility with 80% of stadium attendees arriving by non-personal vehicle, and noted coordination with federal agencies on border crossings and security. WSDOT’s Travis Phelps outlined roughly $25.65 million in World Cup-related funding for tunnel maintenance, traffic operations, signage and digital messaging, public transit support, ferries, and related staffing and training, emphasizing use of existing staff, overtime, and current fleets rather than new hires or vehicles. Senators asked about border staffing and ferry capacity, and WSDOT said it would follow up on ferry staffing concerns. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 5839 would remove the “passenger only” limitation for county ferry districts, allowing them to support vehicle ferries; supporters from Whatcom County and the Association of Counties said the change would help aging ferry systems, improve funding flexibility, and support essential island access, while some testimony was opposed. SB 6032 would amend the secure-your-load law to allow vehicles with mud, rocks, or debris on them to be covered instead of cleaned before being towed on paved highways; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would save time and water for construction equipment operators, and the hearing closed with strong support and little opposition. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, allowing up to 46 feet measured from the kingpin to the rear of the trailer; RV industry, dealer, and business groups supported it as a safety-neutral clarification that would align Washington with other states and improve competitiveness, and the hearing closed with overwhelming support. Finally, SB 5864 would create an online motor vehicle insurance verification system at the Department of Licensing, require insurers to provide policy data, and use the system at registration renewal beginning in 2029 after a pilot period. The sponsor and supporters from insurers and law enforcement said the bill would reduce uninsured driving, improve roadside verification, and lower costs shifted to insured drivers, while county auditors and vehicle subagents supported the policy but warned that implementation must be technically reliable and adequately funded so renewals are not slowed. The public hearing closed with substantial support and some operational concerns raised, and the committee adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it would have been prior to 1988, and it was by the residents who voted in 1988.
• Ultimately, it shifts the cost to the entire association and its members.
• That's what it sounded like.
• happy to see it come back.
• “It does make sense.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a full agenda of housing-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and advancing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Early in the hearing, AB 2035 by Assembly Member Dixon was presented as a narrowly tailored fix for a large senior HOA in Laguna Woods Village, allowing a lower vote threshold to amend outdated CC&Rs after repeated failed elections; members raised questions about broader impacts, but the bill passed 12-0 to Judiciary. AB 1684 by Assembly Member Ward would bar HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems; supporters cited heat-related health risks and a constituent’s experience, while HOA representatives sought amendments to preserve reasonable rules on drainage, electrical capacity, and common-area protection. The committee discussed those concerns and advanced the bill 8-0 to Judiciary. AB 1710 by Assembly Member Carrillo would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional permitting agencies so housing projects are not subjected to shifting post-entitlement standards, with supporters arguing it would improve predictability and speed housing production. Special districts and utilities opposed unless amended, warning about conflicts with changing state and regional rules, but the bill passed 9-0 to Local Government. AB 1738 by Assembly Member Crewe would require remote virtual inspections for certain simple home renovations; supporters from SPUR and Placer County described faster, lower-cost inspections already in use, while labor groups raised concerns and sought amendments. Members emphasized keeping inspections jurisdiction-based and not replacing safety oversight, and the bill passed 8-0 to Local Government. The committee also approved AB 1890 by Assembly Member Curry, which increases state matching support for Napa County farmworker housing centers from $250,000 to $500,000 annually through 2036; supporters described the centers as a successful public-private model providing housing and services for farmworkers, and the bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. AB 2433 by Assembly Member Alvarez would modernize the density bonus law by improving notice, clarifying eligibility and ministerial approval, and adding incentives for for-sale affordable housing; it drew strong support from housing and business groups and passed 10-0 to Local Government. AB 1567 by Assembly Member Ta would allow assisted living communities to be counted in housing element reporting and RHNA-related planning, and it passed 10-0 to Local Government. The consent calendar, including AB 1573 and AB 2162, was also approved unanimously, and the committee adjourned after taking roll-call votes on the remaining items.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it can happen to Kansas, it can happen to Missouri, it can happen anywhere in the country.
• If it can happen to Kansas, it can happen to Missouri, it can happen anywhere in the country.
• I've seen it. I've dealt with it. And, Mr.
• It has not been. It has not been reported. The attorneys are dealing with it.
• Have we had a hearing on it? It was last year, and it went last year, yes.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 117-1 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning introducing guests, including students, civic groups, fraternity and sorority members, county officials, and visitors from various districts. The Speaker also suspended business several times to sign enrolled bills, including Senate substitute for House Bill 261, House Bill 2641, Senate substitute for House Bill 2423, and House Bill 2934. The chamber then debated House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges Congress to pass the SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizens from voting, while opponents said it would create burdens, function like a poll tax, and disenfranchise eligible voters, especially women, rural residents, students, military members, and people who move or change names. After a motion for the previous question passed 93-42, the House adopted HCR 48 by a vote of 92-43. The House also passed House Concurrent Resolution 23, a federalism resolution affirming state control over elections, by a unanimous 137-0 vote after committee leaders said it had broad bipartisan support. The House then perfected and printed House Bill 2855, which adjusts workers’ compensation fund tax increments from 0.5% to 0.1% to better match receipts with expenditures; an amendment allowing replacement of attorneys in long-running permanent total cases was adopted first. Members also perfected and printed House Bill 1906, a short bill allowing township counties to authorize annual, semiannual, or quarterly payment of real and personal property taxes by ordinance. The session ended with announcements and a motion to recess until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is great to see you. It is great to be here every year on this day.
• It is great to see you. It is great to be here every year on this day.
• And it is not. It is a dangerous place.
• AND IT IS NOT. IT IS A DANGEROUS PLACE.
• IT IS A PLEASURE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff. The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective. The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, committee, it looks like we will have a hearing on Saturday. It might be short.
• SB 22 does not modernize the system. It destabilizes it.
• So it was just not, it hasn't been a big deal at all.
• So it was just not, it hasn't been a big deal at all.
• we put it back into the river. ...and you can see it when it comes in, and I believe it's one of the

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 22, which would allow certain motor vehicle manufacturers, including electric vehicle companies, to be licensed as dealers in New Mexico and sell/service directly to consumers. Supporters, including the sponsor’s office, Taxation and Revenue, Rivian, and clean-energy advocates, argued the bill would expand consumer choice, lower prices, improve EV access and service in-state, and bring new investment and jobs without eliminating existing franchise dealers. Opponents, including auto dealer associations, chambers of commerce, and franchise owners, argued the measure would weaken the franchise system, harm local businesses and jobs, reduce community reinvestment, and could disadvantage rural and tribal communities. After questions about trade-ins, tribal land sales, tax effects, and economic impacts, the committee voted to table SB 22 by a vote of 7-2. The committee then took up Senate Bill 310, which appropriates $1.1 million to the New Mexico Environment Department for planning, design, and construction improvements to the Mora mutual domestic water system. Supporters described aging water and wastewater infrastructure, an AOC related to discharge into the Mora River, flood and fire impacts, and heavy-metal contamination concerns in private wells. They said the project is part of a larger effort to address inflow and infiltration, improve treatment capacity, and protect public health, with additional funding already sought through the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and the Water Trust Board. Some senators questioned whether the request should instead go through existing water funding programs and raised concerns about piecemeal financing and the Environment Department’s role, but others supported the need for the project. The committee approved SB 310 on a 5-3 due-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, committee, it looks like we will have a hearing on Saturday. It might be short.
• Senate Bill 22 does not modernize the system. It destabilizes it.
• So it was just not—it hasn't been a big deal at all.
• I believe Senator Ortizzi Pino brought it a few years ago, and I supported it then.
• we put it back into the river, and you can see it when it comes in.

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this does is it really promotes student performance, but what it does is it also strikes a balance
• by his word and veto it again because it is a regulatory hurdle, or do we think he'll pass it this time
• It was wonderful. It sells fine at the farmers markets, at Farm 2.1.
• It is intoxicating.
• It is intoxicating.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice. CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously. The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• as it conducts its elections?
• Japan is known around the world for both its ancient traditions and modern innovations, which will shine
• I mean, it happened on a weekend. I believe it was on a Sunday.
• And it was the United States that said we should remove that, wasn't it? It was.
• I have not seen it. I look forward to seeing it.

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• it is working.
• It reduces cancer risk. It improves cancer survivorship.
• At this time, it is time we give it the respect that it deserves because the evidence is clear.
• And we believe in it. We certainly encourage it. So thank you very much.
• It is essential.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and announced that all bills on the agenda had revenue impacts placing them on the suspense file, so none were eligible for immediate vote. The chair also reviewed procedural rules, including the deadline for position letters and the suspense-file threshold, and later established a quorum before proceeding through the agenda. Most measures were presented, heard, and then referred to suspense without committee votes. Several bills focused on tax credits or exclusions tied to housing and property. AB 1606 proposed a five-year tax credit for small businesses facing cleanup costs from illegal dumping and encampments; AB 1971 would clarify that home-hardening retrofits are not assessable for property tax purposes; AB 2394 would create a capital gains exclusion to encourage long-term homeowners to sell and downsize; AB 1714 would offer a credit for sellers who complete required repairs for CalHFA-assisted first-time buyers; and AB 2389 would extend the property tax exclusion for newly installed solar systems. Supporters generally framed these bills as targeted relief or affordability measures, while opponents raised concerns about revenue loss, policy effectiveness, or implementation. The committee also heard a series of agriculture-related bills. AB 2427 proposed a tax credit for qualified agricultural producers to offset labor, equipment, infrastructure, and production costs, and AB 2192 would extend the state’s farm equipment sales tax exemption to local sales taxes with a General Fund backfill for local governments. Supporters argued both measures would help preserve California agriculture, jobs, and food security amid rising costs and regulatory burdens; opponents questioned the need for the subsidies and the size of the fiscal impact. Both bills were referred to suspense. Other measures included AB 1611, which would end a tax break on capital gains from single-family home sales for large corporate investors to discourage investor competition with homebuyers; AB 2522, which would exempt over-the-counter medications from sales tax; AB 2444, which would add a state deduction for ScholarShare 529 contributions and align California law with federal Roth IRA rollover rules; and AB 1550, which would allow deductions for tips and overtime. Each drew support from sponsors and allied groups, while tax reform and local government representatives opposed several bills over revenue and policy concerns. All of these measures were also sent to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.