Transcript Highlights:

• They need access to their rights.
• there has been active efforts to improve their capacity around language access.
• other access to attorney question that was presented before, if that's helpful.
• there has been active efforts to improve their capacity around language access.
• other access to attorney question that was presented before, if that's helpful.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a package of Department of Children and Families bills focused on care and protection proceedings, sibling placement, parenting time, foster parent eligibility, adoption timelines, and a proposed Harmony Montgomery Commission. Rep. Marjorie Decker framed her bills as a set intended to reduce trauma for children removed from home by promoting sibling placement, visitation, cultural continuity, and limits on barriers to foster/adoptive placement. Witnesses from CASA, the Massachusetts Child Welfare Coalition, CPCS, and others generally supported the sibling-placement and parenting-time bills and the Harmony Commission, while several urged that the commission include a birth parent with lived experience and that its scope remain focused on child safety and family rights. A former juvenile court judge also supported the Harmony Commission, citing failures in the Harmony Montgomery case and broader concerns about DCF power and child representation. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing focused on Senate 114, the “Family Protection and Transparency Act,” which would require DCF to provide families with written and verbal notice of their rights during investigations, including the right to remain silent, consult counsel, and refuse entry absent legal authority except in emergencies. Supporters included parents, former foster youth, attorneys, advocates, and a peer mentor, many of whom described personal experiences of confusion, coercion, retaliation, and family separation when DCF became involved. They argued the bill would improve due process, language access, transparency, and accountability without limiting DCF’s emergency powers. Several witnesses also described intergenerational DCF involvement and said families often need resources and legal guidance rather than punitive intervention. Testimony on House 268 emphasized the importance of keeping siblings together in foster care whenever possible. Advocates cited research showing better mental health, educational, and reunification outcomes when siblings remain together, and several young people testified about being separated from brothers and sisters and the lasting impact of that separation. CPCS supported the bill and said regular sibling visitation should be required when joint placement is not possible. House 269, 270, 271, 288, and 293 were also on the notice, but the transcript reflects little or no testimony on some of those measures. The hearing concluded after the committee heard from all scheduled witnesses and invited written testimony for additional details.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not... ...while keeping justice local and accessible to our citizens.
• Vera, who I happen to represent, some really smart people, great lawyers, are simply trying to access
• Vera, who I happen to represent, some really smart people, great lawyers, are simply trying to access
• It's increasing access to compensation across the state.
• It's increasing access to compensation across the state.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here with Director Jeff Lopez of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion.
• The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion.
• it's gone swimmingly well because we have governance over the office with the Office of Broadband Access
• With the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, and all of the things we've done, we have won a $382
• All of our citizens deserve access to high-quality and affordable fixed and mobile broadband.

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 206 closes gaps in the statute and broadens access.
• HB 206 closes gaps in the statute, broadens access, and supports survivors in New Mexico.
• Expanding access to victim services is a critical investment in public safety.
• Providing access to support services after harm occurs helps disrupt those cycles.
• And so then you can't access anything. And everything is on a computer nowadays. Yeah.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, the compact finally expands access to health care.
• We need more expanded access to care.
• SB 1 helps ensure that access improves rather than falls further behind.
• We'll have access to that information because we may, in fact, lose.
• Access. We're talking about access to New Mexico courts.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, the compact finally expands access to health care.
• We need more expanded access to care.
• SB 1 helps ensure that access improves rather than falls further behind.
• We're talking about health care. access. We're talking about access to New Mexico courts.
• The public access to information. It's important to us to also use this process with a.

Bills: SB1, SB3

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• That particular project consisted of 75 acres of hazardous tree removal around our access roads.
• We've already identified several areas on the property, along access roads, that are in need of culverts
• The other project that we've undertaken is our access road through the canyon, Cañon del Agua.
• to access our property.
• There are multiple ways to access the land.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think of it as a spectrum: that you have access, that your data has hygiene, but that you get to the
• On top of that, we create and implement policy that clearly defines the proper access and use of AI.
• And then on top of that, we create an implement policy that clearly defines the proper access and use
• The Health Care and Accessibility Subcommittee is examining the use of AI for health care utilization
• And we have some arguments whether certain types of technology provide the access to the home.

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness. Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation. The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone who'd like to receive electronic notifications of scheduled bills and access to the committee's
• you will not only enhance the financial stability of our health care providers, but also improve access
• This is based on the shared understanding that when people can access timely, affordable primary care
• The shared understanding is that when people can access timely, affordable primary care, not only do
• So if you are the victim of domestic violence, ...need that access to that leave.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in your House Appropriations Committee to provide more oversight on the line of credit once it is accessed
• They moved it to a place that was still easily accessible by children.
• These books to an area not easily accessible to children. That's what Senate Bill 2307 requires.
• That's all it requires: move it to a place not easily accessible to children.
• to children, then the state's attorney can be asked for an opinion. ...not easily accessible to children

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum. It then took up a series of appropriations and policy bills, with the most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. The House approved amendments that shifted governance of the department and veterans’ home from ACOVA to the governor, citing concerns about ACOVA’s salary-setting actions and broader appropriation oversight. Members opposed to the change argued ACOVA had studied compensation and acted within its role. The amended bill passed 57-34, and the final bill passed 69-22 with the emergency clause carrying. The House also passed Senate Bill 2001, the legislative branch budget, which funds the 2027 session, legislative staff, chamber upgrades, IT improvements, and salary adjustments for legislative leaders; the bill passed 62-29, but the emergency clause failed. Senate Bill 2019, the Career and Technical Education budget, passed 82-10 with emergency clause. Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget, passed 75-17 after discussion of data center migration, service automation, mainframe transition, ERP study, and DPI’s move from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Other measures passed included Senate Bill 2228 for rural grocery store sustainability grants, Senate Bill 2390 creating a rural catalyst community grant program, Senate Bill 2188 adjusting the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, and Senate Bill 2265 authorizing a veterans national cemetery grant and line of credit with added reporting safeguards. Several House bills returned from the Senate were concurred in and then passed, including House Bill 1361 on mandatory minimum sentences for human trafficking offenders, House Bill 1017 for the Game and Fish Department, House Bill 1588 on firearms and dangerous weapons provisions, House Bill 1429 on harassment and stalking involving robots, House Bill 1591 on county fair resiliency grants, House Bill 1537 on service agreement protection for water projects, House Bill 1203 on edible medical marijuana products, and House Bill 1027 transferring administration of the State Fire and Tornado Fund from the Insurance Commissioner to OMB. The House also rejected a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2307, which dealt with library materials and obscenity-related restrictions, by a vote of 48-51. In addition, the chamber appointed conference committees on several House and Senate measures where concurrence had failed, and laid over Senate Bill 2340 for two legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida's pet owners and animal shelters are struggling to access veterinary care.
• An inability to access affordable veterinary care is one of the top reasons that pet owners surrender
• There's lack of access issues. A really big difference for vet care going forward.
• There's lack of access issues and cost issues, and this is a good bill. Thank you.
• and analytical also have access to the kind of experience and analytical ability that the folks who

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gabbard, do you still support providing individuals who have access to top-secret information with the
• I did not have access to the classified report that that summary was based on.
• Like I said, I did not have access to that classified... Did you seek access to it?
• I didn't have access to all of the information.
• I didn't have access to all of the information that I had with regard to war powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we can access data. We can get. access to information.
• And the fifth area is technology and digital access. And, Mr.
• Employees access to sensitive information and that they're getting employees access that's removed when
• Is it, you know, are you trying to access the software?
• to. access to, criminally, to hijack the benefit.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They offer low-cost, easy access once they're all online.
• That was the only bridge that access. April. My summer job didn't begin until June.
• That was the only bridge, that access.
• So people need access to credit. Now, we want them to do it responsibly.
• If anybody out there... ...from access to an essential tool. I appreciate it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely. Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform. The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.

Transcript Highlights:

• were built at a time when it was not a sort of forefront design consideration to make facilities accessible
• entry to the building, and an accessible restroom, but that doesn't make the rest of the building accessible
• In this case, it's the Architectural Access Board that we're talking about.
• The people who are responsible for maintaining those buildings do not have access to replacement parts
• worker and I've worked in jail, so that's, you know, kind of debatable when people aren't able to access

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on October 17 with members attending in person and virtually. The commission approved the September 15 minutes and then heard a detailed presentation from DCAM Commissioner Adam Bakey on the correctional facilities portfolio, including the age and condition of DOC and sheriff facilities, deferred maintenance, ADA compliance, decarbonization mandates, and how capital funding is allocated. Bakey said the correctional portfolio includes 36 facilities, with average ages over 50 years, and described how older, rapidly built facilities from the tough-on-crime era now face significant maintenance and replacement needs. He also explained the distinction between catch-up deferred maintenance and ongoing keep-up needs, and noted that construction costs and code thresholds have made projects more expensive. Commissioners and sheriffs asked about ADA requirements, aging and overcrowded facilities, hazardous materials, parts availability for obsolete systems, plumbing and health risks, and whether a newer, more modern correctional facility should be considered. Bakey said many projects trigger broader code upgrades, that some dormant facilities remain in the portfolio, and that health-care and correctional construction are among the most expensive building types. He outlined current funding, including annual deferred maintenance allocations for DOC and formula-based five-year commitments for sheriffs, plus a new competitive capital program for larger sheriff projects. He also explained the Designer Selection Board and “house doctor” process used to procure architects and engineers. The commission then shifted to planning its next steps, focusing on public input. Members agreed the next meeting should likely be a public hearing or include public testimony, with possible input from people with lived experience and consideration of facility tours, especially of women’s facilities such as Framingham. Members emphasized the need to define the commission’s scope clearly so testimony stays focused on structural and consolidation issues rather than all correctional policy topics. The meeting ended with plans for the co-chairs to coordinate the public process and a motion to adjourn, which passed without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation addresses the critical gap, ensuring that people with brain injuries can access the
• This legislation addresses the critical gap, ensuring that people with brain injuries can access the
• The lack of coverage for these dental evaluations slows access to care.
• The Louisiana Dental Association, one of our values, is improving access to care.
• So this is an access to care issue.

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on May 19 and first took up Senate Bill 509 on bank-owned life insurance. The bill would clarify that banks retain an insurable interest in former employees for purposes of exchanging underperforming bank-owned life insurance policies for better-performing ones. Members adopted a revised amendment set after withdrawing a prior version. Testimony focused heavily on whether consent from the insured former employee is required for any transfer or exchange, with supporters saying the bill is needed to address underperforming policies and opponents warning about unclear consent standards, data-transfer concerns, litigation risk, and possible federal tax issues. After debate, the committee reported SB 509 as amended by a 7-4 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 295, which requires health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment for persons with acquired brain injuries, including cognitive rehabilitation and related services. Supporters from the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana and NeuroRestorative described gaps in post-acute care, high rates of discharge to unsafe home settings or nursing homes, and improved return-to-work outcomes when patients receive appropriate rehabilitation. An amendment was adopted to clarify federal essential health benefit limits and remove certain language, reducing the fiscal note to zero. The bill was then reported as amended without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 155, which requires coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed for cancer treatment clearance, such as exams, imaging, and extractions. Cancer advocates, oncologists, and dental representatives said untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and lead to worse outcomes and higher costs. Cleanup amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465, which tightens prompt-payment deadlines for health insurers, adds pharmacy payment provisions, and creates a recoupment timeline for dental claims; after technical and substantive amendments, it was reported as amended. Finally, the committee approved Senate Bill 276, creating a pre-appointment affidavit process for bail bond producers to ensure prior premiums, shortages, and forfeitures are resolved before a new insurer appointment, and House Resolution 260, which urges the Department of Insurance to study how out-of-network medical billing affects auto insurance rates. Both measures were reported favorably or as amended, and the committee adjourned after a motion to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also ensure that data is accessible so that we can actually track access and where those areas
• And so what this bill does at its core is to ensure that every Louisiana family has access to healthy
• So when we're accessing and recreating opportunities for people to get healthy and nutritional foods,
• The last thing I'll say is that this bill is not just about food access. It's about public health.
• But in layman's terms, If I eat, if I have access to an apple or an apple product, the apple is going

Bills: HCR65, HB512, HB1194, SCR23, SB502

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2A program, seasonal workforce, Louisiana economy, Healthy Food Retail Act, food access, food deserts, economic opportunity, public health, Louisiana agriculture, community development, fresh food, agriculture, national security, food production, supply chain, security task force, farm labor, Chinese investments

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which creates an agricultural-based national security priorities task force. Senator Kathy Stewart said the task force is intended to study emerging technology and other issues to avoid unintended consequences for farmers while still protecting Americans. The resolution was moved favorably with no objections. The committee then heard Senate Bill 502 on sugarcane bagasse storage. Senator Kathy Stewart explained that the bill clarifies bagasse as an agricultural byproduct and would prevent local governments from regulating its storage so long as it complies with Department of Agriculture and Forestry best management practices. Supporters described bagasse as a useful byproduct for biofuel and other uses, while several residents from St. Martin Parish testified in opposition, saying a large bagasse pile near homes was out of compliance, created dust, odor, and health concerns, and had damaged property values and livestock. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 512 on cell-cultured food products was then considered. Representative Schamerhorn said the bill would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and mixing of cell-cultured food products with other meat products, while amendments clarified the bill’s scope and delayed effectiveness pending certain court outcomes while preserving university research. Commissioner Mike Strain and others discussed legal uncertainty, safety questions, and the need for more research. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. House Bill 1194, the Healthy Food Retail Act, was also heard. The amendments shifted the food-desert study and related database/reporting responsibilities from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to the LSU AgCenter. Representative Terry Landry and Commissioner Strain described the bill as a way to identify food deserts, create a 10-year elimination plan, and use grants or incentives to attract grocery stores and improve access to fresh food. Some members questioned government involvement and long-term sustainability, while supporters cited public health and economic benefits and examples such as the Fresh Food Financing Initiative and the Red Stick Market. After debate, the committee voted 10-3 to report the bill favorably with amendments. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 65 was adopted. Chairwoman Butler’s resolution urges Congress and federal agencies to reclassify crawfish-industry job duties as agricultural labor for H-2A purposes. Testimony from Commissioner Strain and others said the current H-2A/H-2B split leaves crawfish processors short of workers, causing major losses to the industry and affecting rice farmers, restaurants, and related businesses. The resolution was reported favorably with no objections, and the meeting adjourned after a brief personal privilege announcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• They typically always included ADOA access DCS, com, college.
• Typically, [ADOA](#other), [Access](#other), [DCS](#other), [COM](#other), colleges, corrections, [DES
• And therefore, it does expand the reach of patient access to care.
• It absolutely expands patient access to safe care.
• Sorry, one last quick question, which is hopefully easy. ...expands patient access to safe care.

Bills: HB2014, HB2156, HB2180, HB2554, HCR2047, HR2002

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, livestock, compensation, funding, ranching, agriculture, appropriation, University of Arizona, education, state budget, biennial budget, state funding, appropriations, budget procedures, fiscal years, Judea

Summary: The committee first took up HCR 2047 and the identical HCR 2002, both sponsored by the chair. The resolutions recognize the historical, biblical, and legal legitimacy of Judea and Samaria, encourage those terms in official state communications, and reject the term West Bank as a modern political construct. Staff and several proponents, including representatives of an Israel-Arizona business coalition, a rabbi, and a StandWithUs representative, argued the language is historically accurate and important for truth, legal clarity, and Arizona’s relationship with Israel. No one testified against either measure. HCR 2047 passed 10-6 with 2 not voting, and HCR 2002 passed 11-6 with 1 not voting, both with due pass recommendations. The committee then considered HB 2554, which would move Arizona to a biennial state budget process and biennial capital planning. The sponsor argued the change would make government smaller, more disciplined, and less prone to long budget fights and spending growth. JLBC staff provided historical context, explaining Arizona’s past use of annual, bifurcated, and biennial budgeting and noting that second-year budgets are often adjusted for revenue and caseload changes. Members raised concerns about legislative leverage, executive flexibility, and whether the state already effectively budgets on a multi-year basis. Testimony was mixed: one supporter said the change could improve budget clarity, while others voted present or no, citing uncertainty and the need for more study. HB 2554 received a due pass recommendation on a 9-7 vote with 2 present. Next, HB 2014 was amended and passed. The bill directs ADEQ and the Department of Agriculture to study gasoline blend emissions and feasibility for seasonal fuel use in certain areas, with appropriations for the studies. The sponsor said Arizona’s fuel supply is vulnerable because of federal EPA rules and reliance on out-of-state refineries, especially California. Some members supported the study as a way to address possible fuel shortages, while others said prior stakeholder work had shown little could be done and questioned the cost. After adopting the Livingston amendment, the committee gave HB 2014 a due pass recommendation on a 12-2 vote with 4 present. The committee also advanced HB 2180, which funds the University of Arizona’s AZ Reach program, after adopting an amendment reducing the appropriation from $2.5 million to $500,000. The sponsor and a rural physician testified that AZ Reach helps small hospitals coordinate patient transfers, freeing clinicians to focus on care and improving access for rural communities. A program director explained that AZ Reach handles the administrative logistics of transfers for sending hospitals. Some members supported the program but noted concerns about the amount and ongoing budget negotiations, while others said the receiving hospitals needed to be part of the discussion. The bill passed with a due pass recommendation. Finally, HB 2156, as amended, appropriates $250,000 for the livestock compensation fund to help ranchers with wolf depredation losses and conflict-avoidance measures. A Game and Fish representative said the current federal grant funding is insufficient and unstable, while members debated the use of general funds and the program’s priorities. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 10-7 vote with 1 not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's our internet access product. We also have private access.
• Also, private access, meaning let's shield what people are doing regularly so the attack surface just
• Also, private access, meaning let's shield what people are doing regularly.
• So who you are gives access to what you can do, things like that.
• Because if you have the internet access secured, then whoever's on from whatever part of the network

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Cybersecurity and the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management held a joint informational hearing focused on maximizing the value of state cybersecurity investments, especially by fully using security features already included in existing vendor contracts. The first panel included representatives from Microsoft, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks, who described the products and services they provide to California and generally agreed that agencies often have strong adoption in some areas but still face challenges from tool overlap, limited staff, lack of awareness of available features, and the need for ongoing training and configuration support. They also discussed major threats such as ransomware, data loss, attack-surface exposure, IoT/OT vulnerabilities, and the growing role of AI in both attacks and defenses. Members pressed the vendors on whether state departments underuse purchased cybersecurity tools, how to improve utilization, and how to address the cybersecurity workforce shortage. The vendors said utilization is often constrained by staffing, procurement complexity, and the need to align tools with agency missions and maturity levels, but emphasized that training, leadership buy-in, and regular vendor-agency collaboration can improve results. They also discussed how AI can help with phishing triage, data-loss prevention, and security operations, while warning that agencies must manage AI safely and with human oversight. The second panel featured officials from the Department of Technology, Cal OES/CalSIC, and the California Military Department. They described statewide oversight efforts including audits, independent security assessments, continuous monitoring, advisory services, vulnerability disclosure programs, and workforce development initiatives such as the Information Security Leadership Academy and Cybersecurity Education Summit. Officials said some underutilization is real, but it is often tied to differing agency maturity, overlapping tools, and deliberate feature restrictions to reduce attack surface and complexity; they emphasized a balanced approach using people, process, and technology, with plans of action and milestones to hold departments accountable. They also noted federal uncertainty around MS-ISAC and the state and local cybersecurity grant program, saying California is advocating through federal partners and monitoring the impact. The hearing ended after public comment and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• These networks are regulated by TDI and must meet TDI accessibility and network adequacy requirements
• These networks are regulated by TDI and must meet TDI accessibility and network adequacy requirements
• by making sure that injured employees who work for political subdivisions have the same choice and access
• notice requirements, being told that they have to go to a specific clinic instead of being able to access
• not knowing that they can go somewhere else other than where they've been told to go, not having access

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.