Transcript Highlights:

• new management at SANDAG, and the new executive director, I believe, is bringing in some very good practices
• prior administration have raised serious concerns about SANDAG's financial oversight management practices
• a great opportunity to utilize this audit in a constructive manner to show that there were past practices
• the prior administration have raised serious concerns about SNAG's financial oversight management practices
• a great opportunity to utilize this audit in a constructive manner to show that there were past practices

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear new audit requests and receive a status update from the State Auditor. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, noted that all 2025-approved audits are underway, said the first 2026 audit is focused on DMV license revocations, and described several statutory and high-risk audits already in progress. The committee also approved a consent calendar of four audit requests: UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s audit request on SANDAG road project management. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether transportation funds, including voter-approved and restricted revenues, were used for allowable purposes and whether past management failures warranted outside review. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, that funds are tracked by multiple “colors of money,” and that internal controls have improved. Several members questioned whether the issues were already addressed in public records or existing audits, and the request failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Proposition 47 grant administration, arguing that more transparency is needed on outcomes, recidivism data, and oversight of grantees. The BSCC said it already has oversight mechanisms, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that program data shows positive outcomes. The committee approved the audit unanimously. Senator Cortese then presented an audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract, citing long-standing benefit caps, provider network concerns, and retiree out-of-pocket costs. CalHR said its network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier starting in 2027, and that contracts include performance guarantees. Members from both parties expressed concern about access and competition, and the audit was approved unanimously. The committee then completed add-on votes on the consent calendar and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• new management at SANDAG, and the new executive director, I believe, is bringing in some very good practices
• prior administration have raised serious concerns about SANDAG's financial oversight management practices
• a great opportunity to utilize this audit in a constructive manner to show that there were past practices
• and internal controls, and that these internal controls or practices could also be of benefit. in scope
• and internal controls, and that these internal controls or practices could also be of benefit. ...controls

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a practical, common-sense solution that ensures the system is working for the people it was designed
• This is an important bill that will modernize the practice of physical therapy in California and enhance
• This is an important bill that will modernize the practice of physical therapy in California and enhance
• Physical Therapy, also a proud military spouse, holding three separate licenses to practice.
• The AB 2497 modernization of the PT Practice Act will help California come...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if I go up and I'm doing safe practice and I go do 10 landings, if you're coming in from an outside
• And the key part of flying that's just so, so impactful is those practices, those touch-and-goes.
• And if you get out of practice or you don't get enough of that muscle memory to do it right and make
• And if you get out of practice or you don't get enough of that, you know, muscle memory to do it right
• Policymakers should want pilots to be as proficient as possible, and that requires practice just like

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first considered SB 86, which would make it unlawful for unauthorized aliens to operate commercial motor vehicles in Florida. The sponsor described the bill as a highway safety measure, requiring lawful presence, a valid CDL, English proficiency, and the ability to communicate with law enforcement. The bill also provides for impoundment, custody transfer to federal authorities, a civil penalty on the motor carrier, and an out-of-service order. An amendment was adopted, public testimony included support from the Florida PBA, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport. An amendment was adopted to make the change subject to FAA approval, a trademark agreement, and a reasonable implementation period for Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County representatives supported the measure and the amendment, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee approved SB 1670, a specialty license plate bill for the “outsider” plate, after adopting an amendment reducing the Huber Brothers Foundation’s share of proceeds from 25% to 10%. The committee also passed SB 1054, which increases penalties for traffic infractions that result in crashes involving red lights or stop signs, including higher fines, license suspensions, and a one-year bodily injury insurance requirement after injury-causing crashes. Testimony from law enforcement and advocacy groups supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 422 on ADS-B aviation surveillance data. The bill would prohibit use of ADS-B data to calculate or collect landing-related fees, and an amendment narrowed the prohibition to fees tied to landings, touch-and-goes, or entering a fee-assessing airspace radius. Aviation groups, pilots, and airport officials offered extensive testimony, with supporters arguing the bill protects safety and prevents inaccurate or surprise billing, while airport representatives said they use the data for fee collection and operational purposes and wanted further changes. Despite those concerns, the committee reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has no effect on your business or your revenue or your practice of what you do?
• And they can go and unfair trade practices.
• And they can go and unfair trade practices.
• So at the end of the day, what are the practical implications of this?
• with the law and the current practices at DFS.

Bills: S0266, S0394, S0540, S0632, S0642, S0832, S0834, S1028

Keywords: public adjuster, contract cancellation, state of emergency, vulnerable adults, disciplinary actions, financial regulation, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, transportation, insurance, TNC, ride-sharing, automobile liability, bail bond, insurance regulation, foreign insurers, financial disclosure, premium reporting, residential property insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ON THAT POINT, MY THIRD POINT BEFORE WE GET STARTED, IF A PRACTICE IS PROHIBITED FOR A HUMAN TO DO ON
• IS THAT A PRACTICE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF IF THEY ARE USING AI FOR TO DENY PREMIUMS OR INCREASE PREMIUMS
• OUR APPLICATION YOU CHECK IF YOU'VE EVER MADE A CLAIM MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS A PRACTICE OUT THERE
• IT'S A VERY COMMON PRACTICE WITH THE INDUSTRY. I CAN'T TELL YOU THEY GO BACK TO AUGUST 1992.
• I CAN'T DO THAT BUT THEY DO MAKE THAT A PRACTICE. A LOT IF THAT IS LEARNING TO GET BETTER.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's been up all night practicing because it's been so long.
• Is it like a best-practice basis?
• They actually do a lot of this in practice.
• Yes, so I think it's the “insofar as this practicable” phrase in subsection two that's doing the lift
• I totally support the idea of them getting their practical hours because I think it is challenging.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I was practicing law, and I've been practicing for 40 years, I've been the judge of the family court
• And so now in private practice, because I've been a lawyer for 40 years, in private practice, I saw it
• Judge, I have a practical question. Of course, your testimony and Mr.
• So I have a practical question about what you've seen in your court.
• So I have a practical question about what you've seen in your court.

Bills: HB46, HB272

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills and took no final votes, leaving each bill pending after testimony. HB 272 would align venue and evidentiary rules for fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information with existing credit card abuse law; the sponsor said it would improve prosecutions, and the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center supported it. HB 1661 would increase penalties for certain election-related offenses, including failure to distribute election supplies and early release of election results; no substantive opposition was heard. HB 551 would protect the residential addresses of people who receive campaign expenditures on public Texas Ethics Commission reports, similar to donor privacy protections, and a witness from Texas Eagle Forum later indicated support for the privacy change. The committee also heard HB 2820, which would raise the amount charitable bingo organizations may keep in operating capital from $50,000 to $100,000. The sponsor and a Texans for Charitable Bingo representative said inflation and operating costs have made the current cap too low and that the bill would help charities maintain stable operations without expanding gaming. HB 3181 would impose stronger consequences for repeated denial of court-ordered child possession and access, including limiting probation and requiring attorney’s fees after multiple contempt findings; a family court judge and a parent testified in support, while another witness argued the bill should be paired with stronger criminal enforcement and that parents already face high costs. HB 4157 would update Texas law for commercial spaceflight by recognizing liability waivers and preserving workers’ compensation rights; no one testified against it. The committee also heard HB 4145, which would let health care providers satisfy a timely billing requirement by sending bills to a patient’s legal representative in a personal injury case, closing what supporters described as a loophole in letter-of-protection situations. Finally, HB 46, relating to the Texas Compassionate Use Program, drew the most extensive discussion: supporters said it should expand access for legitimate medical cannabis patients and add more delivery methods and conditions, while opponents warned against broader marijuana expansion and questioned adding chronic pain and other conditions. The sponsor said he still supports the program and wants a balanced, regulated expansion, but noted the bill is still being worked on. All bills were left pending at the close of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vast majority have entered long-term primary care practice.
• Twenty percent of U.S. residents live in rural areas, and yet only 11% of physicians practice in those
• Create a medical school that's focused on physicians who want to go on and practice in rural areas.
• If we want them to stay and practice in rural Minnesota, not only do we want to educate them there, we
• We just want them to stay in practice in rural Minnesota, because that's where we have a real access

Transcript Highlights:

• And conceptually, that's a good comparison, but in practice it certainly isn't.
• Those are the best practices that we see here in Florida that other states don't necessarily do.
• Those are the best practices that we really pride ourselves in. And I...
• Those are the best practices that we really pride ourselves in.
• It is certainly a Florida first, and it is a national best practice that we're trying to share.

Summary: The committee received a program review from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and FEMA reimbursement process. Deputy Director Keith Pruitt described the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including major storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, debris removal, power restoration, flood-control deployments, sheltering, and logistics missions. He emphasized that Florida’s approach is “federally funded, state managed, locally executed,” and said the division has already obligated large amounts of public assistance funding and mitigation dollars while continuing to work on remaining missions and reimbursements. A major focus of the discussion was how local governments can better document and vet debris-removal and other disaster costs so they are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Chair DiCeglie and other senators raised concerns about local planning, commercial debris collection, and whether counties and municipalities that spend money up front will be reimbursed. Pruitt explained that eligibility depends on documentation, scope of work, insurance, and FEMA rules, and that the state’s FROC process is intended to help counties identify eligible work before costs are incurred. He also said commercial debris may be eligible in some cases but is not guaranteed, and that counties should coordinate early with FDEM and FEMA. Senators also asked about possible FEMA reforms, the age of outstanding reimbursement claims, and a proposed state fund to advance money to fiscally constrained counties while they wait for FEMA payments. Pruitt said Florida’s system is a national best practice, but that more county-level training and clearer coordination would help reduce de-obligations and audit problems. He said the reimbursement-advance idea is still being developed, and that the state continues to look at ways to streamline mitigation through programs like Elevate Florida. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after closing comments from senators praising FDEM’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• association and in private practices association and in private practices that<02:27:58.640>
• That’s just for our small practice.
• love his pediatric practice.
• love his pediatric practice.
• I've been in private practice.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Excuse me, I think this is what the current practices allow.
• I wish it were here because the current practices allow this... ...because the current practice allows
• It just doesn't codify what their current practice is. The court order allows that.
• That is pretty broad and accepted practice.
• That's why I talk to me about how you're saying that this is kind of their practice now.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Debt Collection Practices Act violation. Debt Collection Practices Act violation.
• Well, I know that Senator Pa is not an attorney that practices in the Fair Debt Collection Practices
• in the Fair Debt attorney that practices in the Fair Debt Collection<01:24:14.400> Practices<
• Collection Practices Act field. Collection Practices Act field.
• Minnesota practices. Minnesota practices.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:35.760> or to current pre or postsale practices or to current pre or postsale practices
• <00:18:06.880> that parody or the similar uh practice that parody or the similar uh practice
• <00:18:47.120> of with with state law and the practice of with with state law and the practice
• um an unfair discriminatory practice um an unfair discriminatory practice under<01:27:05.520>
• religious and therapeutic practices religious and therapeutic practices and<02:09:36.400> it<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:23.080> events significant cultural practices events significant cultural practices
• You kind of talked on the concern about traditional customary practices.
• You kind of talked on the concern about traditional customary practices.
• I think that's all for now. practices um can you talk a little bit practices um can you talk a little
• <00:59:02.440> um impacts to those to those practices um impacts to those to those practices

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies. The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we did some research looking at best practices across North America.
• And then we did some research looking at best practices across North America.
• is being recommended as a best practice is being recommended as a best practice nationally<00:58
• They provide a conduit for family-centered practice and community-centric linkages.
• <02:14:57.360> to to bring this best practice to to bring this best practice to Minnesota<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uncomfortable with this data practices uncomfortable with this data practices change<00:21:12.480
• anonymously ask for data practice anonymously ask for data practice request<00:21:30.799> and
• of evidence um and current practices of evidence um and current practices governing<01:24:09.760
• office is governed by the data practices office is governed by the data practices provisions<02:
• transparent in its data practices. transparent in its data practices.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:50:30.040> pharmacy managed list of practicing pharmacy managed list of practicing pharmacy
• Hawaii to expand their scope of practice Hawaii to expand their scope of practice in<00:50:40.079
• <01:08:05.559> and Nichol one of four practicing and Nichol one of four practicing and board-certified
• scientific data and the best practice scientific data and the best practice guidelines<01:09:24.480
• I'm a family physician who does not practice anymore.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to make sure that we have the best practices for multilingual students, our best practices for our special
• ed students, and our best practices for students in poverty.
• that we know can have an impact, whether it's bilingual practices, whether it's practices that are less
• Every district that I've led has always had strong practices for multilingual students.
• As a practical matter, though, we really need this help.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, no, this is really just an update to the current practice.
• Um, and maybe it's just we're just cleaning this up for the practice. Is that what it is?
• and advanced practice providers and advanced practice providers and physician<00:57:22.160> assistants
• <00:57:38.559> solution services and offer a practical solution services and offer a practical
• <01:10:58.320> impossible clinical trial is practically impossible clinical trial is practically

Bills: HF4438, HF4467, HF4379, SF3402, HF4349, HF4064, HF84, HF85, HF3804

Keywords: healthcare, WIC, community health, licensing, speech-language pathology, audiology, contract term limits, healthcare services, provider enrollment, disenrollment, premium payments, medical assistance, substance use disorders, mental health, children's mental health, early childhood, early intervention, consultation grants, Head Start, child care