Transcript Highlights:

• </c> trying to move the uh or okay increase trying to move the uh or okay increase the<00:01:24.680><
• This bill increases that to 15%.
• </c> property values downtown and increasing property values downtown and increasing the<00:47:47.280
• , increase the value of our downtown buildings and the downtown tax base, and increase our population
• , increase the value of our downtown buildings and the downtown tax base, and increase our population

Bills: HF1746 , HF2585 , HF1159 , HF2574 , HF2839 , HF157 , HF158 , HF160 , HF338 , HF512

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: Oakdale, tax increment financing, local government, funding, urban development, tax increment, St. Paul, redevelopment, housing authority, housing trust fund, low-income housing, property taxation, Minnesota statutes, vacant property, housing, commercial to residential conversion, Minneapolis, urban redevelopment, public parks, tax capacity

Transcript Highlights:

• The two modifications are just increases those that be eligible for the grant and increases the amount
• So, we've seen that increase hit."
• "We've seen that increase hit.
• </c><01:24:32.120><c> to</c><01:24:32.360><c> EmPower</c> a dramatic increase to EmPower a dramatic increase
• </c> we've seen that increase hit. we've seen that increase hit.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, April 2, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rents have risen faster than wages in many parts of the state.
• Rents have risen faster than wages in many parts of the state.
• And then, of course, there were cost increases, inflationary increases, and any number of things that
• We're just not seeing it increased.
• What we did is we increased the tax by 1.25% on every other product.

Bills: SB36 , SB88 , SB92 , SB97 , SB48 , SB55 , SB58 , SB76 , SB93 , SB89 , SB60

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: quantum technology, tax credit, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, foster care, income tax, guardianship, youth services, financial relief, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, tax credits

Transcript Highlights:

• participation in or measuring the impact of CalFresh and increasing access to vital services available
• The bottom line is we know that we want to increase participation with our CalFresh programs.
• This will increase the pool of qualified providers and help alleviate the DSP workforce shortage.
• Across the state, we are seeking ways to increase housing and build communities.
• Working in a unionized job site increases the likelihood that a worker can earn enough wages and benefits

Summary: The committee heard a series of child care, social services, immigrant support, disability services, and language access bills, with many measures drawing strong support and no opposition. Early in the hearing, AB 450 proposed a Department of Aging task force to study and recommend policies for undocumented adults age 55 and older; AB 593 would let CDSS identify data-sharing opportunities to improve CalFresh administration and participation; and AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility so families do not lose care during pregnancy leave, family leave, caregiving, or job search periods. All three were presented as ways to reduce barriers and improve access to essential services, and AB 904 was moved out on a 1-0 call after support testimony from child care advocates and a member of the public. AB 617, which would expand and standardize respite care access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by requiring licensing and registry participation, drew both support and significant opposition from respite providers and disability service organizations concerned about added regulation, cost, and possible delays; the author said she would continue working with opponents, and the bill was moved out on a 2-0 call. The committee also heard AB 1220, which would require regional centers to document denials, notices of action, and appeals in individual program plans and include that data in annual reports to improve transparency and equity in developmental services. The bill drew extensive public support from parents, advocates, and disability organizations, with no opposition, and passed 5-0. AB 752 would make child care centers by right in certain residential zones when co-located with multifamily housing or institutional uses, and supporters argued it would reduce zoning barriers and help expand child care capacity; it also passed 5-0. AB 1242 would create a CalHHS language access director, require human review of machine translation, and improve language coverage determinations for state and local agencies; supporters emphasized health equity and the need for better access for limited-English communities, and the bill was moved out on a 4-0 call. Later, AB 548 would continue and expand the Asylee and Vulnerable Non-Citizen Program, which provides case management and integration services for asylees and certain visa holders; supporters said the program had been effective but had run out of funding, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, would strengthen family safety planning for immigrant families, standardize acceptance of caregiver authorization affidavits, and create a joint guardianship process for temporary separations; testimony focused on fear of family separation and the need for clear school and medical procedures, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 1357 would exclude guaranteed income payments from being counted as income for state public assistance eligibility, with supporters arguing it would prevent recipients from falling off the “benefits cliff”; it passed 4-1. Finally, AB 1201, the Reunity Act, was introduced to require individualized court assessments before denying reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions after a five-year period, with the author and a witness describing the bill as a trauma-informed approach to family reunification.

Transcript Highlights:

• That per diem increase is expected to rise from $24.13 to $25.20.
• That per diem increase is expected to rise from $24.13 to $25.20.
• That per diem increase is expected to rise from $24.13 to $25.20.
• Those are extradition costs as an increase and then the 2% CEC.
• Those are extradition costs as an increase and then the 2% CEC.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee met jointly with Senate Finance and House Appropriations to review the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency overview from Legislative Services analyst Noah Peterson and then testimony from Director Bree Derrick. Discussion focused on the department’s overall funding mix, declining balances in dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts, vacancy management, and the impact of the governor’s holdback exemption. Members also asked about software and technology costs, the Hepatitis C Fund, replacement items, and why some positions remain vacant or are held open as a budget strategy. A substantial portion of the meeting covered the department’s major divisions and cost drivers. In state prisons, county/out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services, the analyst and director explained enhancement requests, supplemental needs, and rising operating costs tied to inflation, population growth, and contract rates. Members questioned the inmate labor fund’s decline, the loss of work contracts, the cost and effectiveness of recidivism and transparency software, the Pocatello reentry center, body-worn cameras, RFID and drone detection technology, and the medical contract with Centurion. The department said some cuts were made or planned in response to budget pressure, including reduced spending on Recidivis and other contracts, while body-worn cameras and some public-safety tools were retained. The committee also discussed prison population pressures, county jail and out-of-state placement costs, mandatory minimum sentences, and the use of county jails as overflow. Director Derrick said the department is seeing more admissions than releases and that Idaho’s incarceration rate remains high relative to neighboring states. She also said the department is working to expand county and out-of-state options and to pursue more inmate labor contracts. Several members asked for follow-up information on staffing, contract counts, program impacts, and fund balances. The meeting then moved to the Commission of Pardons and Parole budget, where Director Christine Starr testified that commissioners are part-time but effectively work full-time, are not paid for training or all preparation time, and that turnover remains a concern. No votes were taken; the committee adjourned to resume the next day after work groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• Must increase beyond the mandates.
• Increasing instructional materials budgets.
• We've Sought to increase the minimum wage for all public school employees to $30,000.
• The level of need continues to increase, which increases the need for additional ancillary services that
• A lot of what people Talk about is increased time on accountability measures, increased time because

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It only provides wages.
• And with that increase will be increased cost, costs that...
• And with that increase will be increased cost, costs that certainly we did not budget for.
• So the increase is subtracted by that, or the increase is already with the subtraction?
• increases.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extended briefing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, followed by testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and county officials. DHCS described major Medi-Cal changes in H.R. 1, including work/community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, reduced federal matching for some emergency services, narrower immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, and limits on provider taxes and directed payments. CDSS outlined CalFresh changes, especially the expanded able-bodied adults without dependents time limit, reduced exemptions and waivers, and the new federal-state-county administrative cost split. Both departments emphasized implementation plans, automation, outreach, and county coordination, while acknowledging significant expected coverage losses and administrative burden. The LAO and an independent policy expert discussed how H.R. 1 could increase demand on county indigent care systems and public hospitals as people lose Medi-Cal. They reviewed the history of county indigent care, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, explaining that counties already rely on a patchwork of funding and that current realignment revenues are often used for public health rather than indigent care. They warned that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents, with wide variation in how counties respond, and raised concerns about equity, financing, and whether a more standardized state-county program should be created. Committee members pressed witnesses on county funding, exemptions, homelessness, older adults, undocumented residents, and the effect of administrative burden versus true ineligibility. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described the expected local impacts and asked for additional state support. They said H.R. 1 would drive major losses in Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, increase uncompensated care, strain eligibility staff, and worsen homelessness and food insecurity. Several counties urged the Legislature to fund eligibility workers, preserve enrollment, and consider a CalFresh match waiver; Santa Clara and San Bernardino also cited local tax measures and staffing reductions already underway. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Domangue explained that the bill increases fines for derelict vessels.
• Representative Domangue explained that the bill increases fines for derelict vessels.
• Representative Domangue explained that the bill increases fines for derelict vessels.
• Speaker, and members, this bill is a bill to increase the fines for derelict vessels.
• But we're trying to increase our workforce. They can't afford the coverage.

Bills: HR72 , HR73 , HR74 , HR75 , HR76 , HR77 , HR78 , HR79 , HR80 , HR81 , HR82 , HR83 , HCR36 , HCR37 , HCR38 , HCR39 , HCR40 , HCR41 , HB368 , HB433 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1019 , HB1020 , HB1021 , HB1022 , HB1023 , HB1024 , HB1025 , HB1026 , HB1027 , HB1028 , HB1029 , HB1030 , HB1031 , HB1032 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1035 , HB1036 , HB1037 , HB1038 , HB1039 , HB1040 , HB1041 , HB1042 , HB1043 , HB1044 , HB1045 , HB1046 , HB1047 , HB1048 , HB1049 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1052 , HB1053 , HB1054 , HB1055 , HB1056 , HB1057 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1060 , HB1061 , HB1062 , HB1063 , HB1064 , HB1065 , HB1066 , HB1067 , HB1068 , HB1069 , HB1070 , HB1071 , HB1072 , HB1073 , HB1074 , HB1075 , HB1076 , HB1077 , HB1078 , HB1079 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1082 , HB1083 , HB1084 , HR70 , HR71 , HCR35 , HB31 , HB326 , HB1013 , HB1014 , HB1015 , HB1016 , SB192 , SB196 , SB198 , SB203 , SB204 , SB214 , SB216 , SB257 , SB291 , SB383 , HB13 , HB23 , HB25 , HB32 , HB41 , HB42 , HB90 , HB120 , HB121 , HB122 , HB127 , HB138 , HB139 , HB141 , HB179 , HB187 , HB213 , HB247 , HB286 , HB332 , HB344 , HB357 , HB367 , HB370 , HB462 , HB505 , HB527 , HB537 , HB605 , HB680 , HB681 , HB725 , HB780 , HB782 , HB847 , HB892 , HB911 , HB916 , HB1012 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB337 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB58 , HB69 , HB93 , HB166 , HB199 , HB201 , HB202 , HB218 , HB223 , HB224 , HB231 , HB235 , HB246 , HB338 , HB349 , HB352 , HB379 , HB405 , HB429 , HB535 , HB547 , HB577 , HB588 , HB626 , HB636 , HB652 , HB653 , HB669 , HB688 , HB691 , HB721 , HB738 , HB806 , HB851 , HB857 , HB861 , HB889 , HB904 , HB907 , HB908 , HB929 , HB1009 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB739 , HB842 , HB875 , HB919 , HB61 , HB185 , HB233 , HB613 , HB848 , HB52 , HB228 , HB289 , HB735 , HB796 , HB722 , HB284 , HB301 , HB827 , HB953 , HB901 , HB9 , HB46 , HB193 , HB400 , HB436 , HB468 , HB570 , HB582 , HB733 , HB746 , HB923 , HB952

Keywords: HR72, House Resolution 72, Sophia Patout, Layla Porter, St. Amant High School, Future Farmers of America, FFA, Coastal Restoration Heroes, coastal restoration, Louisiana coast, coastal land loss, wetlands, saltmarsh, barrier island, West Grand Terre Island, Restore or Retreat Inc., smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, black mangrove, Avicennia germinans

Transcript Highlights:

• He noted that in the 30 claims he presented at $63,000, some claims involved lost time or lost wages
• ,</c><00:15:28.360><c> which</c> have had lost time or lost wages, which have had lost time or lost wages
• challenges faced in our increasing challenges faced in our industry.
• No<02:09:47.840><c> loss</c><02:09:48.080><c> wages.
• That is basically we say maybe a wage.

Committee: Joint Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :30:31.080><c> theft</c><00:30:31.480><c> and</c> crack down on wage theft and crack down on wage theft
• </c><00:30:35.280><c> We</c> wages out of the hands of workers.
• We wages out of the hands of workers.
• </c> tool to control unfair tax increases tool to control unfair tax increases without<00:43:16.840><
• the</c><00:52:14.040><c> increase</c><00:52:14.600><c> in</c> necessary to process the increase in necessary

Bills: HF4906 , HF3971 , HF4777 , HF2109 , HF2988

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> cost of healthcare and B uh increased cost of healthcare and B uh increased enrollment<00:43:24.920
• </c> years Mr Speaker it's been the increased years Mr Speaker it's been the increased use<03:07:03.720
• ><c> increase</c><06:04:02.120><c> that</c> their sacrifice an increase that their sacrifice an increase
• We will also raise the wage.
• We will also push forward the Raise the Wage Act to gradually bring the federal minimum wage in line

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Decisions about rate increases or increases to executive pay are being made within 24 to 48 hours' notice
• Senate Bill 1383, to protect the construction workforce and provide livable wages.
• It's a rare piece of legislation that will increase the state's revenues by up to $20 million a year
• PG&E rates have increased nearly 40% between 2022 and 2025 and roughly 100% over the last decade.
• Disputed or excessive claims can also increase litigation and contribute to higher insurance premiums

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These increases are for the most part being driven by increases in weeks compensated, claim duration,
• Increases in both of those years are primarily being driven by increases in the average weekly benefit
• As you know, Senator Durazo's SB 951 changed the program substantially, increased worker wage replacement
• For budget year, it's an increase of 48, and in the out years, it's an increase of 365 people.
• In fact, it's increased.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or DLSC, has a backlog of 47,000 wage theft claims.
• Ultimately, we believe that this increased costs and insert and a ...and affiliated partners.
• Ultimately, we believe that this increased costs and uncertainty.
• So when that risk increases, capital pulls back and innovation slows.
• In fact, collections increased.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, over the past couple of decades, we have seen wages increase.
• We have seen expenses increase.
• And it makes sense that with the increase in wages, with the increase in costs, that we also increase
• This is a modest increase, and it shows the increase in cost and prices from when it was first set.
• just as we as a government increase fees and limits.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2291, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, and then moved into executive session on several bills. Staff explained that HB 2291 would license kratom retailers and processors, set age 21 purchase limits, require labeling, child-resistant packaging, independent testing, an LCB-approved product directory, and an 11% excise tax, while banning certain synthetic or adulterated kratom products and restricting online/mail sales and public consumption. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to regulate natural kratom while banning the synthetic or chemically altered forms, and several witnesses supported stronger youth protections and product standards. Others opposed the bill’s licensing fee, statewide preemption of local bans, or the regulatory approach, while some testified that natural kratom helps with pain or recovery. The hearing on HB 2291 was then closed without action. In executive session, the committee took action on multiple bills. HB 2439, dealing with cigarette, vapor product, and tobacco product policy, was amended and reported out with a do pass recommendation; the adopted amendments limited Consumer Protection Act enforcement to the Attorney General, adjusted coupon language, and restored state preemption over local retail regulation. HB 1078 on pet insurance, HB 1701 on shared liquor-license premises, HB 2207 on bonded beer warehousing, and HB 2501 on real estate oil-tank disclosure were all reported out with do pass recommendations, with HB 1701’s substitute removing a Public Records Act exemption and HB 2207’s substitute aligning beer warehousing more closely with spirits warehouse rules. HB 2361, which raises the maximum small loan amount, was amended to make inflation adjustments biennial and to change publication requirements, then passed out of committee. The committee also approved HB 1932, which would authorize cannabis consumption events in regulated environments. The substitute bill would create a cannabis consumption event organizer license, allow limited adult-use events subject to local approval, and establish permit and budtender training requirements; members discussed the bill as a way to provide lawful consumption spaces while others objected to expanding cannabis access. In the final votes, HB 2439 passed 12-3, HB 1078 passed unanimously, HB 1701 passed 14-1, HB 2207 passed 14-1, HB 2501 passed unanimously, HB 2361 passed 13-2, and HB 1932 passed 11-4, all with do pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• that are careers that sustaining wage that are careers that will<00:09:07.079><c> be</c><00:09:07.240
• </c><00:09:29.440><c> and</c> what they can anticipate as a wage and what they can anticipate as a wage
• </c><00:10:41.240><c> that</c> about work we could do to increase that about work we could do to increase
• </c><00:15:19.320><c> post-secondary</c> work towards increased post-secondary work towards increased
• </c><01:05:21.279><c> the</c> Hospital Cardiac Arrest increases the Hospital Cardiac Arrest increases

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of our inability to offer competitive wage increases, the Guardian Allighten program faces very
• Because of our inability to offer competitive wage increases, the Guardian Allighten program faces very
• Because of our inability to offer competitive<02:21:34.479><c> wage</c><02:21:34.800><c> increases,</
• c><02:21:35.359><c> the</c><02:21:35.520><c> Guardian</c> competitive wage increases, the Guardian competitive
• wage increases, the Guardian Allighten<02:21:36.399><c> program</c><02:21:36.640><c> faces</c><02:21

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Providers told us they could increase their wages and retain staff, improving services and reducing hospital
• Providers told us they could increase their wages and retain staff, improving services and reducing hospital
• Providers told us they could increase their wages and retain staff, improving services and reducing hospital
• to about $4 million in new funding to help it with wages and also the increased tariff costs for durable
• to about $4 million in new funding to help it with wages and also the increased tariff costs for durable

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, over the past couple of decades, we have seen wages increase.
• We have seen expenses increase.
• And it makes sense that with the increase in wages, with the increase in costs, that we also increase
• This is a modest increase, and it shows the increase in cost and prices from when it was first set.
• fees just as we as a government increase fees and limits.

Bills: HB2291 , HB2629 , HB2439 , HB1078 , HB1701 , HB2207 , HB2501 , HB2361 , HB1932

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: kratom, consumer protection, regulation, health safety, substance control, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, pet insurance, insurance regulation, animal welfare, claims processes

Transcript Highlights:

• With our increasing temperatures, cooling needs are just going up.
• In January, Excel proposed nearly a 10% increase in rates for 2025.
• And as a fuel vendors who have been increasing prices as well.
• Meanwhile, our customers are not experiencing corresponding increases in wages, especially our seniors
• Why do we have an increase?

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy