Transcript Highlights:

• And so I don't trust this bill. >> Okay.
• Uh, trust but verify. Um, some former president. >> No, it's not trust.
• Uh trust but of I forgot who said it. Uh trust but verify. verify. verify.
• he's >> No, it's not trust.
• It's trust when he's >> No, it's not trust.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a liquor-related amendment correcting an earlier drafting error that had accidentally removed enhanced penalties for death-related over-service from the statute. Members explained that the language had already been enacted briefly before being deleted by mistake, and the amendment simply restored the prior penalty provisions. The committee voted unanimously in favor. A second liquor amendment followed, concerning VFW and similar veterans’ clubs. The revised language would allow a veteran or member to sign in a limited number of under-21 guests, with testimony emphasizing that this was meant for small events and would mirror existing restaurant rules requiring a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse. There was extended debate about whether private clubs were sufficiently public, whether towns could tighten liquor rules locally, and whether enforcement would be effective. Liquor enforcement testified that municipalities must approve licenses, only four minors could be signed in at once under a member’s signature, age-restriction signage remains required, and clubs often report violations themselves to protect their licenses. The amendment was ultimately approved unanimously, and the subcommittee then moved into executive session. In executive session, HB 186, relating to cannabis legalization, regulation, and appropriations, was recommended ought to pass on a 10-7 vote, with a minority report noted. HB 241, relating to treatment alternatives to opioids, was then supported with amendment 2990 and recommended ought to pass as amended; the bill was described as expanding access to non-opioid, non-surgical, and non-medication pain treatments, while the amendment clarified Insurance Department procedures and educational materials. That bill was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. HB 297, concerning access by self-funded employer health plans to claims data, was also recommended ought to pass with amendment 2987 and then ought to pass as amended unanimously; supporters said it would let employers opt in to deidentified claims data, improve transparency, and preserve privacy. It too was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. The committee then considered HB 312, dealing with student-athlete name, image, and likeness compensation, and voted to send it to interim study. Members said the issue remained too uncertain because of ongoing federal and NCAA developments, and that interim study would keep the committee’s options open without killing the bill. The motion was supported as a way to continue monitoring the issue for future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• that when providers or patients interact with any state actors, not just law enforcement, they can trust
• Establishing this framework will put trusted state experts...
• Establishing this framework will put trusted state experts squarely in control.
• of justice that concerns us is that we feel that the restrictions after 24 weeks show a failure to trust
• women, to trust women to do what is best for them and to trust women to be able to consider the serious

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Steering and Policy held a public hearing on potential updates to Massachusetts’ 2022 Shield Law to strengthen protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Chair Cindy Friedman said the hearing was prompted by escalating federal and out-of-state threats, and testimony was sought on loopholes and clarifications involving emergency abortion care, limits on cooperation with outside investigations, protection of patient data, and safeguarding licenses of providers and attorneys involved in this care. The Attorney General’s Office, ACLU of Massachusetts, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Reproductive Equity Now, the Massachusetts Medical Society, TransHealth, and Health Imperatives all supported strengthening the law. Witnesses urged broader bans on sharing health data with hostile states, explicit AG enforcement authority, exclusion of reproductive and gender-affirming prescriptions from the prescription monitoring program, protections for electronic medical records, and allowing clinicians to use practice names on prescription labels. Several speakers also called for protections for parents of transgender youth, attorneys, and nonprofit organizations, and some raised related concerns about insurance discrimination and the burden of post-24-week abortion restrictions. Committee members asked questions about enforcement mechanisms, data privacy, patient consent, and how to balance interoperability with privacy protections in electronic records. Witnesses said the goal was to prevent immediate harm while preserving patient control and access to care. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed by inviting written testimony and then moved to adjourn the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• someone who served for more than 27 years as a chief elections official, I can tell you that public trust
• We have a problem, and that is the low level of trust and confidence in our elections.
• . ...seems to suggest that only the Attorney General and the Secretary of State can be trusted to police
• This is not about trust or confidence and enhancing that.
• It gives land trusts and other qualified entities the financial stability they need to maintain important

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, then completed the roll call and prayer, adopted routine procedural motions, and moved through the daily file with many bills passed and retained or passed outright. Early measures included AB 2417 on community college faculty retirement information, AB 1579 expanding the Children’s Crisis Pilot Program, AB 2041 on emergency medical services reporting, AB 1547 on a UC medical school feasibility study in Kern County, and AB 1552 directing higher education segments to report on civic engagement and democracy education. The body also took up SB 73, an urgency elections-security bill, where supporters argued it would protect ballots, voting systems, and election workers from interference, while opponents said it could be unconstitutional, partisan, and overly restrictive of local and federal investigations. SB 73 passed with urgency and immediate transmittal to the Senate. The Assembly then approved a long series of policy bills, many with unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including AB 1554 on California Earthquake Authority transparency, AB 1584 on civil rights duties at the Air Resources Board, AB 1592 on the California Indian Cultural Center, AB 1629 on direct payment to dentists, AB 1645 on prison visitation physical-contact rules, AB 1688 on foster care notice and accountability, AB 1699 on prescribed and cultural burns, AB 1738 on virtual final inspections for single-family homes, AB 1741 on charging sexual battery during a residential break-in as a wobbler, AB 1802 on mitigation lands endowments, AB 1813 on community renewable energy program changes, AB 1899 creating a youth homelessness prevention office, AB 1904 on a credentialing apprenticeship program, AB 1941 on organized metal theft, AB 2043 on drone-attack prevention for mass gatherings and critical infrastructure, AB 2054 on paid family leave for military relatives, AB 2081 on home-based Medi-Cal care, AB 2116 on predatory lending, AB 2122 limiting bench warrants for vehicle-code infractions, AB 2176 on student housing coordination, AB 2187 on tribal public-contract exemptions, AB 2221 on charitable fundraising processing deadlines, AB 2232 on advance parole hearing reporting, AB 2235 on confidentiality of judges’ home addresses, AB 2250 on cannabis/hemp enforcement cleanup, and AB 2266 on electricity. Most measures were described as support or bipartisan bills and passed with little or no opposition. A few bills drew notable debate or recorded opposition, including AB 1813, AB 2122, and SB 73, though all ultimately passed. After finishing 35 items, the Assembly announced it would return the following week with a much larger file, noted upcoming floor amendment deadlines, and adjourned until Tuesday, May 26 at 1 p.m. A post-adjournment vote change was also recorded, changing Assembly Member Dixon’s vote on AB 2041 from aye to no.

Transcript Highlights:

• technical things, but I see where you're moving money from the aeronautic division to the Transportation Trust
• go to the Office of Aviation, is pursuant to this session, shall be deposited in the Transportation Trust
• So that Transportation Trust Fund. Why are they going there now? So that remains the same as well.
• states any money is collected on the sale of aviation fuel should be deposited in the Transportation Trust
• the aviation appropriation is an appropriation that this body makes as a part of the Transportation Trust

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, going forward, I trust you.
• Going forward, I trust you and the author to continue to work with all the relevant committees.
• AB 1576 addresses the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund, which is a very long name that does not adequately
• that there are some significant challenges in the administration of the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust
• There are some significant challenges in the administration of the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met without a quorum at first, then later established one and heard several bills. The main discussion centered on AB 1795, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage in homes. The author and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara argued the bill would provide science-based, health-driven rules and clearer claims handling for wildfire survivors. Consumer groups and insurers generally supported the goal but sought further amendments, warning about cost, scope, and possible conflicts with existing standards; fire survivors urged stronger protections and broader coverage. The committee ultimately voted to pass AB 1795 as amended to Appropriations, with members later adding their votes on call. The committee also heard AB 1576 on the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund, which the author said would reduce litigation and employer assessments while preserving protections for previously disabled workers. Supporters said the bill was a needed reform, while business, public entity, and insurance opponents argued it did not address the fund’s structural problems and that a trailer bill would be a better fix. AB 1576 was passed to Appropriations on a split vote, also held open for later additions. AB 1931, creating a limited lines license for utilities to offer home protection products, drew broad support and no opposition in the room; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2361, dealing with peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platform liability, passed as amended to Appropriations after supporters said it would align liability with fault and opponents warned it could reduce accountability for serious injuries. The committee also heard AB 2098, which would require employers to allow leave for workers’ compensation medical appointments during work hours, subject to notice and business-necessity limits. Labor supporters said workers should not have to choose between treatment and their jobs, while employer and insurance groups sought narrower standards and objected to some language. AB 2098 passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 2054, AB 2061, AB 2292, and AB 2724, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Members repeatedly added votes after the roll was held open, and the committee adjourned after all items were processed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I trust her, and she's right; she convinced me. I knew it was the right thing to do.
• You know I trust markets much more than I trust government, and markets work.
• Trust me, I was on a very, very strict diet, and so I think I understand this very well.
• We trust our schools to provide meals that are safe for our kids, and we assume that what they're eating
• Our labeling is, trust me, very lacking.

Bills: SB 25, SB25, SB314

Keywords: attorney ad litem, indigent parents, parent-child relationship, legal representation, Texas Family Code, court procedures, nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We test steel trust test all materials.
• And so protecting the Transportation Trust fund.
• We do a lot for with with our trust fund. And we've got a lot of priorities.
• And to me, that's one of the big buy products potential emerging is your building that trust not only
• Trust me.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Father in heaven, we gather today with grateful hearts, humbled by the privilege to serve and the trust
• 2262, Edgone Geological; HB 2263, Colorado River; HB 2266, Foreign Mining Mineral; HB 2268, State Trust
• Foreign mining mineral. 2268 state trust land. 2271 insurance covering 2272.72 dental or optimistic services
• display, 2702 data centers TPT, 2709 landlord-tenant, 2710 landlord-tenant eviction, 2711 housing trust

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch of Legislative District 12. Members also introduced a number of guests and visiting groups, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes advocates, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and other constituents and visitors in the gallery. The chamber then handled routine floor business: attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused; committee substitutions were announced; HB 2677 was removed from the Judiciary Committee and additionally referred to Public Safety and Law Enforcement; and a large slate of House bills and one concurrent resolution were first read and referred to committees. The clerk also read a lengthy list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including education, health care, housing, taxation, elections, water, labor, public safety, and other policy areas. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred during the floor session beyond the referral actions and procedural announcements. Members made announcements about upcoming blood donations, a Veterans Caucus coffee and donuts event, and several committee meetings scheduled for later in the day or the following day. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public trust in courts depends on believing that judicial processes are protected from interference,
• and allowing parole for those who undermine that trust could damage confidence. ...from interference.
• Allowing parole for those who undermined that trust could damage confidence in the justice system.
• So this is a serious offense, and basically when we begin to deteriorate trust in the judicial system

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A CALL TO SERVE FAITHFULLY THOSE WHO PLACE THEIR TRUST IN US.
• TRUSTING THAT YOU WHO BEGAN THE GOOD WORK BEFORE WE WERE BORN WILL SEE IT THROUGH AND WE PRAY ALL THESE
• AND TRUST THAT WE WILL TRY TO UNDERSTAND OUTCOMES AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE DECISIONS THAT WE MAKE.
• THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT THAT YOU PLACED IN ME TO SERVE AS YOUR PRESIDENT

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're a trusted resource to help preserve soil and water quality in our lands, lakes, and rivers.
• dating back nearly 90 years<00:01:46.399> they're<00:01:46.600> a<00:01:46.719> trusted
• ><00:01:47.200> resource<00:01:47.719> to<00:01:47.880> help years they're a trusted
• resource to help years they're a trusted resource to help preserve<00:01:48.600> soil<00:01:48.880

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1066, a Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill. An author’s amendment, 66A1, was offered and adopted by voice vote, putting the bill in the form preferred by the author. The amendment and bill discussion centered on changing the state aid level for SWCDs, with the bill as amended described as eliminating a scheduled reduction in funding and instead increasing the annual appropriation to $22 million. Representative Ryer explained that SWCDs are long-standing, locally elected conservation entities that help preserve soil and water quality, support farmers and homeowners, and do not have levy authority. He said the funding level was based on a bottom-up assessment of district needs and was intended to help districts maintain staffing and address local problems early. Sheila Vany of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts testified in support, saying the aid has been a major improvement in SWCD funding and describing district work such as lakeshore stabilization, cover crops, nutrient management, lake monitoring, rain gardens, and irrigation guidance. The chair noted the voluntary nature of SWCD work with willing landowners and expressed support for the bill. No opposition testimony was presented, and no department testimony was offered. The committee then laid House File 1066, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I trust Senator Givens.
• c><00:03:22.480> consumers<00:03:23.040> but<00:03:23.200> I<00:03:23.360> trust
• <00:03:23.680> Senator impact our consumers but I trust Senator impact our consumers but I
• trust Senator given<00:03:24.319> I<00:03:24.400> know<00:03:24.519> he's<00:03

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:06 SB145 Discussion: 00:34 SB145 Vote: 03:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 145, first adopting a committee substitute. Senator Givens explained that the bill addresses retail installment contracts under KRS Chapter 190 by adjusting the timing for collection/enforcement on past-due vehicle installment payments, with the substitute also aligning KRS Chapter 371 for non-vehicle retail installment contracts such as furniture and appliances. The substitute raises a fee from $10 to $15, a change described as updating an amount that had not been revised since 1996 and bringing the two chapters into alignment. Members discussed the bill in general terms, noting its relevance to weekly installment arrangements, buy-here-pay-here car lots, and consumer purchases of household goods. One member said the proposal made them somewhat nervous because of possible effects on consumers with low-value items, but stated there were no known concerns and that they trusted the sponsor’s judgment. No opposition was voiced during the roll call. The committee voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 145 as amended by the committee substitute, and the bill passed. After the vote, members thanked Senator Givens, and there was brief discussion that the bill had not yet reached the point of being ready for consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and I think it's a positive one for the state because it keeps the water in the public trust together
• Uh, and I think it's a positive one for the state because it keeps the water in the public trust together
• <00:14:50.680> Uh, water in the public trust together.
• Uh, water in the public trust together.
• <00:19:33.560> doctrine you know public trust doctrine you know public trust doctrine companies

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you really trust these bills as it's written?
• Do you really trust the people that are going to put it in? Because once it's in, it's there.
• Do you really trust these bills as it's written?
• Do you really trust the people that are going to put it in? Because once it's in, it's there.
• I urge the committee to safeguard our environmental integrity, uphold public trust, and respect Native

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trust me, I don't want any of these people in the exam room.
• Trust that God knew me, that God loved me deeply, as a trans boy and the trans man that I am today.
• I would tell him that you can trust yourself, that you weren't wrong. ...joyfully and faithfully.
• Like, I need to put my trust in those people because they're the ones who have done the work.
• Listen, she is not to be trusted here.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we need more kids to have trust and more parents to have trust in our public school and we shouldn't
• People don't trust the political system to keep promises relating to these bonds.
• There is no credibility in this body when it relates to, no credibility or trust, when it relates to
• AB 1329 makes necessary reforms to the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund.
• But none of us are really satisfied with their resources board, trust me.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Transparent reporting restores trust and helps the state hold entities responsible to the laws that we
• As much as utilities may say the right things about reducing rates, there is obviously a trust problem
• It was said before, and I would absolutely agree, I trust the author.
• That was said by the author of the prior legislation, and I too trust the author.
• The Pew Charitable Trust, the inability to classify homes as real property causes manufactured home

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Doreen Diyamo to the State Water Resources Control Board, Dr. Anne Maria de Mars to the State Athletic Commission, and Ronald Fiore to the State Athletic Commission. The chamber then took up a series of floor items, including SB 73 on election security, SB 929 on annual reporting by the California Energy Commission, SB 1370 on wildfire-related oversight testimony, SB 983 on Port of San Diego contracting authority, SB 1367 on restricting new detention-facility land use approvals, SB 1257 on annual reporting of immigration enforcement incidents, SB 1103 on retailer reporting related to immigration enforcement, SB 1399 on continuing DOJ reviews of immigration detention facilities, SB 873 on limiting ICE arrests near courthouses, SB 1292 on pilot camera/sensor enforcement for curb management, SB 878 on insurance prompt-payment penalties, SB 958 on CEQA clarification for building-height impacts, SB 924 on low-income energy assistance, SB 1057 on certification changes for nurse assistants and home health aides, SB 1092 on resident bid opportunities for mobile home park sales, SB 1123 on considering consumer benefits in regulatory analysis, SB 1233 on utility rate transparency, SB 1237 on pay equity reporting enforcement, SB 886 on data-center cost allocation, SB 905 on utility executive incentives and ratepayer protections, SB 909 on public works wage enforcement, and SB 925 on a statewide fusion-energy roadmap. Most of the debate centered on election security, immigration enforcement, utility rates, housing and land use, and environmental/CEQA policy. SB 73 drew sharp support and opposition over ballot custody and law-enforcement access at voting locations, with supporters framing it as a response to election interference and opponents arguing it would hinder legitimate investigations and raise constitutional concerns; the urgency clause and the measure both passed. Immigration-related bills were defended as protections for vulnerable communities and court access, while opponents argued they would obstruct enforcement and public safety. Energy and utility bills were presented as ratepayer protections and transparency measures, with supporters emphasizing affordability and accountability and opponents warning about regulatory burdens and impacts on business and utility operations. SB 954 generated extensive discussion over whether it appropriately refined last year’s CEQA exemptions for advanced manufacturing or improperly rolled back housing-related reforms; supporters said it added needed guardrails and labor/environmental protections, while opponents said it would add bureaucracy and uncertainty. Several measures passed on recorded votes, including SB 73, SB 929, SB 1370, SB 983, SB 1367, SB 1257, SB 1103, SB 1399, SB 873, SB 1292, SB 878, SB 958, SB 924, SB 1057, SB 1092, SB 1123, SB 1233, SB 1237, SB 886, SB 905, SB 909, and SB 925. SB 958 passed unanimously without objection, and SB 925 also passed unanimously. The transcript ends during continued debate on SB 954, with supporters and opponents still discussing the bill’s CEQA, housing, labor, and manufacturing provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Public trust in health care has eroded significantly in the last few years.
• “Trust requires policies that demonstrate fairness and respect for personal autonomy.
• Discrimination basically undermines trust.
• Trust requires policies that demonstrate fairness and respect for personal autonomy.
• Discrimination basically undermines trust.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 13 with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first heard HB 971, which would equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent clinics and hospital-owned rural health clinics; supporters said independent clinics are disadvantaged by a large payment disparity, and the bill was reported favorable without objection. The committee also recognized visiting Alpha Phi Alpha members and other guests during personal privilege remarks. Members then considered HB 414, which would bar hiring certain health care workers and direct support professionals with serious disqualifying convictions from other states and address background-check issues for therapeutic group homes. After adopting three amendment sets, the bill was reported as amended. HB 740, creating an independent review process for Medicaid behavioral health claim disputes in the coordinated system of care, was amended to clarify applicability and CSOC definitions and then reported as amended. HB 288, which would place the term “miscarriage” alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation, drew emotional testimony from affected parents and advocates; the committee reported it favorable. The committee also advanced several more bills: HB 405, updating the name of the national acupuncture certifying body, was reported favorable; HB 786, prohibiting extrapolation in certain managed-care claims recoupments, was reported favorable; HB 1095, allowing alternative backup power sources for nursing homes, was reported favorable; HB 403, raising the cottage food gross-sales cap, was amended from $50,000 to $150,000 and then reported favorable; HB 930, modernizing cosmetic-product regulation and creating a small-producer exemption, was reported favorable; HB 557, defining long-term pharmacies for policy purposes, was reported favorable; HB 779, on expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases, was reported favorable; HB 915, setting utilization-management timelines and standards, was reported favorable; HB 546, expanding criteria for peace officers to take someone into protective custody during a mental health crisis, was reported favorable; HB 796, creating a chiropractic preceptorship program, was reported favorable; and HB 933, authorizing commemorative birth certificates, was reported favorable. The final major item was HB 1041, a “no-mandate” bill barring discrimination based on medical intervention status. The sponsor and Surgeon General said it was aimed at healthy, asymptomatic individuals and not at public health quarantine powers, but Senator Boudreaux objected to exemptions for schools and hospitals and offered an amendment to restore broader coverage. That amendment failed on a roll-call vote, and the bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended, with no final committee disposition shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Carlin Shell, on behalf of the San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund, the San
• Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, the Housing Trust
• Fund of Ventura County, and the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, the cities of Berkeley, Brea, Palo
• Good afternoon, Maddie Ribble, on behalf of the California Community Land Trust Network and in strong
• Maddie Ribble, on behalf of the California Community Land Trust Network, in support. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, permanent supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of existing deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters argued the state needs major new subsidy to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage, while many organizations and local governments testified in support. Habitat for Humanity opposed unless the bond explicitly reserved 10% for CalHome; members discussed that issue and broader negotiations over possible amendments. After quorum was established, the committee approved the bill on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members. The committee also heard SB 1361, which would limit local governments from using SB 79 transit-oriented housing requirements as a reason to stall or condition planned transit projects. The author and supporters from LA Metro and the building trades said the bill would prevent opposition to future transit stops from undermining transit expansion, jobs, and climate goals. Several groups that had initially opposed or been neutral, including cities and housing advocates, withdrew opposition after amendments; the League of California Cities moved to no position pending review. The bill passed the committee as amended to Senate Local Government on a do-pass motion, with the roll held open for absent members. Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating an Infrastructure Partnership Financing Program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements tied to housing projects. Supporters said both bills would improve project feasibility and reduce late-stage cost surprises; there was little opposition, though some local government representatives sought continued discussion on implementation details. Both measures were approved on do-pass motions to Senate Appropriations and held on call. The committee also took up SB 908, which streamlines permitting for energy-code-compliant window replacements and limits added aesthetic requirements, with the new-construction portion narrowed to San Francisco; it received support from housing and decarbonization groups and was moved to Appropriations on a do-pass motion, also held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• I completely trust and take your word on that.
• Senator, I completely trust and take your word on that.
• There are many families who fully comply in good faith, trusting the system, trusting the doctors, only
• And that's the erosion of public trust in public health.
• Without proper guidance, the long-term damage is the erosion of public trust.

Bills: S0118, S0896, S1690, S1756

Keywords: recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.