Transcript Highlights:

• Together, they deliver reliable voice and broadband services to some of the most challenging geographic
• funny and cool story, and then we'll get to business, and you'll continue to help us fight the challenges

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, they deliver reliable voice and broadband services to some of the most challenging geographic
• funny and cool story, and then we'll get to business, and you'll continue to help us fight the challenges
• funny and cool story, and then we'll get to business, and you'll continue to help us fight the challenges

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House spent much of the meeting on recognitions and tributes, including remarks supporting New Mexico’s dairy industry, honoring Gadsden Independent School District educators and students, recognizing Broadband Day at the Capitol, and celebrating the retirement of Representative Susan Herrera. Members from both parties praised Herrera’s long public-service career, especially her work on water, acequias, land grants, rural communities, modernization, early childhood, and predatory lending reform. Herrera thanked colleagues and said she was leaving to spend more time with family, grandchildren, and personal pursuits. The chamber also received a Senate message on House amendments to Senate Bill 3, with the Senate concurring in most items and asking the House to recede from two provisions. Committee reports were then adopted on a series of bills and resolutions, including House Bills 99, 206, 213, 250, 267, 270, 322, and 323; Senate Bills 17, 48, 55, 104, and 193; House Joint Resolution 5; and House Memorial 39. Most reports were adopted without objection, while some bills were advanced with committee substitutes or referrals to other committees. On third reading, the House passed several measures. House Bill 63, funding New Mexico Finance Authority water projects, passed 66-0; House Bill 64, appropriating about $13.25 million for PPRF-related funds, passed 67-0; House Bill 285, refining the disabled veteran property tax exemption, passed 67-0; House Bill 165, expanding C-PACE economic development uses, passed 67-0; House Bill 184, consolidating legacy fund investment accounts, passed 67-0; and House Bill 200, appropriating $10 million for the New Homes for New Mexico starter-home program, was debated at length and then passed. House Bill 291, the tax cleanup bill, drew a failed floor amendment that was tabled 41-24 before the bill passed 59-8. The debate on HB 200 focused on whether the program would help smaller builders and rural communities, while the HB 291 amendment debate centered on adding broader tax provisions and concerns about fiscal impact and policy scope.

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House resumed third reading after a brief evacuation caused by a fire alarm, which members later said was triggered by a faulty sensor in the print shop. The chamber then completed final passage on three bills. House Bill 111 passed 51-3 after debate in which a member from Lee objected that the bill’s language shifted the burden onto landowners and water right owners to prove innocence. House Bill 96, as amended, passed 61-0 after a friendly floor amendment added minority leader appointments to the proposed space commission working group and set the working group to dissolve on December 31, 2026. House Bill 108, as amended, passed 63-1; it made technical changes to soil and water conservation districts, including clarifying district definitions, director appointment procedures, and tax procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been made aware of five different agencies.
• I have been made aware of five different agencies in Washington.
• I've been named in a suit along with the agency and other members of the agency, and the agency defended
• You know, officers already wear badges and agency identification.
• You know, officers already wear badges and agency identification.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2203 would create the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving on a roadway known to be closed due to hazardous conditions, with gross misdemeanor penalties, a possible Class C felony enhancement if a rescue leads to injury or involves a minor or vulnerable adult, license suspension, and emergency-response cost recovery. The prime sponsor described recent flooding rescues in Orting as the impetus, and local police support emphasized responder safety and limited resources. The Sentencing Guidelines Commission opposed the felony section, saying the conduct did not warrant felony treatment and recommending a traffic infraction for the first level and a gross misdemeanor for the second. House Bill 2293 would bar Washington law enforcement agencies, the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and related personnel from training with foreign militaries, intelligence agencies, or security services, or funding travel for that purpose. The sponsor said civilian policing should not be trained like military service and argued officers should be trained under U.S. constitutional standards. Opponents from the sheriffs and police chiefs association argued the bill was too broad and unclear, could block valuable counterterrorism and best-practice training, and might need exemptions for Canada, Mexico, and other legitimate international partnerships. Members discussed possible amendments and clarification language. House Bill 2165 would create a new gross misdemeanor for false identification as a peace officer, covering possession or creation of realistic badges, insignia, or other items identifying someone as an officer when they are not commissioned, while preserving defenses for honorary, reserve, posse, and protected expressive uses. The sponsor and governor’s office said current law is too limited because it often requires an active impersonation before enforcement can occur; law enforcement groups supported the goal but raised concerns about definitions, vehicle markings, federal-agent coverage, and whether the offense could be plea-bargained away. House Bill 2173 would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public, with exceptions for undercover work, SWAT protective gear, and medical or environmental masks, and would allow civil suits for violations. Supporters said the bill promotes transparency and trust and responds to concerns about masked immigration enforcement; opponents warned it could expose officers to doxxing, create liability and recruitment problems, and raise constitutional issues, especially as applied to federal officers. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here to present AB 1729 to update the telework policy for state agencies.
• One of the biggest challenges...
• Our service members face unique challenges that go beyond foreign deployments.
• And it's a real challenge, I think, for us as state government, as we are seeing...
• And it's a real challenge, I think, for us as state government, as we are seeing...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are taking up a bill related to emergency medical services and executive agency.
• It will make it more challenging for perpetrators.
• It will make it more challenging for perpetrators.
• The process was fraught with challenges and setbacks.
• The process was fraught with challenges and setbacks.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public health and emergency services bills, with many speakers focusing on EMS system failures, hospital service closures, trauma preparedness, epilepsy awareness, drink-spiking response, sudden cardiac arrest, and survivor financial assistance. Several legislators and advocates described the EMS system as underfunded and overstretched, citing long ambulance waits, staffing shortages, and the need for statewide oversight, a special commission, and clearer recognition of EMS as an essential service. A number of speakers also supported bills to preserve essential hospital services after closures such as Nashoba Valley Medical Center and birthing services in Leominster, arguing that current closure rules lack enforcement and leave communities without critical care. Multiple panels testified in support of bills requiring trauma kits in public buildings, public education on SUDEP and epilepsy mortality, and improved cardiac arrest response. Supporters of the trauma-kit bill said public buildings should have bleeding-control kits and trained staff, comparing them to AEDs and first aid supplies. Epilepsy advocates, clinicians, and grieving parents urged a public health campaign on SUDEP, saying families are often not warned about the risk and that awareness could improve medication adherence, reduce guilt, and save lives. On cardiac arrest, EMS professionals and the American Heart Association backed measures to improve telecommunicator CPR, create an AED registry, and strengthen dispatch and training standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on a bill addressing illicit drink spiking. Senators, city officials, victims, physicians, and an international anti-spiking advocate described cases in which hospitals refused toxicology testing unless a sexual assault was reported, and argued for standardized testing protocols, better data collection, and coordination with law enforcement and licensed venues. Another bill drew a sharp exchange over local public health control and the SAFE 2.0 law, with one senator arguing for more local approval and voluntary participation, while committee members defended the earlier law as a response to inequities in local public health capacity. Finally, advocates from Jane Doe, Inc. supported legislation to provide flexible financial assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, saying unrestricted cash helps survivors meet basic needs, escape abuse, and rebuild stability.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it makes the inspection of it more challenging.
• So it makes the inspection of it more challenging.
• But in all cases, the liability factor was challenged now.
• What would this cost state agencies? Senator. Senator. Mr.
• They still have protections that federal agencies and state agencies have to abide by.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1803, which would regulate non-accredited veterans benefits claims assistance by prohibiting unrecognized agents or attorneys from preparing or prosecuting claims, limiting compensation practices, requiring written disclosures and cancellation rights, and making violations subject to Attorney General enforcement. Supporters, including the sponsor and several veterans, said the bill would create needed guardrails against predatory actors while preserving veterans’ choice to use free or paid help. Opponents and some neutral testimony, including a VA-accredited attorney and representatives of the VFW and American Legion, argued the bill still lacked sufficient protections, raised federal preemption concerns, and should require VA accreditation instead. After debate over fees, back pay, and the availability of free services, the committee adopted an amendment and gave SB 1803 a do pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote. The committee then heard SB 1232, a strike-everything amendment dealing with outdoor advertising signs in military airport and ancillary military facility overlay zoning districts. The bill would allow signs on property with a military compatibility permit in areas otherwise treated as residential under a zoning designation, which the sponsor and property representatives said was needed to resolve an ADOT permitting loophole for a specific parcel near Luke Air Force Base and the Northern Parkway. Members questioned whether the change was narrowly tailored, whether other properties could be affected, and whether ADOT and federal highway beautification rules would be satisfied. After the amendment was adopted, the committee approved SB 1232 on a 4-3 vote, with several members saying they would reserve the right to change their votes on the floor. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1511, which would prohibit operation of a commercial motor vehicle in Arizona unless the operator can prove lawful presence in the United States and would allow impoundment if proof is not provided. The sponsor introduced the bill with a lengthy explanation of commercial driver licensing history and concerns about non-domiciled and limited-term CDLs, contrasting them with Canadian and Mexican commercial licensing arrangements. The transcript cuts off before testimony, questions, or any action on SB 1511.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you all know, these programs and partners face deep challenges to meet these growing needs.
• For the people our agencies work with, this is lived experience.
• Since this is a very limited expansion and many agencies are of force and a death.
• The note does not include any costs for agencies to provide notifications of AI content.
• I’m here representing WOTEC and all cabinet agencies. We’re signed in as other on this bill.

Bills: HB2521, HB2249, HB1796

Keywords: firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• I will discuss that as we go through our challenges a little further.
• And the challenge we have with partnering with Gallup Indian Medical Center more closely is that many
• Madam Chair, our hospital system in New Mexico is facing challenges.
• collaboration across the agency through teaching about general.
• I want to talk a little bit about the challenges that rural clinics like mine face.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the state's affordable housing finance agency.
• It is the state's affordable housing finance agency.
• The affordable housing challenges, such as you all are well aware, The affordable housing challenges,
• And so we are going to be partnering with that agency to sell these homes to eligible...
• Partnering with that agency to sell these homes to eligible buyers.

Summary: The committee met to hear a panel on workforce and attainable housing, with presentations from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Wendover Housing Partners, the City of Tallahassee, and Escambia County. Speakers described how state and local tools such as SHIP, the Live Local Act, land trusts, accessory dwelling units, infill development, and public-private partnerships are being used to expand housing supply and preserve long-term affordability. Several panelists emphasized that housing demand is rising across income levels, that workforce households often need subsidy to buy or rent, and that housing location, transportation access, and proximity to jobs and services are critical. They also highlighted challenges including rising construction costs, limited land, insurance, NIMBY opposition, and the need for more flexible financing tools and employer participation. Members asked about area median income thresholds, whether current programs are reaching the households most in need, and what additional tools might help. Florida Housing said its traditional rental programs generally serve households at or below 60% AMI, while need is increasingly reaching up to 80% AMI statewide and higher in some regions; staff also provided examples of AMI levels by county. Other discussion focused on the impact of local government opt-outs, tax abatements, corporate ownership of single-family homes, insurance costs, Fortified construction standards, and whether bonuses or other income calculations can unintentionally disqualify applicants. Panelists urged more political will, more local flexibility, and additional incentives for employers and landowners to support housing near jobs. The committee also used an anonymous interactive polling exercise, and members identified partnerships, SHIP funding, local government action, cost, and insurance as key issues. In closing, the chair said the committee would continue a member-driven process and likely hold a workshop on housing-related topics. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session adjourned after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We secured these funds through agreements with federal agencies, and those agreements should be... by
• these funds through agreements with federal agencies, and those agreements should be honored by the
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has placed reimbursements on hold as it implements
• This is critically important because when we look at some of the greatest challenges that exist as we
• And between 2017 and January of 2021, we prevailed in 83% of our cases challenging rules, regulations

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn. Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits. The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lottery is the only agency that we have that's actually a profit center.
• Lottery is the only agency that we have that's actually a profit center.
• And this is an important question, not only at this agency, but on all the other ones that we did.
• , Now, you know that in the past, because of resource challenges, funding challenges that we've had to
• That's a new challenge. So we'll navigate that together as we've been doing.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing. After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’ll take some months to sort through, but there are very significant challenges there.
• That's a big challenge.
• have interacted with federal agencies.
• Are there distinctions that make it more challenging in the Central Valley?
• It is a challenging space.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This research is how we, the universities, will address the challenges that face New Mexico.
• This is how we address the challenges that face the state of New Mexico.
• Number three: increase customer agency choice.
• Okay, slide 19, increasing customer agency and choice.
• Cross-agency coordination.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are more instances of challenges that are particular to heat pumps.
• Can you give me an example of one of those challenges?
• And that's something that local agencies need to have a say in.
• One of the challenges our agency has faced is that the alternative plan option in the original SB 79
• Bonds are typical ways for government agencies to be able to finance capital projects.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related measures, beginning with SB 222 by Senator Wiener, the Heat Pump Access Act. The bill would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, allow virtual contractor participation during inspections, and limit HOA barriers to installation. Supporters, including Spur, a contractor, and several clean-energy and environmental groups, said the measure would lower costs, reduce pollution, and speed replacements. The League of California Cities opposed the bill over the permit fee cap and concerns about virtual inspections, while committee members raised questions about HOA authority, electrical panel upgrades, and whether the bill could create unintended costs for local governments. SB 222 was approved 10-0 and sent to Local Government. The committee then considered SB 677, a follow-up to SB 79. The author announced the bill had been narrowed to two items: mobile home exemption language and a future SB 79 cleanup bill in the next session, with the larger set of implementation issues to be handled separately. Local governments and counties said the reduced bill still needed clearer definitions and more implementation guidance, while several housing and transit advocates supported the narrowing and the decision to revisit the broader cleanup later. After the amendments were accepted, SB 677 passed 10-1 and was sent to Local Government. The main debate centered on SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the 2026 ballot. Supporters, including the California Housing Consortium, labor, housing nonprofits, local governments, and many advocacy groups, argued that the state’s existing housing bond funds were exhausted, that thousands of shovel-ready projects were waiting for financing, and that the bond would leverage federal tax credits and private capital to produce and preserve affordable homes. Opponents and skeptics focused on state debt levels, the cost of housing production, and whether another bond was the right approach, with Habitat for Humanity asking for a dedicated CalHome allocation. Committee members discussed debt capacity, affordability, homeownership, and the need to keep funding flowing to existing programs. SB 417 passed 8-1 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 492, a youth housing and youth center bond proposal, which the author said was intended to be folded into the larger housing bond package; testimony from Covenant House California emphasized the need to house transition-age youth and prevent long-term homelessness. No vote on SB 492 was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• and engineering challenges to overcome there.
• and engineering challenges to overcome there.
• The challenge, challenge...
• As has pointed out, the challenge, there's two challenges, as my colleague pointed out: one is trying
• believes that our agency is the most appropriate agency to be able to not only evaluate vehicle technology

Summary: The meeting began with a budget subcommittee hearing on a proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit trailer bill. Assembly Members Ávila Farías and another member spoke in support, emphasizing union jobs, refinery investments, and the need to decarbonize aviation. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s proposal would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold in California from 2026 to 2036. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing it is a relatively expensive way to reduce emissions, has uncertain environmental benefits, could significantly reduce transportation revenues, and conflicts with the spirit of voter restrictions on transportation taxes. Committee members questioned whether the credit would mainly benefit out-of-state producers, whether firms would have diesel tax liability to use the credit, and whether the proposal would shift production away from renewable diesel and raise fuel prices. Administration and CARB staff said the credit is intended to support aviation decarbonization, preserve jobs, and help keep California on track toward its 2045 climate goals. LAO and UC Berkeley testimony countered that the policy could mostly subsidize existing technologies, that feedstock supply is limited, and that the net emissions benefit may be small relative to the cost. Members also asked about the effect on local streets and roads, SHOP, and trade corridor funding; Finance estimated a $165 million annual revenue impact would reduce those programs, while LAO said the reductions would mean fewer projects over time. No vote was taken, and the chair said the issue would remain open for further discussion. The committee then moved to a zero-emission vehicle incentive trailer bill proposing a one-time $200 million appropriation to CARB for a new point-of-sale incentive program focused on first-time buyers and leases of new and used light-duty ZEVs. Supporters said the program would help offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, maintain momentum in California’s ZEV transition, and use a one-to-one match with participating automakers to double the state’s investment. LAO recommended rejection, saying the proposal does not meet the high budget bar this year, lacks enough program detail to evaluate, is unlikely to move sales significantly given the size of the appropriation, and could duplicate existing state and utility programs. Members asked about current incentives across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty sectors, the recent decline in ZEV sales, and whether the program would help lower-income buyers rather than subsidize purchases that would have happened anyway. CARB said the proposal is meant to fill a gap in the light-duty market, where sales fell sharply after the federal credit expired, and noted existing programs for other vehicle classes. The Department of Finance also addressed a separate question about the Motor Vehicle Account, saying a previously planned GGRF transfer was no longer needed because updated forecasts showed the fund had sufficient balances, though LAO said the account still has a structural long-term imbalance. The discussion ended before any vote or action on the ZEV proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• The agency works very hard to dollars.
• Inter agency and external t blast.
• </c> talk about compliance, whether agencies talk about compliance, whether agencies are<00:42:05.520
• Uh, that is extremely challenging.
• </c> those things that you as as an agency those things that you as as an agency have<01:15:18.040><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is a bill we previously heard by Representative Guillen relating to public utility agencies
• The committee substitute adds that a public utility agency does not have the power of eminent domain,
• The TCEQ and the PUC are authorized to permit a public utility agency to serve as a temporary manager
• Additionally, they may request the Attorney General to appoint a public utility agency as a receiver
• Right now, you file your DCP with those agencies, and it goes through in a drawer somewhere.

Bills: HB143, HB4530, HB4931, HB5559, HB5560

Keywords: election, bonds, authorization, financial governance, public funding, HB 143, bond election, debt authorization, November uniform election date, Texas Election Code, emergency election, voter approval, municipal bonds, local government finance, public debt, school bonds, special election, uniform election date, bond issuance, water rights

Transcript Highlights:

• This deep engagement will be necessary as we are faced with a third straight year of budget challenges
• We cannot ignore the real challenges facing middle-class and working families, but we also refuse to
• First, one of the biggest challenges in crafting the 2026 budget will be the impact from the loss of
• I look forward, truly, to working with the chair and his staff to take on these challenges together.
• Governor's budget help continue the implementation of the new housing and homelessness agency.

Keywords: 988, house, all