Transcript Highlights:

• proceedings today, this hearing will be streamed on the Assembly's website, and members of the public can provide
• Regions have the ability, with support from this bill, which provides regional trade-focused technical
• This will provide a new layer of transparency to the rulemaking process, meaning that better policy can
• This tool provides much-needed transparency into how those costs stack up across sectors over time.
• We are a network of 10 cities and regions across the state, from Eureka to San Diego, working to... .

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So before BEAD really prioritized fiber-based internet networks, the new rules kind of open the program
• But that said, NTIA hasn't provided any additional approval is coming soon.
• But that said, you know, NTIA hasn't provided any additional information on timeline, and so we don't
• We'll work to execute subgrantee agreements and contracts with our awarded providers.
• Depending on the type of technology and the network design, construction timelines are going to vary

Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Department of Commerce’s new state broadband director on Washington’s BEAD broadband program and permitting process. Jordan Arnold said Washington’s final BEAD proposal has been submitted to NTIA but remains unapproved after months of back-and-forth over federal rule changes, technology choices, cost, and tribal sovereignty. He said the program is expected to bring about $1 billion in broadband investment, connecting roughly 166,000 homes and small businesses, with a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and low-earth-orbit satellite. He also outlined permitting challenges, including rights-of-way and environmental/historic reviews, and said the office is working on permitting roundtables, federal coordination, and NEPA expertise to speed reviews. Members asked about the interaction of NEPA and SEPA, the reduction in deployable federal BEAD dollars, the long-term value of fiber versus other technologies, and possible coordination with other infrastructure permitting efforts. The committee then took executive action on House Bill 2684, which would add Middle Eastern and North African groups to the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises’ socially disadvantaged certification framework. Four proposed amendments were considered and all failed: an amendment narrowing the rebuttable presumption to groups with specific current discrimination, an amendment requiring disaggregated subgroup data and limiting use of aggregated data, an amendment tying the rules to the state constitution, and two amendments requiring consistency with federal law and Attorney General review. After debate over whether the bill was too broad or needed more specificity, the committee voted 7-4 to report HB 2684 out with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee unanimously approved House Joint Memorial 4012, which urges Congress to address the 20-year rule affecting certain combat-injured veterans and seeks parity in recognition and benefits. The memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation by an 11-0 vote, with two members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the program provides for those parameters to begin with.
• So the program provides for those parameters to begin with.
• Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today.
• These networks provide a critical connection between residents and emergency responders during natural
• Within two miles of network in downtown L.A., that can serve 10,000 people.

Summary: The committee heard several energy, telecommunications, and regulatory bills. SB 929 by Senator Jones would require the California Energy Commission chair to appear annually and report to the Legislature on the commission’s activities, plans, and outreach; it was presented as a low-cost oversight measure and drew no opposition. SB 1138 by Senator Padilla would let load-serving entities trade hourly resource adequacy obligations under the CPUC’s slice-of-day framework to reduce overprocurement and lower ratepayer costs; supporters said it could save tens of millions of dollars, while questions focused on reliability and whether savings would reach customers. SB 913 by Senator Becker would create a clearer pathway for customer-sited distributed energy resources, such as home batteries and smart thermostats, to participate in resource adequacy markets; supporters said it would unlock existing clean capacity and reduce costs, and members asked about reliability, opt-in participation, and compensation for homeowners. The committee also heard SB 1197 by Senator Niello, which would move California to permanent standard time if federal law allows, with testimony from a sleep medicine physician supporting the health and safety benefits of ending the time switch and opposition from golf industry representatives who urged a broader analysis of economic, recreational, and public safety impacts. Members debated whether the 2018 voter approval required another vote and whether Congress would need to act. SB 1265 by Senator Richardson would codify and expand the Go Green financing program by creating a new fund and allowing broader partnerships beyond current IOU service areas; supporters said it would expand access to clean energy financing statewide. SB 1337 by Senator Richardson would create a working group to coordinate fuel transition policy and refinery-related issues following SB 237, with supporters emphasizing the need for better interagency coordination and some members asking how it would avoid duplicative work. The committee also considered SB 1191 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which would extend the California High-Cost Fund A and B programs for rural telephone service through 2033; supporters said the surcharge-funded program is essential for affordable service and emergency connectivity in remote areas. After discussion, the committee adopted amendments where offered and voted all of the bills out of committee, generally on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, with SB 1265 receiving one no vote. Several bills were held on call briefly and then later passed when the committee reconvened, and the hearing adjourned after all listed measures were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of our educational television that we provide to children, and we provide lifelong learning of history
• Providers, so OETA is what they have access to.
• This structure provides additional transparency for the industries and the public and provides for more
• So you provide data to the National Weather Service.
• Thank you for the information you provided to us.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• got the resources; on the other end, people who don't have means and resources, the social safety network
• </c><00:21:28.039><c> and</c> need to be on that social network and need to be on that social network
• </c><01:04:43.799><c> Affordable</c> being able to provide Affordable being able to provide Affordable
• </c><01:05:07.000><c> a</c> owner of the building providing a owner of the building providing a certificate
• This is one way to provide them with a little bit of relief in their overhead.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . provide food programs.
• I don't know why the parent and provider would work out something.
• We've built out our crisis network so that we can provide 24/7 wraparound services so that kids can be
• We'll look that up and make sure that we can provide that.
• Will help us make informed decisions about how to get more providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides language that reduces the 50% surcharge to 25% and requires annual data be collected by the
• of a separate municipality that provide service to must not impose more rates, fees and charges in those
• It provides language for reporting requirements that must be reported to the governor, the president
• The argument was just because a local government is providing dollars to a private business.
• Any matter that would undermine competition in your network and limit consumer choice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, what is needed is school-specific data to provide transparency and accountability.
• The handout I've shared provides information for lawyers and others to use.
• Uh, I do not provide direct service as a school social worker.
• I don't provide any director.
• , without the parents being provided an opportunity to say whether that's OK.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have a network that is over 21,000 miles.
• that is over 21,000 we have uh a network that is over 21,000 mile<00:01:36.159><c> network.
• We have over 500 stations mile network.
• </c> So this is what the network looks like. So this is what the network looks like.
• </c> represents the long-distance network. represents the long-distance network.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, January 14, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide those services, as you've kind of heard in those stories.
• This is the pharmacist provider rate, just like what is paid to other health care providers for their
• It provides so much more for in-home care.
• We have no provider...
• He argued the bill provides constitutional protections, requires admitting agencies to provide a level

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote. House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also does not provide any caps.
• A provider can choose to provide the affidavit, and if they, if they provide the affidavit, they can
• An injured plaintiff signs up with a lawyer who will have created a network of healthcare providers,
• This isn't from an LOP provider.
• provide for therapy services.

Transcript Highlights:

• These two both, CAIR is part of the Hamas network and Hezbollah network.
• HB 659 provides transparency, consistency, and public safety.
• We provide them name, date of birth, socials, whether fake or not.
• We provide them name, date of birth, socials, whether fake or not.
• We provide them name, date of birth, socials, whether fake or not.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from March 6 and March 9, then voted to send two gubernatorial appointments to the State Building Authority, Nicholas Gouho and Todd Christensen, to the Senate floor with recommendations that they be confirmed. It also introduced and sent to print RS 33670 on community schools, RS 33719 on sewer district rate regulation, and RS 33722 on a presidential primary proposal. Senate Bill 1376, which would shift local candidate filing for online elections to county clerks and streamline coordination with political subdivisions, was presented with support from the Secretary of State’s office and was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which would designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations. The sponsor argued the resolution would help Idaho respond to perceived threats and future land-purchase issues; supporters cited FBI and other references, while one senator said he would do more research but not oppose it. The resolution was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 659, requiring local law enforcement agencies to apply for ICE 287(g) agreements and publicly explain any refusal, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve cooperation, transparency, and public safety, while opponents—including sheriffs, police chiefs, and residents—argued it would burden local agencies, reduce trust in immigrant communities, and improperly federalize local policing. After debate over language requiring participation in future programs, a motion to send the bill to the 14th order for amendment failed 4-5, and the committee then voted 5-4 to hold the bill in committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1356, which would make Ada County Highway District elections partisan and countywide rather than district-based. The sponsor said the change would better reflect countywide transportation needs, but nearly all testimony opposed the bill, arguing it would politicize a technical local function, increase campaign costs, and dilute district representation. No final action on SB 1356 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to providing such services to persons with disabilities.
• , who's going to provide that service, how it's going to be provided.
• They provide all of their own fire rescue.
• They provide... I misspoke.
• They provide fire service; we provided, the sheriff provided law enforcement to them.

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• works to build a community of social studies educators in the state of Maryland, and through this network
• , MDCSS provides high-quality professional development instructional resources for the Maryland social
• Maryland, and educators in the state of Maryland, and through<00:04:36.160><c> this</c><00:04:36.360><c> network
• ,</c><00:04:37.160><c> MDCSS</c><00:04:38.360><c> provides</c> through this network, MDCSS provides through
• this network, MDCSS provides high-quality<00:04:39.440><c> professional</c><00:04:39.960><c> development

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 9, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And all that we ask of DBEDT is that they can help with the provide a list of different trainings provide
• DBEDT has comments to provide.
• So we could provide this training to the businesses for free, at no cost.
• </c> provide dementia training for employees. provide dementia training for employees.
• </c> system, a network or computer services. system, a network or computer services.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...in San Jose and Maine's approach to provide limitations on contributions to super PACs.
• I'm Kristen Nemers, as she said, with the California Black Power Network.
• This would be in addition to the language access services provided by the bill in print.
• protections provided by SB 73.
• with the same civil remedy that was provided in Senate Bill 73.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We’ll go through a few key pieces here: first, we’ll provide a brief introduction on who we are and then
• The new statutes do provide us with a good governance structure and flexibility.
• It's just a two-sided one-pager, and it does provide a sectional summary. Thank you.
• One-pager, and it does provide a sectional summary.
• We support because it provides optionality for travelers when they are traveling.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for a work session and public hearing on February 19, 2026. In the work session, Switch Maritime presented a proposal for hydrogen fuel cell ferries for Washington State, including a budget proviso directing the Joint Transportation Committee to study hydrogen propulsion and a lease model for future Washington State Ferries procurement. The company described its Sea Change vessel, said the design could be adapted for Washington routes such as San Juan Islands–Anacortes, and emphasized that hydrogen fueling could be delivered through a mobile supply chain without new charging infrastructure. Senators asked about vessel flexibility, size, hydrogen availability, and terminal compatibility. The committee also received an update from WSDOT on the new public-private partnership program authorized in 2025. Staff said the agency is developing a four-phase implementation process, including consultant selection, a steering committee, a program manual, stakeholder engagement, and candidate project identification, with a report due to the transportation committees on September 1, 2026 and program launch targeted for January 1, 2027. The presentation stressed that the program manual will provide flexibility within the statute and that legislative input is being sought on engagement and project timing. The public hearing was on Senate Bill 6352, an omnibus transportation resources bill that revises and expands provisions from last year’s ESSB 5801. Staff outlined sections covering a mobile driver’s license and ID card program, a reduced-fee ID card for older drivers, changes to alternative fuel and aviation taxes and fees, revised sales tax distributions for ferry and multimodal funding, transit and bicycle education grants, fish passage permitting, clean energy siting on WSDOT right-of-way, toll notice procedures, older driver safety outreach, traffic safety camera revenue sharing, and a delay to the tow-truck indigent impound reimbursement program. The prime sponsor highlighted two priorities: digital driver’s licenses and dedicated ferry funding. Testimony was mixed. Supporters included airlines and aviation groups backing mobile ID and repeal of the luxury aircraft tax, transit and bicycle safety advocates supporting grant flexibility and continued bike education funding, and ferry advocates supporting dedicated ferry revenue. Local governments, including Bellevue, Kenmore, and Tacoma, raised concerns about the traffic camera revenue change, saying the shift from net to gross revenue would reduce local safety funding and could discourage new camera programs. The Association of Washington Cities also warned about unintended consequences in the fish passage and traffic camera provisions. RV dealers sought a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, and peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Turo asked for clarification on documentation requirements. The committee took no final vote and announced it would consider executive action the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• are limited to providing such services to persons with disabilities.
• , who’s going to provide that service, how it’s going to be provided.
• They provide all of their own fire rescue.
• I misspoke. ...the county it came from, they provide fire service.
• We provided the sheriff provided law enforcement to them.

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Red Line, Blue Line, and Gold Line Rescue are free, web-based, and confidential support networks.
• The data is strictly: this is how much it costs to provide these services.
• Could we also be provided a copy of the responses that Senator Harrell has asked for?
• There's only one provider, and we may not have a provider next year.
• I don't know in our CBC we have any funding, you know, outside what the state provides.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure. The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions. Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that was a call-out to, and a recommendation and an option to, really provide weight on that.
• this, and then the state would provide reinsurance to the insurance company.
• You have it where the insurers would actually provide this, and then the state would provide reinsurance
• Nossier Hernandez here on behalf of the Utility Reform Network.
• We also have to look seriously at a state-provided insurance ...state-provided insurance mechanism as

Keywords: 988, house, all