Transcript Highlights:

• against us.
• against us.
• against us.
• <00:23:26.240> Help<00:23:26.480> us companies, show us, right?
• Help us companies, show us, right?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on proposed Minnesota legislation to ban surveillance pricing and restrict AI-powered electronic shelf labels in grocery stores. Speakers from UFCW 1189 and UFCW Local 663, along with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, argued that these technologies could enable real-time price increases based on consumer data, undermine budgeting and privacy, and worsen affordability for families. They also said the technology could reduce hours or eliminate jobs for grocery workers who currently handle pricing and store knowledge, with UFCW Local 663 estimating about 500 affected jobs among its members alone. Testimony emphasized examples such as baby formula, diapers, bananas, and milk to illustrate how fluctuating prices could hurt families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people in food deserts. Speakers also argued that grocery workers provide essential customer service and that automation should be introduced responsibly, not at the expense of workers or consumers. Murphy and Sencer-Mura framed the bill as a response to corporate greed and big tech surveillance, saying Minnesota should act proactively before the practices become widespread. During questions, lawmakers and advocates discussed whether the issue was proactive or reactive, whether disclosure requirements like those used in New York would be sufficient, and how surveillance pricing differs from loyalty programs or coupons. Speakers said disclosure alone would not prevent tracking or price manipulation and that the goal was to stop the practice altogether. The transcript ended with the advocates saying they would continue meeting with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; no vote or final committee action was recorded in the excerpt, though one question referenced a related bill stalling in committee earlier that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was because you were taking away from us our ability to do the things that were working for us.
• Just please give us a tiny bit of wiggle room within that and then give us the time and the, and the
• It's also helped us.
• Um, Mississippi used to fight with us over being 50th. Mississippi is now 10th, 10th.
• Uh, Louisiana also used to be down with us. They're 49th, we are 50th.

Transcript Highlights:

• So here's what that means for us: any person can take a picture of any one of us from online, in the
• of these deep fake images many of us of these deep fake images many of us filed<00:11:21.040>
• <00:12:06.839> your you wouldn't have to use your you wouldn't have to use your imagination
• The reality is, using these websites that provide it, pornography is why they're used.
• You have to have a third party involved somehow. is this use using these this technology is this use

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PERFORMANCE MEASURES HELP US ANSWER KEY QUESTIONS.
• A BROAD USE OF USERS THAT USE THAT SYSTEM.
• ARE PROBATION OFFICERS USE THAT SYSTEM, PARTNERS AND PROVIDERS USE THAT SYSTEM AND THE COURTS AND LAW
• ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS USE THAT SYSTEM.
• WE HAVE COUNTIES THAT DON'T EVEN USE IT AT ALL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for us.
• For us, how can you help?
• to take the meeting with us.
• Thank you both so much for joining us. San Diego. Thank you both so much for joining us.
• Thank you both so much for joining us. San Diego. Thank you both so much for joining us.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's on us.
• problem because it's all of us.
• That brings us to page 20.
• industry is using.
• I think that's useful information for us as we consider moving this forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, we would like you to tell us what the main point is that you would like to leave us with.
• Maybe she's with us remotely.
• Thank you for joining us. One other issue very quickly... Thank you for joining us.
• Lundborg, are you with us? Dr. Lundborg may join us momentarily.
• It's an issue for all of us.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions. The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 362 would prioritize tribal water uses on equal footing with other statewide beneficial uses of water
• Companies shouldn't be using other kids to sell us those products.
• They're using us to make money, and they're hurting us. And that's not cool.
• And I don't think many of us do.
• Fundamentally, I think there's a lot of tools that we can use. water boards can use that they already

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our facilities are maintained by us.
• These aren't just about exhibits; we may use it for exhibits, and we may use it for HVAC systems.
• This explains why this fund is so critical for us, how we use it, and how we plan our projects.
• He advises us and gives us very good advice on how to do that.
• And do we have systems that will give us sufficient time? Pathways that'll get us out.

Transcript Highlights:

• We obviously use land-use zoning, and sometimes it gets perverted along the way, but it's mostly tied
• So you can use that as a benchmark.
• Thank you for having us.
• You, as legislators, those of us as homeowners, those of us as board members, trying to do the best we
• us to do.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on flood risk and flood management in California, with opening remarks emphasizing that flooding is a statewide and growing threat due to climate change, including the possibility of extreme losses in a worst-case event. Members noted recent flooding in places such as San Diego, the Tulare Basin, and Pajaro, and framed the hearing as a way to better understand prevention, response, and how to capture excess water for later use. Jeffrey Mount of PPIC gave the main overview, describing California’s high flood exposure, the different flood types the state faces, and the mix of structural and non-structural tools used to manage them. He stressed that levees, dams, bypasses, land-use planning, flood insurance, and emergency response all matter, but that risk is rising because current standards are based on past hydrology rather than future climate conditions. He also warned that flood management is underfunded, that the National Flood Insurance Program is weak, and that federal support is increasingly uncertain. Members asked about groundwater recharge, permitting, NOAA and federal cuts, and which communities are most at risk; Mount said recharge can help but does not eliminate flood risk, and that small Central Valley communities and heavily developed floodplains are especially concerning. State officials Laura Hollander of the Department of Water Resources and Jane Dolan of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board described the state’s role in forecasting, emergency response, grants, planning, and the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. They highlighted aging infrastructure, the need for better coordination, and the state’s special liability in the Central Valley after the Paterno decision. Dolan reviewed the history of major floods and said the plan calls for about $1 billion per year over 30 years to meet current needs, while Hollander said the state works with local and federal partners on preparedness, response, and subventions projects. Both emphasized that floodplain planning, regional coordination, and faster permitting are important, but that more consistent funding is needed. A later panel from local flood agencies and districts reinforced those points, arguing that the state’s annual flood funding is below identified needs and that a proposed statewide flood and dam safety bond was reduced substantially in the broader climate bond package. Witnesses urged more routine maintenance funding, support for regional flood planning, and continued federal-state-local partnerships to reduce risk and maintain eligibility for federal assistance. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• to us and we're working with him. to us and we're working with him.
• Appreciate you letting us talk Chairman. Appreciate you letting us talk here. here. here.
• Are they using their own instructors? Are they using your<00:56:01.200> instructors?
• It’s what DoD uses. It’s what most every state around us or in the U.S. uses.
• <01:30:56.239> So want to use you. No way to bring in. So want to use you.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 22 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the insurance commissioner’s office. The commissioner said most of the request was for personnel costs, including an increase above LBO and two additional IT positions tied to a possible conversion to a state-based system and cybersecurity needs. The office also discussed travel costs, contractual expenses, vehicle replacement, and hurricane mitigation funds, noting that some funds are in trust accounts and require legislative authority to spend. The commissioner also briefed members on possible policy changes affecting the ACA exchange and a proposed low-cost plan for the high-risk pool, warning that if coverage options are not developed, more people could shift into uncompensated care. Members asked about the budget request, the IT positions, and a constituent question about propane meter regulation, which the commissioner said falls under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, though his office sometimes checks related issues informally. The committee then moved to the State Fire Academy hearing. The academy director described a workforce stabilization proposal focused on retaining and recruiting fire instructors, citing competition from local fire departments that pay more, a shrinking applicant pool, and a growing number of retirement-eligible staff. He said the academy’s instructors are being recruited away by municipalities, that recent applicant pools have produced very few qualified candidates, and that the academy may soon have to cut advanced courses if staffing does not improve. He referenced a State Personnel Board review that supported the need for compensation changes and said the academy is trying to remain competitive while continuing to train firefighters, hazmat responders, EMS personnel, and fire officers statewide. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided. Members mainly asked questions, requested written follow-up on some budget items, and indicated they would work with the agencies later in the session if pending bills or funding needs changed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to use that funding.
• So we use camera sonar. We will also use a ball technology. It really depends on the size.
• So thank you very much for joining us here and giving us your insight. Thank you.
• , is it because they used to use this and it's, we're 2030 years past its shelf life.
• Water affects all of us.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, let their... ...be a model to each of us here to help us determine what is most important
• I would be remiss if I didn't say thank you for helping us pass the Crown Act.
• Thank you for having us today. We were honored to welcome D.J. to the Texas.
• I want to recognize DJ's father, Theodos, who is with us on the dais.
• HB 5119 by Harris relating to an exemption from sales and use taxes for items used to construct a nuclear

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• King's inspiring us to stand tall in the face of hateful rhetoric, he challenges us to also...
• s work reminds us that justice is not passive but must be pursued boldly His work reminds us that justice
• Let us leave this floor today committed to more than a holiday. Let us commit to a day of service.
• So every day, as bills are coming before us, are we, As bills are coming before us, are we going to make
• I think a lot of us do.

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:41.519> our want to support people using our want to support people using our Medicaid
• to do you other body that you used to do you remember<00:25:40.000> you<00:25:40.080> used
• assumptions on how long um it takes us assumptions on how long um it takes us to<00:48:03.680>
• <00:50:45.119> to would require us to would require us to >> repay<00:50:46.640>
• us as well?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , or all of us.
• Employees or all of us.
• each request requires us us to work a each request requires us us to work a pro<00:37:14.440> it's
• to do, and then pay for us to do it, or don't make us do it.
• to do it or don't make us do it and I us to do it or don't make us do it and I think<01:26:37.480>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates. Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends. Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would add a new eligible use to it.
• Chair Gomez: Damaging our children, are using our data, selling our data, tracking us, and there are
• Chair: Thank you for joining us.
• House File 3117 gets us closer to that goal.
• Do you have any preview you want to give us? Or you could keep us in suspense, too. That's cool.

Transcript Highlights:

• focuses on the uses of the development.
• How can the state support us at a local level?
• These are what's going to build us for a future and set us up.
• These are what's going to build us for a future and set us up so we can implement things such as infrastructure
• The general plan APR allows us to identify statewide trends in land use decision-making and how local

Summary: The committee first heard AB 253, by Assembly Member Ward and presented by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to review certain post-entitlement permits if a local building department would take more than 30 days. Supporters, including California YIMBY, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Housing Action Coalition, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Abundant Housing LA, said the bill would reduce permitting delays and help housing production. League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties expressed concerns but were not formally opposed. Members voiced strong support, and the bill passed the committee 10-0 to Appropriations. The committee then held an informational hearing on California’s general plan. The first panel, led by UC Davis professor Catherine Brinkley, gave an overview of the general plan structure, required elements, update cycles, and the new PlanSearch database that makes adopted plans searchable statewide. She emphasized that general plans are long-term, locally tailored documents that integrate housing, transportation, safety, environmental justice, and other policy areas, and noted that many plans and elements are outdated. Members asked about update timelines, public participation, and whether AI tools could help with drafting and analysis. A second panel of local government representatives described the practical challenges of preparing and updating general plans, especially in rural and small jurisdictions. Speakers from Calaveras County, Sacramento, San Joaquin County, and Fountain Valley cited staffing shortages, consultant availability, funding constraints, CEQA and outreach costs, changing state mandates, and the difficulty of keeping plans aligned with local conditions and board turnover. They asked for more funding, more time, clearer prioritization, and more flexibility. A third panel from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation explained its role in issuing general plan guidelines, technical advisories, and annual planning surveys, and said it is updating its guidance through 2027 to reflect recent housing, climate, safety, environmental justice, and open space laws. No public comment was offered, and the informational hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us members representing EMA. If y'all will please stand, we have with us Mr.
• with us. with us.
• Use the motion. Senator makes use of motion. All in favor, say I. I. All opposed, no.
• We're using the morning roll call. We're using the morning roll call.
• request use of the morning roll call. request use of the morning roll call.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the use of G we're able to good use with the use of G we're able toy<00:21:28.600> budget
• We’ve been very good at using technology, very good at using AI, very good at hiring people.
• easier for us to help you.
• easier for us to help you.
• us<01:33:41.600> to us to us to get<01:33:43.400> I realiz<01:33:46.920> for<01:

Keywords: 912, senate, all