Transcript Highlights:

• Now, there are over 200 families that rely on us for their jobs and income.
• of green jobs, land lease payments, and savings on participants' monthly electric bills.
• We are growing our jobs. We are growing jobs within our company.
• Please don't eliminate these jobs. Please vote against this bill. Thank you for your time.
• It's the legislators' job to say we are going to decide who must pay.

Bills: HF2103 , HF2793

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:35:04.440><c> the</c> school districts uh uh prior to the school districts uh uh prior to the creation
• :05.240><c> Revenue</c><00:35:05.680><c> were</c><00:35:05.800><c> in</c><00:35:05.920><c> a</c> creation
• of that Revenue were in a creation of that Revenue were in a program<00:35:06.520><c> called</c><00:
• to exceed the per-pupil cap on that formula because they were in a different program prior to the creation
• depends sometimes how well you can educate your students and to try to get away from that. to the creation

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The panel has served as California's premier workforce training program, supporting job creation and
• job retention through employer-driven training.
• I also serve as chairman of the Coalition for ETP and Jobs.
• Well, the jobs are here.
• Well, the jobs are here.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• So where is the job creation that we can point to to say that these kids will be able to afford what
• </c> situation where we are creating jobs situation where we are creating jobs that<01:03:55.920><c>
• </c> So where is the job creation that we can So where is the job creation that we can point<01:04:03.520
• </c> not everybody needs to commute to a job? not everybody needs to commute to a job?
• </c><02:27:26.399><c> What</c> jobs. What about going to an event? What jobs.

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing is going to be 100% perfect, but you guys did a really good job. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Nothing is going to be 100% perfect, but you guys did a really good job. Thank you, Mr. President.
• you for doing such a good job for the Florida Senate and for each one of us.
• Any one of these could be the budget chair and do an incredible job. You're very talented.
• And 5,000 new jobs or economic growth or development.

Transcript Highlights:

• mining industry in the U.S. and the precipitous drop in coal mining and all the bankruptcies and the job
• The loss of jobs that these companies provide.
• That prosecution continued after I left that job and went to the United States Department of Justice.
• And if these refineries leave, that's a lot of jobs.
• If we prematurely increase the imports, that will essentially be exporting our jobs.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 251 relating the creation of criminal law. for Bell County.
• Senate Bill 251 relating the creation of criminal law magistrates for Bell County.
• Carrying on to fulfill their jobs and their duties.
• So if someone wanted to come in for a job, Senator Blanco.
• No one's taking a job or doing the jobs that most people don't want to do.

Keywords: HCR65, HCR19, Senate resolutions, memorial, community impact, legislative proceedings

Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our rate of job growth exceeds the national average and is the best in New England.
• </c> individual in those that create the job individual in those that create the job job job job opportunities
• Frederick Douglass was looking forward to working with Lincoln to get the job done.
• Frederick Douglass was looking forward to working with Lincoln to get the job done.
• Frederick Douglass was looking forward to working with Lincoln to get the job done.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most people under age 65 get their coverage through their job or a family member's job.
• Most people under age 65 get their coverage through their job or a family member's job.
• job.
• full-time one job?
• there a need for the two jobs?

Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy Department of Health Care Services presentation on the governor’s Medi-Cal budget, including a $229.1 billion total-funds proposal, projected Medi-Cal enrollment declines as redeterminations continue, and several major cost drivers such as managed care growth, Medicare-related costs, pharmacy spending, and changes tied to federal policy. Members focused heavily on the elimination of Prop. 56 dental supplemental payments beginning July 1, 2026, questioning the likely impact on provider participation and utilization. DHCS said it is completing the required rate reduction/access analysis for CMS, has been holding stakeholder meetings and issuing provider bulletins, but could not yet quantify the real-world effect. The committee also discussed a $50 million savings proposal tied to new hospice utilization management authority and asked about possible effects on emergency dental care and provider participation. The hearing then moved through the November 2025 family health estimate and several county and program administration issues, including CCS, GHPP, and Every Woman Counts. DHCS said family health costs are rising despite slight caseload declines because of higher utilization and medical costs, and members raised concerns about CCS website accessibility, county administrative funding, and the transition of youth aging out of CCS. The department said most CCS beneficiaries are also on Medi-Cal, that counties have long raised funding concerns, and that it had clarified use of maintenance-and-operations dollars to address some county workload issues. Members also asked about Every Woman Counts potentially seeing higher demand as Medi-Cal changes take effect; DHCS said that is possible and that the program has multiple funding sources including General Fund. A major portion of the hearing focused on provider taxes and federal changes under H.R. 1, especially the Medi-Cal managed care organization tax and the hospital quality assurance fee. DHCS explained that H.R. 1 restricts new or increased health care-related taxes, phases down allowable tax levels over time, and tightens “generally redistributive” rules, which could sharply reduce the state’s ability to use the MCO tax for Medi-Cal financing. Members asked whether the Legislature could amend Prop. 35 or whether voters would need to act; DHCS said a three-fourths legislative amendment may be possible if it aligns with the measure’s purpose, but the department is still evaluating options. The committee also discussed hospital financing, with DHCS describing recent increases in state-directed payments and the effect of H.R. 1 in capping those payments at Medicare levels, and the LAO noting the tradeoff between preserving provider taxes and maintaining Medi-Cal funding. The subcommittee also reviewed a series of DHCS budget change proposals and trailer bill items, including managed care final-rule implementation, managed care operations, a hospital value strategy, a one-year extension of skilled nursing facility financing, long-term care payment transparency, and interoperability/prior authorization requirements. Members repeatedly questioned the use of limited-term versus permanent positions, the overlap among proposals, and the timing of new financing reforms. DHCS said the SNF extension would preserve current workforce standards, sanctions, growth limits, and the SNF quality assurance fee while the department develops a broader 2027-28 redesign. No votes were taken; items were repeatedly held open for later action. Covered California then presented on the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credit and the resulting affordability crisis. The agency said Californians will lose about $2.5 billion in premium assistance for 2026, average premiums could nearly double for many enrollees, and as many as 400,000 people could eventually leave marketplace coverage. Open enrollment ended with 1.9 million sign-ups, down 3% from the prior year, with especially steep declines among middle-income consumers and increased movement into bronze plans. Covered California said the state’s $190 million affordability subsidy is helping lower-income enrollees retain coverage, but cannot fully replace the lost federal assistance. Members also asked about the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund, repayment of loans from that fund, the status of federal review of California’s essential health benefits benchmark, and implementation of the new gender-affirming care benefit under AB 144.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our staff has done such a good job in the last year.
• Scott Blevens, Brandon great job.
• They do a<00:26:31.919><c> great</c><00:26:32.080><c> job.
• ,</c><00:45:32.319><c> but</c> They're great at selling the job, but They're great at selling the job
• Um, this is a much for the right job.

Summary: The subcommittee met with leaders of the First Frontier Appalachian Trail System for an update on trail development, economic impact, and funding needs. Speakers said the system has expanded from 18 to 21 counties over the past year, with interest from additional counties, about 450 miles of trails currently open, and a goal of surpassing 1,000 miles within two years. They described the project as primarily an economic development effort that is already drawing public and private investment, supporting lodging and campground businesses, and creating new enterprises such as guide services, repairs, and recovery services for ATVs. The presentation highlighted permit sales, which began on a soft-launch basis earlier in the year and are now available both physically and online. Permits cost $25 per year for in-state residents and allow riding on First Frontier trails. Officials also discussed landowner agreements, saying the standard license agreement is modeled on Hatfield-McCoy, is favorable to landowners, and can be ended with 60 days’ notice. They said the agreements, along with patrols and cleanup efforts, help address trespassing and illegal dumping while encouraging property owners to participate. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Captain Jason Sloan reported 638 hours of patrols under the memorandum of agreement since January 1 and said the partnership has focused on safety, enforcement of existing laws, emergency planning, and cleanup support. The group also cited partnerships with the National Forest, Onyx Off-Road, ARC, and Yamaha, and said a Jeep Jamboree in Lee County drew 237 registered participants, mostly from out of state. They said a GNCC race in Knox County is being pursued for spring. The authority requested $3.5 million for the next two-year budget cycle and said it needs additional staffing, including two full-time trail development coordinators and part-time office help, to keep up with growth. Members praised the project’s progress and its potential to boost tourism and regional economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• , whether they needed tools for a job, reconnecting with their family.
• :28:19.039><c> family</c> for a job reconnecting with their family for a job reconnecting with their
• We have staff that that's all their job is to find different funding sources.
• We have staff that that's all their job is to find different funding sources.
• We have staff that that's all their job is to find different funding sources.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members move from job to job, stringing together the projects that over many years build their career
• These aren't just jobs.
• So it's in the thousands, if not tens of thousands, thousands of building trade jobs, labor. jobs, and
• tens of thousands of related jobs to that.
• is killing of American jobs.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: environmental review, permitting process, infrastructure, bipartisan legislation, economic growth, Nucor, West Virginia

Summary: The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Libraries fund jobs.
• And rural libraries are really doing a good job. job there.
• Jill beautifully commented before that food banks generate local jobs.
• You referenced millions of jobs. How many New Mexico jobs are we talking about?
• creations.

Committee: Joint Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I think the budget analyst really did a nice job on that. I have nothing to add to that.
• Division of Medicaid, the one-time reduction of $601,781,000 from the existing benefit plans, the creation
• Sharon was in charge of Medicaid, and they did an excellent job, but the first month of unwinding actually
• We're a bunch of squirrels, and she does a great job.
• There's still some concern about job descriptions and the quality of people that might be out in the

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met to consider several Department of Health and Welfare Medicaid items, Idaho State Police budgets, the Department of Juvenile Corrections, and the Department of Administration and Military Division. The committee first approved a FY 2026 Medicaid forecast supplemental, then approved a budget-neutral FY 2026 hospital assessment fund shift and creation of a separate hospital assessment budgeted program. For FY 2027 Medicaid, members heard extensive discussion of MMIS procurement, estate recovery, program integrity, purchasing staff, hospital assessment alignment, population forecast adjustments, and proposed reductions tied to provider rates and RESHAB. After debate among three competing motions, the committee rejected two alternatives and passed the original motion, which included the governor’s recommended Medicaid adjustments and the $22 million reduction concept, sending it with a do pass recommendation. The committee then approved Idaho State Police Brand Inspection replacement items for trucks and equipment, as well as Idaho State Police division requests for a commercial vehicle safety grant increase, a mobile live scan pilot, and replacement patrol vehicles and equipment. POST Academy replacement items were also approved. For the Department of Juvenile Corrections, members approved clinician service transfer funding from Health and Welfare, replacement items, IT hardware, and restoration of six FTPs and related funding for direct care staff and substance use disorder mentoring services. In the Department of Administration budget, the committee debated Medicaid procurement staffing and related transfers. A substitute motion to fund three FTPs failed, and the committee ultimately approved a compromise motion funding two FTPs, utilities alignment, program transfers, inflationary utilities, IT hardware, and a prior rescission adjustment. The Military Division enhancement request for indirect cost recovery for emergency management and state education assistance funding was also approved. The committee adjourned after announcing its Monday agenda, which included DEQ, public school support and financing, services for the deaf and blind, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it what I'm hearing that what is unique about this is some new creations that incentivize our local
• It just says, great job, you guys, keep doing that work.
• It just says, great job, you guys, keep doing that work.
• It creates jobs. It creates tax base. It gives us a sense of pride in the state that we live in.
• It's equipment that will help them apply for jobs, look for jobs, apply for college, and apply for whatever

Bills: HB2142 , HB2369 , HB2432

Committee: House Education

Keywords: remote learning, hybrid learning, education reform, alternative education, student engagement, local food, public schools, nutrition, sustainability, agriculture, technology access, educational resources, surplus hardware, student support

Transcript Highlights:

• And this will allow for employees that have good paying jobs in the area to continue to thrive.
• of more than 66,000 jobs statewide.
• And I think the agency has done a good job, but I just think we need to go back to where we have the
• We bid hundreds of jobs annually based on this permit's allowance.
• Please don't make our job harder than it already is.

Bills: HB137 , HB283 , HCR114 , HB137 , HB283 , HB1398 , HB1960 , HB2153 , HB2431 , HB2638 , HB2699 , HB2999 , HB3208 , HB3389 , HB3413 , HB3510 , HB3642 , HB3859 , HB3974 , HB3986 , HB4142 , HB4173 , HB4174 , HB4542 , HB4605 , HB4663 , HB4731 , HB5064 , HB5216 , HB5218 , HB5332 , HB5453 , HB5577

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• [clears throat] Um, Representative, just kind of big picture, great job explaining the bill, but big
• explaining the bill, but big great job explaining the bill, but big picture.<00:05:01.440><c> I</c><
• We hope that he can do a good job to drop rules to protect our citizenry.
• And as the commissioner pointed out, he can do a better job of defining those through rule.
• pointed out, he can do a better job of pointed out, he can do a better job of defining<01:01:43.359><

Bills: HB0075 , HB0128

Committee: Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Upon the transfer of a vehicle, except for the creation of a security interest, a person is required
• of a security interest for the creation of a security interest uh<00:42:36.160><c> a</c><00:42:36.400
• Long hours, job insecurity, and constant deadlines contribute to these stressful working conditions,
• ,</c><00:52:50.800><c> a</c> maintenance worker killed on the job, a maintenance worker killed on the
• ><c> and</c><00:54:27.839><c> constant</c> Long hours, job insecurity, and constant Long hours, job insecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:04.559><c> autonomous</c> promises of new jobs, autonomous promises of new jobs, autonomous vehicles
• I do this job. I hold a class B commercial license.
• She said she had experienced a bad experience with a customer at her job.
• She said she had experienced a bad experience with a customer at her job.
• She said she had experienced a bad experience with a customer at her job.

Bills: HF3553 , HF3513 , HF3576

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Hundreds of thousands of Californians who are taxed for simply being good at their jobs.
• I know it's my job to maintain my property. ...but this has gone far beyond normal maintenance.
• With the economies that are looking to lure California investors and jobs.
• Veronica, you did an amazing job. Thank you very much. Your daughter is looking up to you.
• A tax cut can provide them with additional capital to invest in their businesses, leading to job creation

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met under suspense-file procedures, with the chair explaining limits on testimony, position letters, and that bills with fiscal impacts of $150,000 or more would generally be sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. Several bills were pulled from hearing, and a consent calendar of committee bills later passed 4-0. AB 761 by Addis, the only item initially slated for a vote, was ultimately held over to the next hearing. The committee heard testimony on a series of tax-related proposals. AB 232 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax money for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, but was sent to suspense. AB 1443 would exempt tips from state income tax for five years and was supported by the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner, but also went to suspense. AB 1435 would provide relief to businesses and property owners facing cleanup and security costs from unauthorized encampments and illegal dumping; it received broad support from business, real estate, trucking, retail, and local government representatives, and was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1428, which would create a California Affordable Child Care Fund financed by a 0.5% tax on income above $10 million; child care workers and SEIU-backed witnesses supported it, while taxpayer and business groups opposed it as harmful to competitiveness and affordability. AB 691 proposed a tax credit for adopting shelter pets and covering veterinary costs, AB 1219 proposed a middle- and low-income personal income tax cut, AB 1354 proposed a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums, AB 19 proposed an education savings account/voucher-style program, and AB 567 proposed insurance rate stabilization and related tax/fund changes; each drew testimony for and against where present, but all were referred to suspense. The meeting ended with the committee adjourning after the held-over AB 761 item was postponed.