Transcript Highlights:

• cities on the negative effects of these policies are having on their budgets and ability to do maintenance
• So if they built the land bridge, who would own it, and then who would be responsible for the maintenance
• So if they built the land bridge, who would own it, and then who would be responsible for the maintenance
• So if they built the land bridge, who would own it, and then who would be responsible for the maintenance
• And then who would be responsible for the maintenance of that?

Bills: HF192 , HF268 , HF1214 , HF494

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Maintenance activities and documentation will also maintain water quality.
• Maintenance<00:29:23.440><c> activities</c><00:29:24.159><c> and</c><00:29:24.480><c> documentation</
• c> Maintenance activities and documentation Maintenance activities and documentation will<00:29:26.399
• </c><01:10:55.840><c> Think</c><01:10:56.000><c> of</c><01:10:56.159><c> it</c> maintenance flushing
• Think of it maintenance flushing plan.

Summary: The House Special Committee on Red Hill received an update from the Hawaii Department of Health and EPA Region 9 on regulatory oversight of the Red Hill facility, the Navy drinking water system, and ongoing environmental investigation and cleanup. The agencies reviewed the authorities governing the work, including DOH’s emergency orders, EPA’s 2023 administrative consent order, and the older 2015 agreement, and explained that the newer framework is being used for most current oversight because it includes closure, remediation, drinking water protections, and stronger community engagement requirements, even though some requirements overlap. EPA and DOH reported major milestones and current work. Defueling was completed in March 2024, with about 104 million gallons removed, and the agencies said this eliminated the risk of another catastrophic release. They described the current tank-closure phase, expected to finish in July 2029, along with site assessment, site investigation, remediation, and long-term monitoring that may continue through at least 2040. They also summarized drinking water actions: emergency response flushing and sampling after the 2021 spill, lifting of the public health advisory in 2022, completion of extended drinking water monitoring in 2025, and ongoing system improvements such as repairs, flushing plans, valve work, complaint-response protocols, and upgrades to storage tanks and pumps. Members asked several questions about monitoring results, the meaning of TPH, the status of the 2015 agreement, and the Navy’s groundwater model. EPA said its sampling and the Navy’s results were in alignment during extended monitoring, and that it plans to issue a summary report covering the full response period. On the groundwater model, EPA and DOH said they have not yet approved it for decision-making, are reviewing it iteratively with outside experts and University of Hawaii data, and may approve it for specific uses in the future. DOH said its latest comment letter states the model cannot yet be used for decision-making purposes, and noted that UH’s separate modeling work is contingent on funding and may not be completed until next spring. The agencies also said they continue community outreach through open houses, webinars, neighborhood boards, legislative hearings, and fuel tank advisory committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we've set aside $0.5 million for routine repairs and maintenance on state-owned dams, which
• :23.279><c> and</c> set aside 0.5 for routine repairs and set aside 0.5 for routine repairs and maintenance
• c> on</c><00:13:24.000><c> stateowned</c><00:13:24.480><c> dams,</c><00:13:24.800><c> which</c> maintenance
• on stateowned dams, which maintenance on stateowned dams, which sometimes<00:13:26.079><c> uh</c><00
• </c><00:31:44.080><c> of</c> could then take over the maintenance of could then take over the maintenance

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee heard testimony from the Energy and Environment Cabinet on the state-owned dam repair program and Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program. On dams, Commissioner Tony Hatton explained the legal definition and hazard classifications for Kentucky dams, noting there are 975 regulated dams statewide, including 76 state-owned dams, and that hazard ratings are based on potential loss of life or property damage if a dam fails. He described the cabinet’s screening criteria, including inundation mapping, engineering condition, and compliance status, and said the cabinet uses a design-bid-build procurement process to manage public funds responsibly. Hatton outlined current and planned dam projects funded from the prior biennium, including Willisburg Lake in Washington County, where work will address hydraulic capacity, unstable downstream slopes, and likely require a coffer dam, flood wall, auxiliary spillway, and raw water line replacement. He also said Big Bone Lake State Park Dam will be decommissioned, Clemens Lake Dam at Morehead State University is in design for a major rehabilitation, and additional projects include Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chenoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and a rehabilitation study for the Mud River at Lake Malone. The cabinet also requested $500,000 for routine repairs and maintenance. Members questioned cost estimates, inflation, and whether it would be better to fund design separately; cabinet officials said estimates are current best engineering estimates, costs have generally stayed within about 10%, and the current funding flow requires all funds to be available before bidding. The committee then received a status update on the electric grid resilience program, a five-year federal formula grant under Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Officials said Kentucky has received years one through three of funding, which has been allocated to state park facilities and municipal electric utilities, while years four and five have not yet been received and would go to distribution cooperatives and remaining municipal utilities. Projects discussed included upgrades at Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village, plus municipal projects in Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville. The cabinet said the selected projects focus on hardening infrastructure, replacing poles, wires, conductors, and transformers, improving vegetation management, and adding or upgrading outage management systems. Officials reported that all projects are under contract and moving into subcontracting and construction, while the Department of Parks is finalizing an agreement with Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative for the park-related work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where we've made significant inroads in compensation and entering into what I call a needed maintenance
• We are leaving these guys high and dry on their maintenance budgets right now.
• So we don't fund the maintenance, we don't fund the landscaping, we don't fund the utilities, we don't
• schedule and putting all of our systems into the preventative maintenance program.
• but we never talk about or think about what it's going to look like when we turn it over for the maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• But over the long haul, there is hundreds of millions of dollars of deferred maintenance in that facility
• That facility is very old, and the upgrades and the deferred maintenance would be too much.
• </c><00:33:29.440><c> Um</c><00:33:29.679><c> so</c><00:33:29.840><c> the</c> maintenance would be too
• Um so the maintenance would be too much.
• The deferred maintenance every year is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• up specifically, mostly, a majority of the funding, not all of it, but a majority of it is for maintenance
• The need to do more active transportation, which we clearly are making a priority, but also maintenance
• Also support within CALSTIS budget maintenance of funding for port infrastructure. upgrades generally
• One is 68 million for state parks, wildfire resilience, and the forest maintenance projects.
• The second is also at state parks, it's their deferred maintenance program, which you hear me every year

Transcript Highlights:

• Stanley, so that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to provide the
• City of Walthrin with the right of first refusal... ...management and maintenance be authorized to provide
• and Means, to whom was referred the bill authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
• Second reading of the bill: An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
• An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to release a certain sewer

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority. Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, higher ed certainly needed, asset preservation, we call it, deferred maintenance, whatever you want
• :43.120><c> you</c><00:04:43.280><c> want</c><00:04:43.360><c> to</c><00:04:43.520><c> call</c> maintenance
• , whatever you want to call maintenance, whatever you want to call it.<00:04:43.840><c> It's</c><00:04
• is consistent large bonding bills would help with a significant amount directed toward deferred maintenance
• We're responsible for helping them with deferred maintenance. So that's one thing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stanley, that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to provide the City
• of Waltham with the right of first... ...management and maintenance be authorized to provide the City
• and Means, to whom was referred the bill authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
• Second reading of the bill: An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
• An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to release a certain sewer

Transcript Highlights:

• After that, the project will enter 12 months of maintenance.
• After that, the project will enter 12 months of maintenance and operations.
• During our maintenance and operation phase, CDSS will handle the lower-level technical support required
• In addition, retiring our eight legacy systems will eliminate the need for their maintenance and support
• An updated cost for CalSAWS maintenance and enhancements, CalFresh, CalSAWS updates, CalWORKs updates

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard an overview from the California Department of Aging on the state’s Master Plan for Aging, including progress at the five-year midpoint, local aging and disability action plans, HCBS gap analysis, workforce work, and stakeholder engagement. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted the department’s budget was relatively flat but flagged federal H.R. 1 pressure on nutrition-related programs. Members discussed how H.R. 1 and broader federal and state budget pressures could affect older adults through other programs, even where the Department of Aging itself had no direct cut. The committee also heard a stakeholder request from the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging for $62.3 million to support Older Californians Act services, with Finance cautioning that any added ongoing spending would worsen out-year deficits. The committee then reviewed several Department of Aging proposals, including HICAP modernization to add paid counselors and reduce reliance on volunteers, and senior meal program oversight for virtual congregate/to-go meals under AB 1476. Members also discussed the status of area agencies on aging in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, including a new RFP process in the Central Coast and the need to protect service continuity during transitions. Finance clarified that remaining modernizing Older Californians Act nutrition funds can still be used through June 2029. The Department of Social Services presented a series of items. These included new federal Medicaid Access Rule implementation for IHSS grievance and critical incident systems; housing and homelessness programs for CalWORKs Housing Support, HDAP, Home Safe, and Bringing Families Home, with testimony that one-time funds are expiring and service levels will likely decline; permanent position authority for housing and homelessness administration; a facility management system to replace aging licensing systems; home care services branch solvency and regulations; child care centers in multifamily housing; the Seizure Emergency Response Act; licensing during emergencies and disasters; and the Family Preparedness Plan Act. The committee also heard a detailed exchange about the Autumn Oaks facility in Tulare County, where Senator Grove raised concerns about 53 complaints and the handling of unsafe conditions; CDSS said it is reviewing the matter and has authority to take administrative action even after a license surrender. No votes were taken, and items were held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• in their payments, you know, having to do with their salaries, their scheduling, you know, their maintenance
• These were properties that had been vacant and dilapidated and lacking maintenance for many years.
• They cannot maintain the maintenance on them, and the houses are having problems.
• They cannot maintain the maintenance on them, and the houses are having problems.
• There's long-term maintenance.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, how do we better deliver capital projects, ranging from day-to-day maintenance, projects that unlock
• Maintenance along the route is important.
• and stations in San Diego County to improve Surfliner and Coaster services, and the new LOSSAN maintenance
• So, Caltrans in the last year has supported the Northern California JPAs in transitioning maintenance
• And when you have high performance, you have also higher maintenance costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Projects ranging from day-to-day maintenance, projects that unlock improved or new services, and transformative
• Maintenance along the route is important.
• and stations in San Diego County to improve Surfliner and Coaster services, and the new LOSSAN maintenance
• So Caltrans, in the last year, has supported the Northern California JPAs in transitioning maintenance
• And when you have high performance, you have also higher maintenance costs.

Summary: The Senate LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Subcommittee heard updates from CalSTA, Caltrans, Metrolink, and Caltrain on corridor performance, governance, funding, and long-term planning. Chair Lackey opened by saying the SB 1098 report on LOSSAN governance and performance was unfinished and overdue, and argued the corridor remains at a crossroads because ridership, on-time performance, fiscal solvency, and capital delivery are still lagging. Senator Archuleta echoed concerns about safety, maintenance, ridership recovery, and the need to avoid state subsidy if local revenues fall short. CalSTA and Caltrans said the state has made major investments, including $125 million for San Clemente emergency resiliency work, and that more than $25 billion in funded rail projects are moving toward construction. They said work on the SB 1098 report is underway, with a LOSSAN working group to be convened, and described a new Caltrans transit-and-rail reorganization with a deputy director to improve accountability. Caltrans also reported restoration of Surfliner service to 13 weekday round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, planned service increases to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, fleet overhauls, and a new project-tracking and service-planning tool to prioritize capital projects by service outcomes. The panel also discussed zero-emission strategy, saying hydrogen fuel-cell trains are being procured for longer-distance service while battery-electric options are being pursued where feasible, and that San Clemente long-term planning is being scoped with local partners. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said the agency has shifted from a commuter-only model to all-day regional service through its “Metrolink Reimagined” schedule, with improved transfers, more weekend and off-peak ridership, and a 25% increase in monthly pass sales under a new fare pilot. He warned, however, that Metrolink faces a fiscal cliff: member agencies now cover about 72% of operating costs while fares cover about 11%, and without a dedicated revenue source the agency may need to cut service, reduce stations, or end later-evening and weekend trips. He said Metrolink has limited ability to monetize stations or parking because it does not own most of the relevant property or rights. Caltrain’s Jason Baker described the success of electrified service, with ridership up 57% year over year and customer satisfaction at record highs, but said Caltrain also faces a projected $75 million annual operating deficit and may need to consider service cuts if stable funding is not found. He highlighted revenue efforts such as energy regeneration compensation, parking and concession reviews, station development, and a planned battery-electric pilot to extend zero-emission service south of San Jose.

Transcript Highlights:

• grow their CTE program, they had the desire to change from one facility to another and expand a maintenance
• grow their CTE program, they had the desire to change from one facility to another and expand a maintenance
• So this adds to our item, our existing special for maintenance and construction.
• It was emphasized by the department the need for a little more flexibility, not just maintenance, but
• scenario comes up another $4 million in income support budget, also moves some of the Medicaid maintenance

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So as we start passing maintenance bills, as we start passing enhancement bills or any trailer bills,
• However, they submitted a maintenance budget request this year, and so they don't have a formal budget
• However, they submitted a maintenance budget request this year, and so they don't have a formal budget
• Department of Health and Welfare is asking for the removal of two sections of language from the maintenance
• Department of Health and Welfare is asking for the removal of two sections of language from the maintenance

Summary: JFAC began with a presentation from Legislative Services on the general fund and the “green sheet,” explaining how the committee tracks starting cash, revenue forecasts, transfers, appropriations, and ending balances. The analyst walked through general fund revenue sources, the difference between transfers and expenditures, structural balance, and how the green sheet is used to compare current-year collections against forecasts. Members asked about continuously appropriated funds, federal dollars, sales tax exemptions, and cash reconciliation issues tied to the state’s new Luma finance system and interest allocations. The discussion also covered the revenue monitor and how the committee can use it to track collections against forecasted amounts. The committee then moved into the Department of Health and Welfare’s overall budget overview. Legislative Services reviewed the department’s size, organizational structure, vacancy rate, five-year spending trends, and the role of continuously appropriated funds such as the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and Rural Physician Fund. Members asked about personnel vacancy rates, reverted funds, and whether the department could provide a list of subgrants and trustee-and-benefit payments. Department officials explained that some vacancies reflected a department-wide review, hiring freeze, and FTP realignment, including moving positions to State Hospital South and reverting some federal spending authority. They also said the department was actively filling funded positions and would provide additional information on grants and other payments. The committee then heard the first division-level budget presentation for Indirect Support Services. The analyst described the division’s role in centralized administration, IT, legal, communications, and management support, along with its staffing, historical expenditures, and base budget changes. The division’s budget request included a one-time irrigation system project at State Hospital West, a fund adjustment for the background check unit, the transfer of 58 FTP and related costs to the Office of Information Technology as part of modernization, and a request to remove restrictive budget language on personnel and trustee-and-benefit transfers. The governor’s recommendation also included support for some replacement items and a major new item tied to Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including 12 limited-service FTP in 2026, ongoing FTP in 2027, and $294 million in one-time operating funds. Members questioned the need for the new FTP, the use of AI, the definition of “rural,” and the mechanics of the IT transfer; department and ITS officials explained the transfer was a budget shift of personnel and operating costs, not a net increase in staffing. The committee adjourned after members also raised broader concerns about public input on Health and Welfare budgets and suggested a joint public meeting with the Health and Welfare committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our maintenance staff does amazing work down there.
• forward is That if I can get our facilities repaired and in good shape, I can build in a deferred maintenance
• We still have to have the maintenance for the software, but we don't have to have to manage agreement
• And then secured property maintenance.
• Box truck, no, you Provided that, for we do have the maintenance, the secure storage, no website design

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• of them up with programs like Mount Sai or manufacturing programs who can support their vessel maintenance
• needs of commercial fishing companies based in Washington, many of which fish in Alaska, but do our maintenance
• We are one of the largest marine maintenance and modernization companies in the United States, with a
• We are one of the largest marine maintenance and modernization companies in the United States with footprint
• Manufacturing includes three different pathways: maintenance, installation and repair; manufacturing;

Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• pool in the amount of $88,000 and also from the 2224 maintenance pool in the amount of $50,000.
• PR 5723 for the Department of Highways in Whitley County, which is being utilized as a temporary maintenance
• which is being utilized as<00:20:46.000><c> a</c><00:20:46.159><c> temporary</c><00:20:46.559><c> maintenance
• </c><00:20:46.960><c> facility</c><00:20:47.919><c> and</c> as a temporary maintenance facility and as
• a temporary maintenance facility and includes includes includes 37,329<00:20:50.480><c> ft</c><00:20

Summary: The committee first approved the February minutes and noted there had been no March meeting. Staff then provided a series of information items, including quarterly capital project status reports from state agencies and postsecondary institutions, a University of Kentucky equipment purchase report, notice that the committee took no action on certain March transactions, school district debt notices for Fayette and Jessamine counties, lease-space advertisements due to building conditions, a Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission report, and asset preservation project reports from KCTCS and Eastern Kentucky University. The committee then heard and unanimously approved Murray State University’s request for interim authorization to use institutional revenues for a $1.5 million roof replacement at the Curs Center student center. University of Kentucky also received unanimous approval for a $115 million public-private partnership project to expand Parking Structure 7 and the Johnson Center recreation space; testimony emphasized the loss of parking from hospital expansion, increased student enrollment, a planned $21 per semester recreation fee increase, and the goal of improving student retention and campus capacity. Next, the committee received a report on a Kentucky State Police Post 11 renovation in London funded at $1.138 million, with members asking how long the repairs would extend the building’s useful life; KSP said the work was a long-term investment and replacement was still many years away. The committee also approved multiple real property lease actions, including a new CHFS lease in Scott County, several lease renewals for the Commonwealth’s Attorney, CHFS, Transportation Cabinet, and a Secretary of State relocation lease tied to a capital renovation project. Members questioned one Jefferson County lease rate and the witness said it had been in place since 2007. Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented three water loan items, which were rolled and then approved: an $841,383 East Clark County Water District loan for waterline upgrades, a roughly $6.13 million Oldham County Water District loan for US 42 improvements, and a $619,180 increase for Canonsburg Water District’s Schopes Road project due to higher-than-expected bids. The committee then approved eight K-12 school facility issuances, including projects in Clinton, Franklin, Fulton, Lincoln, McLean, Paris, Somerset, and Spencer counties, covering early childhood, new school construction, HVAC, energy conservation, and renovations. The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting date and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• brought before the city of North Miami Beach because the city of North Miami Beach had sold the maintenance
• Who is responsible for the potable water lines, the maintenance, repair, and replacement of potable water
• Who is responsible for the potable water lines, the maintenance, repair, and replacement of potable water
• Currently, North Miami Beach has over $27 million in active projects and maintenance in the incorporated
• So Miami Gardens is willing, if this bill passes, to assume all maintenance costs.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The requested positions are essential to continue the maintenance and operations of what has already
• requesting $10.3 million in one-time spending authority from the federal trust fund to support the maintenance
• system for vulnerabilities and performance enhancements, connectivity costs with counties, and the maintenance
• provide funding to support the final months of the project execution and the first few months of maintenance
• That includes one fiscal year of M&O, maintenance and operations.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.