Transcript Highlights:

• that work the better angels of ourselves on behalf of all tech Texans, whom we have been given the privilege
• Third Ward, today is my privilege to welcome Chancellor Renu Kator.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• get, I don’t know, 2 megawatts per hour, the electric company’s going to want you to pay for that privilege
• requirements for running electrical lines across my property, and you're going to pay me for the privilege
• requirements for running electrical lines across my property, and you're going to pay me for the privilege
• requirements for running electrical lines across my property, and you're going to pay me for the privilege
• requirements for running electrical lines across my property, and you're going to pay me for the privilege

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair will not at this point determine whether the resolution constitutes a question of privilege
• constitutes a question of privilege. constitutes a question of privilege.
• A bill to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to clarify entrance privileges for vehicles
• to be here today and to speak privilege to be here today and to speak in<04:47:59.480> support
• I'm privileged to yield 3 minutes to the bill sponsor, the gentleman from North Carolina and a member

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Figures, may I please have a point of personal privilege? You're recognized.
• President, may I be recognized for a brief moment of personal privilege? >> Mr.
• President, may I be recognized for a brief moment of personal privilege?
• brief moment of personal privilege? brief moment of personal privilege?
• privilege, please? privilege, please? >> Yes,<02:22:56.240> sir.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group. During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child. The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I just want to make sure that I don't violate the attorney-client privilege in this setting, but
• So I think number one I just back to the attorney client of privilege piece just in terms of how they
• I just want to make sure that I don't violate the attorney client privilege.
• <00:52:28.880> That's<00:52:29.040> that's attorney client privilege.
• That's that's attorney client privilege.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH. Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities. In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I feel privileged to be sitting before him and everybody else this morning.
• And as a moment of chair's privilege, I just want to say it's really cool to see you here.
• The value of this privilege is not declining.
• <02:30:45.200> But<02:30:45.280> I this privilege is not declining.
• But I this privilege is not declining.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I just want to make sure that I don't violate the attorney-client privilege in this setting.
• But I in privilege in this setting.
• I just want to make sure that I don't violate the attorney-client privilege.
• <00:50:14.559> piece to the attorney client privilege piece to the attorney client privilege
• I just want to make sure that I don't violate the attorney-client privilege.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: A joint informational briefing of the House and Senate higher education committees focused on how the University of Hawaiʻi athletics department plans to remain competitive in the new NIL era, including the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, direct institutional payments, and the need to balance competitiveness with the university’s educational mission. Senators and committee members introduced themselves, and the briefing featured remarks from women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, football coach Timmy Chang, and Athletic Director Matt Elliott. Coach Beeman said NIL has already affected recruiting and retention in women’s basketball, estimating the program has lost six to 10 student-athletes because it lacks the funding to keep comparable talent. She emphasized that the issue is not greed but retention, culture, and keeping student-athletes who value the university and community, while also using NIL as a way to teach financial literacy, privacy, and adult responsibilities. Coach Chang described similar pressures in football, including transfer portal volatility and competing offers from other programs, and gave examples of players whose personal and family circumstances made NIL support important for staying at Hawaiʻi. Athletic Director Elliott said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the top of the Mountain West, and strengthen community ties. He said the department wants to preserve the educational focus while adapting to a system in which student-athletes can share in revenue. Elliott explained that UH is seeking a $5 million annual NIL fund, is fundraising through the community and the “Boost the Bose” account, and is also pursuing individual NIL deals, corporate sponsorship-related deals, and licensing opportunities. In response to Senator Kim’s question, he said NIL compensation can come through two tracks: institutional payments within the department’s discretion and outside deals that must be reviewed for market value under the new reporting system. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my privilege to serve as attorney general of our commonwealth. Uh, I appreciate Mr.
• It's my privilege<00:05:16.479> to<00:05:16.720> serve<00:05:16.880> as<00:05:17.039
• > attorney<00:05:17.360> general privilege to serve as attorney general privilege to serve
• Chairman, I have the privilege of having my name on the door for now, knock on wood, and the privilege
• Um, if I'm<00:36:17.119> honored<00:36:17.680> and<00:36:17.920> privileged<00:36

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 Office of the Attorney General Update: 00:04:52 Department of Kentucky State Police Update: 00:44:57, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• once shared that we must go beyond the loudest voices, the people already in the room, and our own privilege
• once shared that we must go beyond the loudest voices, the people already in the room, and our own privilege
• room<01:26:21.960> and<01:26:22.199> our<01:26:22.560> own<01:26:23.080> privilege
• <01:26:23.719> to<01:26:23.920> listen room and our own privilege to listen room and
• our own privilege to listen listen<01:26:24.639> and<01:26:24.840> learn<01:26:25.560>

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my great honor and privilege to welcome back a friend and mentor of mine, former Chair Carlos Mariani
• It was an incredible privilege for me to do what you do: lawmaking for the state of Minnesota and helping
• people here uh it was an incredible good people here uh it was an incredible uh<00:02:14.879> privilege
• :16.319> do<00:02:17.239> what<00:02:17.400> you<00:02:17.599> do uh privilege
• uh for me to do what you do uh privilege uh for me to do what you do uh<00:02:18.360> law<00:

Bills: HF2090, HF982, HF2229

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• was negotiated, I wasn't here at the time, so it would likely also be subject to attorney-client privilege
• <00:58:10.880> client to given attorney attorney client to given attorney attorney client privilege
• > they<00:58:12.520> specifically<00:58:13.039> relate<00:58:13.359> to privilege
• as they specifically relate to privilege as they specifically relate to like<00:58:13.720> MD's
• um but thank attorney client privilege um but thank you<01:02:18.520> I<01:02:19.000> these

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee met to hear a delayed presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on MDE’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a report released in June 2024. The chair framed the hearing as an oversight review of how the Minnesota Department of Education handled the nonprofit’s participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, emphasizing that the hearing was not about criminal charges against agency staff. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Director of Special Reviews Katherine Tyson explained that their review focused on state oversight, not the underlying federal fraud case, which involved an alleged $250 million scheme and ongoing criminal proceedings. The auditors concluded that MDE’s oversight was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. They said MDE failed to act on warning signs before the pandemic, did not effectively use its authority to hold Feeding Our Future accountable, and was ill prepared to respond to problems. Examples included approving applications despite concerns about internal controls and staffing, failing to follow up on earlier review findings, not adequately investigating at least 30 complaints, and in one case referring a complaint back to Feeding Our Future for resolution rather than conducting an independent investigation. They also said MDE deferred serious deficiencies without enough evidence that problems had been fully corrected and approved meal claims despite records showing major inconsistencies. Tyson said MDE had made progress on all eight recommendations in the report, though one recommendation to the legislature had not yet been addressed because the session had not convened since the report’s release. The auditors recommended that the legislature establish clearer statutory criteria or give MDE rulemaking authority for sponsor applications, and that MDE strengthen verification of sponsor information, focus more on high-risk sponsors, improve complaint procedures, and emphasize program integrity if waivers reduce oversight in the future. In response to member questions, the auditors said MDE’s reported progress was partial in some areas and that further review would be needed to fully confirm implementation. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whoever it is, I hope you know it is an honor and a privilege to serve in this role.
• And whoever it is, I hope you know it is an honor and a privilege to serve in this role.
• And whoever it is, I hope you know it is an honor and a privilege to serve in this role.
• I think you get the best ideas and for all of you it has just been a privilege to serve. Thank you.
• <01:21:43.280> to of you it has just been a privilege to of you it has just been a privilege

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He did not even claim privilege.
• Every time I had the privilege to be in the same room as John, the first thing I would say to him is,
• But really, I had the privilege of joining yours.
• I had the privilege of joining yours, and my life has changed because of who you are and the choices
• And since I've been elected, for those who don't know, I have had the honor and privilege of serving

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• for birth and childbearing services, if all of these individuals are also going to have to have privileges
• <01:30:51.280> medical abortions have uh full medical abortions have uh full medical privileges
• privileges at their local hospitals. privileges at their local hospitals. that<01:30:54.000>
• <01:31:18.800> to<01:31:19.040> the<01:31:19.360> local to have uh privileges
• to the local to have uh privileges to the local hospitals<01:31:20.159> and<01:31:20.480>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As an outfitter, I have the privilege of guiding the public on public lands.
• <01:04:36.319> of outfitter, I have the privilege of outfitter, I have the privilege of guiding
• Again, I have the privilege of doing this as a professional, but I encourage you to invite a friend,
• As a 20-year-old young man who has had<01:09:49.120> the<01:09:49.440> privilege<01:09:
• harvest had the privilege to personally harvest 18<01:09:51.359> big<01:09:51.600> game

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• that, within the Bill of Rights, no member shall be disenfranchised or deprived of any rights or privileges
• that, within the Bill of Rights, no member shall be disenfranchised or deprived of any rights or privileges
• that, within the Bill of Rights, no member shall be disenfranchised or deprived of any rights or privileges
• Within the Bill of Rights, no member shall be disenfranchised or deprived of any rights or privileges
• written into law have instead privileges written into law this<01:32:43.679> permits<01:32:44.159

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Elections Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first considered the reappointment of Steven Swanson to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Swanson described his background in legal aid, lobbying, judging, and international rule-of-law work, and said he wanted to continue serving the public. Committee members praised his experience and discussed the importance of campaign finance oversight, including preventing corporate participation in Minnesota elections. Senator Wosinski moved to recommend Swanson’s confirmation, and the motion was adopted. The committee then heard Senate File 529, a proposed constitutional amendment to state that elections shall be free, fair, and equal, and that no civil or military power may interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote. Senator Dibble presented the bill as a way to strengthen voting rights and provide a constitutional basis to challenge voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unfair campaign practices. Testimony in support came from David Fischer of Clean Elections Minnesota and Jean Massie of Fair Vote Minnesota, both of whom argued the amendment would protect access to voting, increase confidence in elections, and align Minnesota with other states that have similar language. Members discussed whether the amendment’s broad language could invite judicial interpretation or affect future election laws. Senator Koran questioned how the proposal would improve Minnesota’s already high turnout, while Senator Grant raised concerns that the terms “free, fair, and equal” were undefined and could shift power to the courts. Senator Lucero proposed an oral amendment to add “ensuring one eligible citizen, one vote” after the word “equal,” saying it would address concerns about future voter ID laws. The amendment was restated by counsel and discussed, with Senator Dibble saying it did not significantly harm the bill but suggesting it might imply a requirement he did not intend. The transcript ends during discussion of that oral amendment, and no final vote on the bill itself is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next order of business is points of personal privilege, and I ask that you recognize the Speaker of the
• House for a point of personal privilege.
• Speaker, a moment of personal privilege. Proceed, lady.
• Louis County, for a point of personal privilege. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from St.
• Working with them has been an honor and a privilege. I'd like to recognize our chief clerk, Mr.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next order of business is points of personal privilege, and I ask that you recognize the Speaker of the
• House for a point of personal privilege.
• Speaker, a moment of personal privilege. Proceed, lady.
• Louis County, for a point of personal privilege. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from St.
• Working with them has been an honor and a privilege. I'd like to recognize our chief clerk, Mr.

Summary: The House took up a series of conference committee reports and third-read Senate bills near the end of session, with several members also recognizing House drafters and research staff. The chamber first adopted and finally passed Senate Joint Resolution 87, which drew debate over whether the measure would remove the City of St. Louis sheriff as an elected office; supporters said the change also applied to other charter governments, while opponents argued it reduced local autonomy. The report and final passage both succeeded on 95-46 votes. Members then adopted and finally passed Senate Bill 973, a package combining a wholesaler/real estate transparency measure with a land bank provision. Senate Bill 1421, a broad public safety bill, was also advanced after a motion to exceed the conference differences; supporters highlighted provisions on clean slate, masked intimidation, prosecuting attorney salaries, fentanyl, gift card fraud, unmanned aircraft, and other public safety items. The conference report passed 116-18, the bill finally passed 110-25, and the emergency clause for the drone-related portion passed 136-5. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate Bills 835 and 1111, a combined conference report that included insurance consumer protections, court administration updates, treatment court and judgeship provisions, a St. Louis civil case surcharge, and the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. Senate Bill 1408 was stripped back to a single issue authorizing MoDOT to consider raising rural interstate speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, and it passed 93-46. Senate Bill 913, extending several agriculture tax credits and adding a short line railroad credit, prompted extended debate over tax credits, budget pressures, and whether such incentives should be extended now or later; a proposed child tax credit amendment was withdrawn, and the bill ultimately passed 107-30. The House then began debate on Senate Bill 1553, a critical minerals and pharmaceutical manufacturing incentive bill, with supporters framing it as a jobs and supply-chain security measure and opponents raising questions about tax incentives and local impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Vaisakhi celebration at the very first Sikh temple established
• I had the privilege of attending the Vaisakhi celebration at the very first Sikh temple established in
• As a member from San Diego, I had the privilege of participating in the San Diego API Coalition.
• As a member from San Diego, I had the privilege of participating in the San Diego API Coalition, which
• It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• colleagues have perfectly brought the key points forward, although I do have one point of personal privilege
• I was privileged to visit a, I forgot the name of it, in Los Angeles... From two weeks to 12 weeks.
• I was privileged to visit a, I forgot the name of it, in Los Angeles...
• I'm privileged to visit a, I forgot the name of it, in Los Angeles—the women's pre-apprenticeship program
• I'm privileged to visit a, I forgot the name of it, in Los Angeles—the women's pre-apprenticeship program

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget and trailer bill presentations focused on labor and public employment programs. The first item covered EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on customer service improvements, fraud prevention, language access, and the Integrated Claims Management System. The LAO urged stronger legislative oversight as the project enters its most difficult phase, and members questioned the revised schedule, total cost, change orders, stress testing, SB 1090 implementation, and how race and ethnicity data will be protected. EDD said the overall project cost remains about $1.2 billion, that the work is being phased with disability insurance and paid family leave first, and that fraud has been greatly reduced since pandemic-era programs ended. Members also asked for follow-up information on SB 590 outreach and equity impacts. The committee then reviewed the California Workforce Development Board’s request to reduce staffing as one-time grant workloads wind down, along with trailer bill language to streamline reporting requirements. The board and Department of Finance said the staffing reductions reflect the end of surge funding and that the proposal would consolidate roughly 10 to 12 reports into one annual report, with additional reporting only if new funds are appropriated for certain programs. Senator Durazo questioned the policy direction of reducing workforce staffing, while the administration said the positions were tied to temporary grant programs and that current staffing is sufficient for ongoing duties. Members also asked about the board’s role in AI-related workforce planning and the rationale for using state funds for the High Road Construction Careers Program. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund reforms and related staffing request at DIR. The administration and LAO described rapid growth in applications, backlog, and liabilities, saying the program’s eligibility has expanded beyond its original intent and that liabilities could reach about $30 billion by 2030 without reform. The trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply the changes to open cases, and use the QME process and contemporaneous evidence to document preexisting disabilities. Members raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, evaluator capacity, and the relationship to other SIBTF legislation, while the LAO said the proposal largely aligns with its prior recommendations. DIR also presented a request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, which drew criticism from members who argued the cuts could weaken enforcement and backlog reduction efforts; the committee asked DIR to return with more detail on impacts and on its use of temporary-help authority. The final items addressed a request for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff and a trailer bill to make permanent the revised Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition timeline. DIR said the BOI staffing would help investigate fatalities and serious injuries more quickly, while members emphasized the importance of family contact and timely investigations. For the WCAB item, the chair explained that the 2024 change to Labor Code section 5909, which starts the 60-day decision clock when a case is transmitted rather than when a petition is filed, has reduced pending cases and should be made permanent; the remaining backlog was reported at 460 cases, down from 637 before the change.