Transcript Highlights:

• I manage a network of federally qualified health centers. Okay. It's part of my organization.
• Within this framework, DHCS administers and supports California's 988 crisis center network.
• This includes server racks, network ingress points, and secure cloud connectivity points.
• Counties have also helped in the buildout of the 988 call center network.
• I'm the executive director of Native Dads Network.

Summary: The joint Assembly Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an oversight hearing on AB 988, California’s 988 crisis line and mobile crisis response system, followed by a discussion of suicide prevention and intervention in California Indian communities. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that AB 988 was intended to create a true alternative to 911 for behavioral health crises, with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and that Native communities continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and barriers to culturally responsive care. The first panel of call center and stakeholder witnesses largely argued that implementation is falling short of the law’s intent. They said 988 call centers are underfunded, text/chat answer rates remain far below call answer rates, staffing is strained, and the system still lacks meaningful statewide interoperability between 988 and 911. Several witnesses said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 as envisioned, and that funding formulas and governance are too opaque. San Joaquin County was presented as a local success story, with integrated 988, access lines, and mobile crisis handoffs that have reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds. Witnesses also discussed the need for better tribal outreach, the role of CCBHCs, and the importance of culturally competent services. State officials from CalHHS and DHCS described the five-year 988 implementation plan, the current governance structure across multiple agencies, and efforts to support training, public awareness, and referral tools. They reported growth in 988 contacts, ongoing training with the Trevor Project, a statewide resource directory, and a tribal awareness campaign. DHCS also outlined proposed trailer bill language that would create a formal designation process for 988 centers, set statewide standards, and require existing centers to obtain designation by 2029. Officials said current funding includes SAMHSA grants, block grant dollars, and an expected $67.3 million from the 988 fund in the next budget year, with a large share earmarked for Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kingston, will the members, guests, and employees please stand in a moment of silent tribute in the memory
• Kingston, will the members, guests, and employees please stand in a moment of silent tribute in the memory
• Representative Shand of Newburyport moves that when the House adjourns today, it do so in respect to the memory

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then acted on a Rules Committee report recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12 for several petitions, including proposals on LGBTQIA+ parent advisory councils in public schools, school safety, and ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking. The House voted to suspend the rules and Joint Rule 12, allowing those petitions to proceed to the named committees. Members also recognized the Weston High School Girls Swim and Dive Team, introduced as guests of Representative Peisch, for winning their third overall and second consecutive MIAA Division 2 state championship. The chamber then observed a moment of silent tribute for Margie Claussen Burgess of Plymouth, honoring her long record of community service, including 23 years on the Plymouth School Committee and work with several local civic organizations. The House adopted an order to adjourn on Thursday at 11 a.m. and approved a special adjournment in memory of Nicholas J. Costello, who served in both the House and Senate. The House then voted to adjourn and will next meet Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• memorial fund. >> Yeah, hold on. >> Well, I actually got this one.
• So, the first fund we have is our law enforcement memorial fund.
• It started probably about '93, '94 when the law enforcement memorial that is at the LOB building was
• Memorial Officers Association. And the law does allow that organization to privately fundraise.
• Um, and they can actually pay for the memorial plaques that go on the memorial.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when it also says a large group of network computer servers and large amounts of data, what is large
• also says a large large group of network computer<01:51:53.760> servers<01:51:54.639> and<
• Nitrous oxide abuse has been linked to memory loss, B12 depletion, brain and nerve damage, paralysis,
• c><05:13:59.120> been<05:13:59.280> linked<05:13:59.440> to<05:13:59.600> memory
• <05:13:59.920> loss, abuse has been linked to memory loss, abuse has been linked to memory

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:07:52.319> a It was a real privilege to be a part of a nationwide, deeply nonpartisan network
• Chair and I just um want to<01:58:00.480> refresh<01:58:00.800> my<01:58:01.040> memory
• So the DOE and the to refresh my memory.
• Madam Chair, I just want to refresh my memory.
• I just was refreshing my memory. I wanted to make sure. Thank you. Any other questions?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and are struggling to find accessible in-network care.
• Their dentist has left Delta's provider network, or they are forced to go out of network.
• Why can't I find a dentist in network?
• The PPO network through Delta Dental is strong and accessible.
• However, overall, their provider network remains strong.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear status updates from the state auditor and consider several new audit requests. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, including a new 2026 audit on DMV license revocation, and noted other statutory audits on the State Bar exam rollout, CSU/UC Title IX implementation, tobacco tax, state financial statements, federal compliance, and high-risk issues such as late financial reporting, Medi-Cal eligibility, and water infrastructure safety. The committee approved a consent calendar covering audits on UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s request to audit SANDAG’s road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly used and documented, citing prior problems with tolling and financial oversight. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, has improved internal controls, and believed its funding uses were appropriate. Several members questioned whether the audit duplicated existing reviews and whether the issues were already public, and the request ultimately failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ administration of Proposition 47 grants. Supporters said the audit would assess whether grant recipients comply with requirements and whether outcome and recidivism data are reliable, while BSCC said the program already has oversight, including biennial State Controller audits, and pointed to reported reductions in homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism. The committee approved the audit. Senator Cortese’s request to audit CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract also passed, with supporters citing rising out-of-pocket costs, provider network problems, and the long-running contract’s lack of competition; CalHR responded that most members have nearby access, it recently ran an RFP, and it will add MetLife as a second carrier in 2027. The committee then approved the remaining consent items and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We respectfully urge you to join the California Black Health Network, the Greater Sacramento Urban League
• Omar Altamini with the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network in support. Thank you.
• The provider network that you are going to be tapping into are all California-based.
• Good afternoon, Omaral Tamimi, California Panethnic Health Network, in support. Thank you.
• Omer Altamimi, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, in support. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on March 25, 2025, with Chair Mia Bonta presiding and initially operating as a subcommittee until quorum was established. The committee heard several health-related bills, including AB 73 on creating a Black Mental Health Navigator certification, AB 499 on lowering the state reimbursement trigger for the Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan, AB 843 on aligning California health insurance language-access rules with federal standards, AB 257 on a specialty care network using telehealth and virtual services for Medi-Cal and underserved communities, AB 64 on allowing diacritical marks on vital records, AB 315 on the Home and Community-Based Alternatives waiver, and AB 40 on clarifying that emergency services include reproductive health services such as abortion. Testimony generally emphasized disparities in access, culturally competent care, language access, rural provider shortages, and the importance of preserving or expanding programs that help vulnerable populations. Supporters included authors, state and local health organizations, advocacy groups, and affected individuals. AB 73 was backed as a way to address stigma, mistrust, and culturally competent mental health access for Black Californians. AB 499 was described as helping keep a self-insured farmworker health plan operational while maintaining a low-cost, labor-management model. AB 843 was supported as a way to prevent children and families from having to translate sensitive medical and insurance information and to protect limited-English-proficient Californians. AB 257 drew support as a demonstration project to improve specialty care access through California-based clinicians and virtual care, with examples of reduced wait times and costs. AB 64 received emotional testimony from the author, a child and his family, and others about the importance of accurately recording names with accents and other marks. AB 315 was presented as a cost-neutral or cost-saving way to expand home- and community-based care for medically fragile people, with strong support from disability, health, and provider groups. AB 40 drew support from reproductive health and medical organizations, while one opposition witness argued it could conflict with emergency care standards and overburden emergency departments. The committee took roll-call votes and advanced AB 499, AB 73, AB 843, AB 257, AB 64, AB 315, and AB 40 to Appropriations, with AB 40 receiving some no votes. The committee also adopted its 2025-26 rules and approved a consent calendar that included AB 225, AB 304, AB 403, AB 688, and AB 951. Several measures were initially placed on call and later lifted and recorded as passing out of committee before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• To that end, we are going to take up an adjournment in memory at this time.
• Assembly Member Muratsuchi, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory. Sorry.
• Assembly Member Muratsuchi, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.
• He passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at Torrance Memorial Hospital.
• All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Summary: The chamber reconvened after a late-night session and first adopted the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range, by a 48-0 vote. Members then took up several Senate bills and Assembly measures, with repeated remarks about the long hours and the need to respect staff and keep proceedings moving. A vote change was also announced for Assembly Member Patel on SB 414, changing from aye to not voting. The main policy debate centered on energy, climate, and affordability. SB 237, dealing with oil and gas policy, refinery closures, pipeline safety, Kern County permitting, gasoline blend flexibility, and regional fuel coordination, drew strong support from members who framed it as a managed transition to stabilize fuel supply and protect jobs, and strong opposition from members who called it a giveaway to oil interests and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package, included wildfire mitigation financing, a successor wildfire fund, transmission cost reductions, clean energy permitting changes, and energization timelines; members raised some concerns about local control, but the bill passed 58-0. SB 840 and AB 1207 advanced the cap-and-invest reauthorization package, with supporters emphasizing emissions reductions, housing, transit, wildfire prevention, and community air programs, while opponents argued it would raise costs and function as a tax-and-spend scheme. SB 840 passed 54-15 and AB 1207 passed 55-10, both with urgency and immediate transmittal. Members also approved SB 352, which makes the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and requires air quality monitoring and reporting on AB 617 implementation, by 43-19. AB 825, authorizing California to help establish a Westwide electricity market, was presented as a way to lower bills, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; it passed 67-2 and was sent to the Governor. Additional actions included concurrence in Senate amendments to AB 8 on cannabinoids and AB 383 on firearms cleanup, and the chamber began consideration of AB 764 on wildlife as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a long memory is a 325,000. Yes, no dollars are is required follow-up.
• You're recognized to explain the memorial. >> Thank you, Mr.
• Chairman Senator Senate Memorial Ce 6 see is a memorial to the secretary of the United States Department
• That is the bill that is a memorial. >> Mr. The questions of the sponsor on the memorial questions.
• Thank you, Senator Gruters having. >> Closed on the Senate Memorial.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• their communities. community, the chance to gain real job skills, and the chance to build social networks
• This program provided resources for resume and CV building. and networking opportunities.
• They were very much removed from their network bases, and some of them really haven't returned.
• 7,300 miles and are in the construction phase for over 3,000 miles of the approximate 8,000-mile network
• CDT and its partners remain committed to completing the middle-mile broadband network by the December

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• along with charter charter networks along with charter collaboratives<00:57:34.559> would<00:
• <00:57:45.440> who<00:57:45.760> are uh again along with networks who are uh again
• <00:57:58.319> is that does have charter networks is that does have charter networks is understanding
• I do hope we can continue to talk about networks, because that could be one, two, or three schools.
• I do hope we can continue to talk about networks, because that could be one, two, or three schools.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and tributes, including recognition of American Red Cross Day and reminders about committee meetings. Members also marked St. Patrick’s Day with light remarks and a limerick before moving into floor business. Committee reports were read, including a recommendation to refer House Joint Resolution 1021 on farmers markets to the House for final action and to postpone House Bill 1270 indefinitely, along with favorable reports on other bills. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1021, which supports Colorado farmers markets, local food access, Double Up Food Bucks, and the partnership between the Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Farmers Market Association. The sponsor and other members spoke in favor, emphasizing the value of farmers markets to local economies, small producers, and access to fresh food. The House suspended the rules for immediate consideration, then adopted the resolution unanimously, 58-0, with seven excused. The House next moved through third-reading votes on several bills. Senate Bill 74, concerning penalties in public construction performance bond disputes, passed 59-0; House Bill 1252, updating state entities responding to emergencies, passed 52-7; Senate Bill 16, prohibiting discharge of pre-production plastic materials, passed 41-0; Senate Bill 37, allowing local elected judicial officers to set weekend bonds, passed 59-0; and House Bill 1253, on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality, passed 48-11. The body also set House Bill 1299 and House Bill 1102 as special orders. The House then began special-order consideration of House Bill 1299, a school administrative-relief measure aimed at reducing reporting burdens. Sponsors described provisions modernizing missing-children reporting, repealing outdated paper-and-pencil assessment policy requirements, aligning statute with State Board rules on unified improvement plans for smaller districts, and clarifying mandatory versus voluntary reporting. Members discussed an amendment to strike “or charter school collaborative,” with concerns that collaborative schools may need separate improvement plans if their programs differ. The amendment and the committee report were both adopted, and debate on the bill continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Holy God, as we find ourselves looking forward to parades and picnics and pool openings this Memorial
• communities who sent their loved ones off to war and now lay flowers on a gravestone just to sustain the memory
• In memory of our fallen and in the strength of your eternal name, we pray. Amen. Amen.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit, LEO, a satellite broadband network.
• Our name is a nod to the architecture of the network.
• So I just wanted to provide a quick overview of what the Leo network is.
• This would be a great sort of fill-in-the-gap network.
• new launch adds coverage and capacity to our network.

Summary: The committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and heard a series of presentations focused on Florida’s space and aerospace industry. Blue Origin’s Anna Spencer described the company’s Florida operations at Rocket Park, including New Glenn manufacturing and launch activities, Blue Moon lunar lander work, workforce development, and recent booster recovery and launch milestones. Amazon’s Beth Cooley presented an update on Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), outlining the satellite broadband network, customer terminals, dark skies mitigation efforts, Florida facilities and jobs, and launch plans; members asked about RV/mobile applications, satellite counts, and the role of fiber, but no action was taken. Starcatcher Industries CEO Andrew Rush then described his company’s effort to create an orbital energy grid that beams power to satellites to extend mission life and increase available power, citing demonstrations in Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral and plans for a first satellite launch next year. Space Florida CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace sector, citing billions in private investment, hundreds of projects in the pipeline, the leverage of state spaceport funding, workforce and university programs, and the need for additional tools and infrastructure to keep Florida competitive. He emphasized growth in launch activity, manufacturing, research, and military support infrastructure, and said Space Florida would bring forward legislative proposals. Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro delivered the strongest policy message of the meeting, warning that KSC’s aging infrastructure and relatively smaller NASA budget share could cause Florida to lose aerospace leadership to states like Texas unless the state strengthens its partnership, research investment, and infrastructure support. Members questioned her about federal restrictions on commercial investment in common-use infrastructure, the need for more state-federal alignment, and how Florida can preserve its role as the launch capital of the world. After the presentations and questions, Senator Burgess moved to adjourn, there was no objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our network consists of 76 cell towers connected primarily through a microwave network that ties into
• That's one of the problems; there's been no inflation adjustment, yet networks keep getting more and
• and data. and the devices, the networking devices, for example, that make up the network.
• Out of those 76, three do not have networks, so you will see 73 further down in the slide deck.
• First and foremost, it protects the privacy and security of state-owned or state- networks, applications

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of the Honorable Mary C.
• We ask for a moment of silence in memory of the Honorable Mary C. Fitzpatrick. Thank you.
• The Senate stands adjourned in memory of the Honorable Mary C.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a filed report from the Office of the Comptroller on its fiscal year 2025 deficiency report, which was ordered printed in the Senate Journal and placed on file. Senator Durant then welcomed members of the Longmeadow Lancers cross-country team, along with Representative Brian Ashe, to congratulate them on winning the Division 2 state championship, the program’s first-ever title. The main action of the session was a motion that the Senate adjourn in memory of the Honorable Mary C. Fitzpatrick, a longtime and distinguished probate and family court judge and the first woman to lead a major trial court department in Massachusetts. The Senate adopted the motion, observed a moment of silence, and noted her career, honors, and public service. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and to reconvene on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Judge Fitzpatrick.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tarr, moves that the Senate adjourn today in memory of former Gloucester Chief of Police James Amar Sr
• I'd ask for a moment of silence in memory of former Gloucester Chief of Police James A. Marr Sr.
• And the Senate stands adjourned in memory of former Gloucester Chief of Police James Amar Sr. to meet

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened briefly with the Pledge of Allegiance, then recessed to recognize guests in the chamber. Senator O’Connor welcomed two young people connected to his office: Luke Donlin, a Situate High School junior who had been shadowing and previously served as a State House tour guide, and Oliver Hobson, a Cohasset intern who had been accepted to law school. The chair also noted the work of the 250th Special Commission, upcoming USS Hudner participation in Evacuation Day ceremonies, and the Commonwealth’s observance of Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Senator Tarr then moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of former Gloucester Chief of Police James Amar Sr. The motion was adopted after a brief tribute highlighting his long service to the Gloucester Police Department, his tenure as chief from 1989 to 2003, and his community involvement and honors. A moment of silence was observed for Chief Amar, and the Senate then adjourned in his memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Mr. Edward F.
• Accordingly, a mark of respect in the memory of Mr. Edward F. Kenney was requested.
• The Senate now stands adjourned to meet again on Thursday next at 11 a.m., in memory of Edward F.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several routine matters. It considered final passage of H. 4364, an act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne, requiring a standing vote for adoption of an emergency preamble. The chamber also adopted a resolution honoring Knights of Columbus Leo Council 508 on its 125th anniversary. The Senate then advanced two Marblehead local bills to third reading: one authorizing the town to amend its parking violations law under Chapter 37 of the Acts of 2004, and another increasing the membership of the town’s board of health from three to five members. The committee on rules reported several Senate petitions and recommended suspension of Joint Rule 12; the Senate also suspended Senate Rule 36 to allow matters to be considered forthwith, and Joint Rule 12 was suspended. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m., with the calendar printing dispensed with. Before adjournment, the chamber voted to adjourn in memory of Edward F. Kenney of South Boston, a World War II Navy veteran and retired Boston firefighter, and observed a moment of silence in his honor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that the work that's currently being done um uh with the network that that we have certainly
• And, you know, if it doesn't, we think we still have a very strong network of um work that happens on
• I think that the work that's currently being done um uh with the network that that we have certainly
• And, you know, if it doesn't, we think we still have a very strong network of um work that happens on
• the campuses. robust uh blood drive um network that robust uh blood drive um network that that<00:47

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the House and Senate side-by-side for higher education-related legislation, with staff identifying Senate-only, House-only, identical, and technical-difference provisions. Topics included paid blood donation leave for Minnesota State employees, a revised higher education attainment goal, athletic fee restrictions, developmental course disclosures, American Indian Scholars Program eligibility, protections and definitions for pregnant and parenting students, online program management contracts, student aid reporting, work-study and dual training grants, private and out-of-state postsecondary education regulation, private career school licensing and data privacy, college savings plan changes, and several University of Minnesota-related provisions. House-only items also included an unemployment insurance aid adjustment, a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and $5,000 for Bemidji State University reforestation; Senate-only items included Board of Regents appointment language, limits on for-profit control of medical school curriculum, and reporting on for-profit funding in medical education. After the walkthrough, the committee moved to adopt the same and similar provisions and direct staff to make technical corrections. A senator asked about proposed adjustments to the pregnant and parenting student language, and the chair said amendments would be considered after adopting the same and similar provisions. The motion to adopt prevailed. During public testimony, Sydney Spre of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the Senate’s paid blood donation leave language, saying it would create parity for Minnesota State employees and encourage blood and plasma donation. Commissioner Dennis Olsen of the Office of Higher Education thanked the committee for adopting most of the agency’s proposed language and said he was available to help clarify remaining differences. In response to questions, he explained the Senate’s higher education attainment goal proposal, saying it would extend and broaden the existing goal, raise the target from 70% to 75%, expand the age range, and use additional metrics and partner agencies; he also said the overall attainment rate had been 63.5 under the prior goal. The transcript ends as the commissioner was being asked whether the proposal would require additional appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• City streets are a really important part of the statewide transportation network, and cities and the
• And when I say current network, I mean current road network for car driving.
• We did focus more on what is needed to maintain the current network to preserve the road network that
• And when I say current network, I mean current road network for car driving.
• We did focus more on what is needed to maintain the current network to preserve the road network that

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is language that has been worked on by Hennepin County, certainly involving North Memorial, that
• North Memorial that is involved in this program, and also the Minnesota Twins.
• The county and North Memorial Hospital, which is in my district.
• And North Memorial. I just wanted to get that on the record. Thank you for that clarification.
• And North Memorial. I just wanted to get that on the record. Thank you for that clarification.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all