Transcript Highlights:

• experience as chair, I've heard firsthand from communities that are struggling to afford even basic home
• last year I introduced AB 353, which would have required ISPs in California to provide affordable home
• I have two laptops, and I have a landline at home.
• As you've heard, 91% of California households utilize high-speed internet access at home.
• Nearly nine out of 10 are using a computer or a tablet, not just a phone in their home.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee held an informational hearing on the state of broadband affordability in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the committee was examining how broadband prices, access, and affordability are affecting households, especially after the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and amid concerns about federal resistance to state broadband regulation. She noted the committee’s continued interest in policy options for 2026 and referenced prior legislation, including AB 353, that would have required affordable home internet as a condition of doing business in California. Industry witnesses from U.S. Telecom and CTIA argued that broadband and wireless prices have generally fallen in real terms even as inflation and other household costs have risen, citing competition, infrastructure investment, and faster speeds as the main drivers. They said California’s higher costs are tied to permitting delays, taxes, copper theft, and legacy obligations such as COLR requirements, and they urged the Legislature to preserve market incentives, reduce fees and regulatory burdens, and support infrastructure deployment. They also discussed fixed wireless access, federal BEAD funding, and Universal Service Fund reform, arguing that more entities benefiting from networks, including tech platforms, should contribute to support programs. Consumer and public-interest witnesses presented a different view, saying California still has a serious affordability and adoption problem, especially for low-income households. Sunny McPhee of the California Emerging Technology Fund said broadband adoption has improved dramatically over time, but about 500,000 households remain offline or underconnected and many low-income households still pay above the FCC affordability benchmark. Ernesto Falcon of the CPUC Public Advocates Office said California’s market is losing its competitive edge, with prices higher than in other states and meaningful price pressure coming mainly from fiber competition at the gigabit tier. He said roughly 4.8 million Californians are limited to one gigabit option and estimated that more competition could save consumers more than $1 billion annually. Both witnesses emphasized the need for stronger transparency, targeted subsidies, and a permanent affordability solution, including extending and refining the CPUC broadband Lifeline pilot and advancing SB 716. Public commenters, including representatives from cable providers, nonprofits, and digital equity organizations, largely supported SB 716 and a permanent broadband affordability program. Several urged the committee to remove a cap on the Lifeline program, expand the CPUC pilot, and invest in digital navigators, outreach, and enrollment assistance. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, after the chair thanked the witnesses and public commenters for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have cases in myriad other areas: predatory lending, junk fees, student loan services.
• I also happen to have at home one of those official-looking letters from Social Security.
• I also happen to have at home one of those official-looking letters from Social Security.
• Unnecessary home repairs, for example, or overcharging high-pressure sales at the doorfront.
• But to be fair, people try to go home on weekends.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Transcript Highlights:

• It usually tries to find a home near a water source.
• If you instead allow more homes on that same...
• Piece of land, the incentive becomes to build more homes.
• I just want to make sure that this isn't incentivizing really cheaply made homes.
• Sometimes they go out as grants, sometimes they go out as loans.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• THINK OF BUYING A HOME WITH NO HOME INSPECTION.
• SELLER IS PROVIDING THE BUYER AND RECEIVING THAT IT IS HARD TO READ AND INTERPRET ANY MORE THAN A HOME
• WE ARE GETTING CALLS EVERY DAY, THIS LOAN IS NOT GETTING THROUGH, WE NEED A COPY OF THE RESERVES.
• IN THESE ASSOCIATIONS THAT I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE TWO, THEY ENTER INTO LOAN AGREEMENTS
• STATEWIDE 50% OF THE CONDOMINIUMS TRADE ALL CASH VERSUS THE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME MARKET WHERE IT IS 30%

Transcript Highlights:

• serve by helping nurse soldiers, sailors, and aviators who needed their attention, whether it be at home
• Although these nurses returning home were greeted as heroines, many faced challenges reintegrating.
• Folks coming back home knew who they were, what they had done, but it is the duty and the obligation
• men and women and all those who served during the combat, who cared for them and helped bring them home
• Congress has already extended certain medical and home loan benefits to veterans of other allied countries

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard two resolutions honoring veterans. S.J.R. 14, authored by Senator Gabaldon, urges California’s congressional delegation to support federal legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and Navy Nurse Corps who served in World War II. Brigadier General Ruth Wong testified in strong support, describing the nurses’ frontline service, harsh conditions, discrimination, POW experiences, and long-overlooked sacrifices. Senators praised the measure and noted the historical significance of recognizing these women’s service. The committee also heard S.J.R. 17, presented by Senator Choi, which honors Republic of Korea veterans who fought alongside American troops in Vietnam and later became U.S. citizens. The resolution urges Congress and the President to allow states to extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries to these veterans without jeopardizing federal cemetery funding. No opposition testimony was offered, and senators emphasized the importance of recognizing allied service members who fought with U.S. forces. Both resolutions were moved on call and later adopted by the committee on 5-0 votes. The chair thanked members for supporting veterans and closed the hearing after announcing the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It stopped about 300 yards short from my home.
• As a sixth-generation Washington business owner, I want our home to be a top 10 state to start, grow,
• Thank you. loan makes the monthly payment on our new $16 million building in Arizona.
• Step two is having the property owner look into these IBHS wildfire-prepared home standards.
• Step two is having the property owner look into these IBHS wildfire-prepared home standards.

Bills: SB5871 , SB5919

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: motor vehicle, glass repair, insurance claims, consumer protection, regulations, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• going to mention, is — [Bell] — is the fact our students are facing serious cuts in their student loan
• students can continue their education without worrying about not being able to pay off their student loans
• heard from the EDUCATION WITHOUT -- WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY OFF THEIR STUDENT LOANS
• partnership between the state, private lenders, and higher education institutions to provide student loans
• PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN STATE, PRIVATE LENDERS AND HAGER EDUCATION AND INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE STUDENT LOANS

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants. Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope those of you who have young kids at home understand why that happens from time to time.
• understand why that happens kids at home understand why that happens from<00:40:47.920><c> time</c><
• uh not only to some we are the home uh not only to some incredible<00:41:38.599><c> small</c><00:41:
• </c><00:41:44.920><c> to</c><00:41:45.040><c> the</c> Refuge um but we're also the home to the Refuge
• um but we're also the home to the corporate<00:41:45.480><c> headquarters</c><00:41:46.240><c> or</c

Bills: HF1936 , HF849 , HF989 , HF1130 , HF1223 , HF1907 , HF1847 , HF1957

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• First item on the agenda is HB 2270 HD1 SD1, relating to the down payment loan assistance program.
• This bill amends the down payment loan assistance program by removing the prohibition on combined loan-to-value
• </c> This bill amends the down payment loan This bill amends the down payment loan assistance<00:11:32.200
• </c> prohibition on combined loan-to-value prohibition on combined loan-to-value ratios,<00:11:35.839
• reserves to purchase the residential property for which the down payment loan is provided.

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Transcript Highlights:

• For certain auto loan interest.
• Auto loan interest, really small.
• Or is it, you know, it'll be a loan from the bank, I guess?
• So we include the status of all of the different loan authorizations.
• loan program.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And their property taxes are a fraction of the value of the home.
• What that really means is you catch them up when that home is finally sold.
• And we could underwrite the loans. Okay? With a superior lien on the property.
• The value of the homes aren't going up.
• ,</c> if you had a $400,000 home, if you had a $400,000 home, um,<00:57:52.200><c> you</c><00:57:52.360

Summary: The Joint Revenue committee met with a quorum and heard a series of interim topic proposals focused on tax policy. Representative Brown raised two ideas: reinstating an exemption reporting requirement for corporations and entities receiving tax exemptions, with loss of the exemption for the current and prior year if they fail to report, and revising property tax treatment for wind turbines and related infrastructure by shifting the taxed footprint from agricultural to industrial classification. Senator Case and others then discussed energy taxation more broadly, including a possible generation tax for electricity, how to handle large data-center electricity loads, and whether sales tax revenue from very large electrical loads should be shared statewide rather than concentrated locally. The committee referenced prior bills and studies, including House Bill 300 and Senate File 76, and discussed using a mechanism that would keep local electricity bills net neutral while redirecting revenue distribution. The committee also took up problematic gaming and program funding. Senator Case described personal experiences with gambling addiction and the lack of available resources, while the presenter said the topic had been requested in multiple committees and that the biggest concern from House Bill 171 was protecting county and municipal funding. Members discussed whether the issue belonged in Revenue, Health, Labor, or Transportation, and several suggested it should stay with the standing committee handling gaming. Ideas raised included using gaming-related revenue for prevention and treatment, fully funding the 988 lifeline, and creating a broader trust fund for addiction-related services and law enforcement. The committee appeared to agree to continue the topic for educational purposes and to examine taxation of HHR and other gambling activity. Senator Case then proposed a severance tax on wind energy, arguing that wind development creates permanent landscape impacts and that the state should be compensated similarly to coal, oil, and gas extraction. Curt Meier, the state treasurer, supported reviewing lease agreements and said Wyoming should get more from wind resources, noting the state’s unique wind potential and the loss of viewshed. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to reform property tax relief by extending it to motor vehicle registration. Former Revenue director Dan Noble argued that vehicle taxes should be treated like other property taxes, using fair market value, depreciation, the residential assessment ratio, and local mill levies, which he said could provide broad relief but would be expensive, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $120 million. Representative Chestek followed with a related reform proposal based on Pennsylvania’s base-year assessment model, arguing that Wyoming’s current statewide relief measures treat symptoms rather than the underlying problem of rapidly rising local valuations.

Transcript Highlights:

• For certain auto loan interest.
• Auto loan interest, really small.
• Or is it, you know, going to be a loan from the bank, I guess?
• So we include the status of all of the different loan authorizations.
• loan program.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we got was $143 million and then a $143 million loan that has to be repaid.
• I also urge you to backfill a 3% state loan provided to the CSU from the 2025-26 budget. Thank you.
• Like my colleagues have stated already, I also urge you to backfill the 3% loan from last year.
• I also urge you to backfill a 3% state loan provided to the CSU from the 2025-26 budget. Thank you.
• Like my colleagues have stated already, I also urge you to backfill the 3% loan from last year.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> back at home. That is not my intent. back at home. That is not my intent.
• &gt;&gt; Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> In their loan repayments. >> In their loan repayments. >> Thank you
• I go home and do what I got to do. Then I go to school.
• </c> every funeral home. every funeral home.
• </c> home until they are laid to rest. home until they are laid to rest.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber also recognized guests, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and employees of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. A senator then delivered a Black History Month-style presentation highlighting James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, Jan E. Matzeliger, and Percy Lavon Julian for their contributions to civil rights, labor, industry, and science. The Senate received House messages referring two Archives and History board appointments to the Committee on Confirmations, then took up numerous committee reports. Several bills from Finance and Taxation, Judiciary, Education Policy, Agriculture, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Healthcare, Tourism, Veterans and Military Affairs, State Government Affairs, and Local Legislation received favorable reports, some with amendments or substitutes, and were advanced to second reading and placement on the next legislative day’s calendar. The chamber also recommitted Senate Bill 266 to the Tourism Committee. The Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Llaya McNair to the Alabama Trust Fund Board, several members to the Credit Union Administration Board, and Elizabeth Smithart, Leslie Sanders, and Wayne Sers to the Alabama State Board of Human Resources. It then adopted several resolutions, including commendations and memorials, such as resolutions honoring Mary Francis Holland, the Stanhope Elmore boys bowling team, and Alicia Cannon for more than 50 years of service to the Alabama judicial system. The Senate also adopted a resolution creating the Study Commission on Artificial Intelligence and Children’s Internet Safety, after discussion about its purpose, membership, and duties; an amendment to the commission resolution was adopted before the resolution itself was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Play ball!
• Eleven other states have modest tax credits for homeschooling or for moms who stay home.
• The National FFA organization has come to be home of more than Thank you. Virginia.
• The National FFA organization has come to be home of more than a million 27,373 FFA members in all 50
• One's now working in the funeral home, in the funeral business.

Bills: HM19

Keywords: New Mexico Aviation and Aerospace Day, aviation, aerospace, space industry, missile programs, Spaceport America, White Sands Missile Range, White Sands Test Facility, Kirtland Air Force Base, drone, unmanned aircraft systems, commercial space transportation, NASA, aircraft, STEM education, research laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, flight testing, medical evacuation

Transcript Highlights:

• One is by helping people buy homes. Number two is what we're going to talk about.
• One is by helping people buy homes.
• And so when they get done here, they go back home. And there we are.
• And so when they get done here, they go back home, and there we are.
• This is loan program administration, page 179. This funding was, again, this is not GR.

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• thing that was really important is that we wanted to make clear that if you also qualify for federal loans
• really, is to minimize, if not eliminate, any opportunity that a student would be required to take a loan
• What kids out there without a home and family structure, or who are out in the streets sleeping in doorways
• Gamer, because that was one of those that had a waiver bill, so just give me a chance to help see it home

Bills: AB328 , AB397

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• on the loan.
• ><c> the</c> pay um interest on the loan and for the pay um interest on the loan and for the last<02:
• </c> principal amount on that on that loan principal amount on that on that loan hence<02:24:33.960><
• </c><02:24:41.640><c> go</c> 44 and the loan the loan uh will go 44 and the loan the loan uh will go
• loan the tifia loan exactly right the loan the tifia loan was<02:30:30.319><c> structured</c><02:30:30.960

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our client was able to remain in her home.
• . ...stable in their housing, income, and benefits, and to feel safe in their home, and provide that
• aid attorneys who might lose federal public service loan forgiveness under federal rules.
• Now, without the support, uncertainty about student loan relief will drive talented advocates out of
• It's like your second home, though, so maybe I can start as the second favorite and earn my way up.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're in a good place now where we're even able to repay most of our loan, place now where we're
• even able to repay most of our loan that we had, which is also good news for us.
• and Commercial Products Association, whose members produce a variety of products that are used in homes
• and Commercial Products Association, whose members produce a variety of products that are used in homes
• Thank you. permanently near our homes. They intend to open it as a public park after.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.