Transcript Highlights:

• I want to give just a very brief thing about my background, because I'm a fourth-generation California
• Just a very brief thing about my background, because I'm a fourth-generation California farmer on both
• of, I mentioned myself, I'm a farmer, so as some say, maybe my day job, I may sign the front of the check
• , but also sign when it comes to the back of the check to what's going on on my own farm.
• And so I think part of what we could also do is, you know, part of your knowledge and your background

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciation of the agenda and write-up for today's hearing, which really provided a detailed and thorough background
• We are always checking for patterns and trends because we want to be responsive to those.
• The other thing that really stood out to me from my public education background is you talked about bilingual
• First, just to provide a little bit of background, the Witkin Law Library, which I'll just refer to as
• And, like I said, people who are not state employees can't directly check out materials from us, but

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Representatives, we do ask for legal experience and background as well as familiarity with
• We've checked with NCL.
• legislation so that legislation will be a bit more specific in terms of the commissioners, their background
• You know, having an independent agency or body that checks and balances perhaps the work that we're doing
• Some professional background related to child welfare would be a requirement for all commissioners. practitioners

Transcript Highlights:

• First, give some background on the agency's ongoing response to Operation Nightingale, which is a...
• And so that can take longer to look at their educational background. to ensure that they received clinical
• Criminal history background check riders are modified to align with the budget recommendations, and the
• That way, they can take a risk-based approach to inspections and investigations rather than spot-checking

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, um, I would like to provide a brief background information for committee members who were not
• um with regards to what I background um with regards to what I just<01:02:20.000> said.
• or knowledge in terms of background or knowledge in terms of investment<01:44:41.679> and<01:
• , my background is being an auditor.
• We can check with OS on that to ask their opinion. But let's get back to row 16.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A little bit of background on me: I'm the smallest grower in the state. I grow 60 to 80 plants.
• So, what I would suggest is that maybe instead of just writing me a check or refunding that, maybe you
• During my time at the authority, I saw firsthand how independent ALJ oversight created meaningful checks
• I would just like to see a better job from you guys and contradicting OBN publicly to let this go checked

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EVEN WHEN THE WORK IS DONE ON THE FARM THERE IS MORE WORK AT THE END OF THE DAY AND MY HUSBAND IS BACKGROUND
• OYSTER FARM AND UNIVERSITY AS YOU ARE USING AI IN THESE VARIOUS WAYS, HOW IS IT BEING I GUESS FACT CHECKED
• I ONLY USED AI IN SCHOOLS BUT HOW DO YOU FACT CHECK IT TO MAKE SURE WHAT YOU'RE GIVEN IS RIGHT?
• THE CHECK IS I HAVE A MASSIVE WHITEBOARD THAT LAYS OUT EVERY SINGLE LEASE AND EVERY SINGLE BAG AND AFTER

Transcript Highlights:

• No one was checking.
• We believe there would have been far more accountability to operate safely if someone had been checking
• I provided to the committee kind of a background briefing document, please.
• So those two elements combined with the DNR permitting process, where people are just checking what these

Bills: HF1355, HF78, HF1846, HF1225

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we both share a common background as heads of prosecutors' offices, as our new colleague just
• separate and independent branch of government to maintain the principle of separation of powers and checks
• whether those who served in this position as United States Senators would meet the challenge when the check
• Would meet the challenge when the check and balance was needed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh, Madam Chair, I would have to check on that for you.
• I just need to check on what the reporting looks like for that.
• During a crisis, you might be checking in with staff. Checking in with students post-crisis.
• <01:30:45.840> Um<01:30:46.320> checking<01:30:46.560> in checking in with staff
• Um checking in checking in with staff.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• His Oklahoma roots, his blue-collar background, and his love for his Country influenced his songwriting
• Some of you might have to pick up a check over the weekend and bring it by to our office for the Oi legislative

Bills: SB1246, SB1510, SB1979, SB1929, SB1930, SB1976, HCR1019, SB1459, SB1673, SB1500, SB1447, SB1646, SB2007, SB1275, SB2074

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• SURE THAT THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE BYLAWS AND HELP FINANCE AND HELP MAKE SURE VENDORS ARE PROPERLY BACKGROUND
• CHECKED AND LOOKED AT BEFORE THEY COME ON THE PROPERTY.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you check the— Members of the committee, my name is Emily Gro, and I am the Strafford County attorney
• Um, so I have permission right now to share from two residents of background and their stories.
• Did you check with Do to see they could do?
• Well, we did check.
• LBA checked with DoMH, and there is basically, I think, $55 million of toll credits that are not yet

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:50.400> um want to double check um want to double check um is<00:25:53.039> there
• ballot clerks handling check-in ballot clerks handling check-in procedures.<00:55:37.680> They're
• >> sorry, too much talking in background.
• >> sorry, too much talking in background.
• I think it's a well checked system that at least in my community.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not meant to be a blank check for one side or the other.
• But, you know, the people who are trying to check. Delivery of treatment.
• And kind of give me some information on your background, like high school education, kind of give me
• some information on your background, like high school education, college degree, what do you have?
• some information on your background, like high school education, college degree, what do you have?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a workers’ compensation overhaul creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and setting up confidentiality, rulemaking, and penalties. Senator Myers said the bill was meant to modernize a paper-based system, speed injured workers back to care and work, reduce disputes through a more predictable fee schedule, address outliers and abuse, and generate reliable data for future fee-schedule decisions. Representative Melarine then offered a large amendment package combining portions of House Bills 780 and 1101 into SB 408, adding preliminary-determination procedures, changes to benefit durations, fraud language, and a deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached. Supporters said the package would create a more complete reform; opponents argued the additions were rushed, not germane, and would harm injured workers, especially those without lawyers, by adding technical filing burdens and stricter fraud consequences. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment package, then adopted a follow-up amendment removing the word “potential” from a fines provision and deleting the fraud section, and finally reported SB 408 with amendments on a divided vote. Testimony on SB 408 was sharply split. Proponents, including Alton Ashy and Trey Mustian, argued the bill’s transparency and data-collection provisions were the most important part, that the system needs a modern fee schedule, and that the added reforms would help control costs and speed payment. Opponents, including Shannon Lindsay and another injured-worker advocate, said the original bill was a good compromise but the added provisions changed its character and would disadvantage pro se claimants, remove materiality from fraud law, and reduce benefits for seriously injured workers. Committee members also questioned the timeline for the database and fee schedule, the effect of historical data gaps, and whether the reforms would help employers and injured workers alike. The committee ultimately agreed the bill still contained its core goals of faster care, predictable fees, anti-abuse measures, and modernization. The committee then moved to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, a workplace-violence/safety measure for small-box discount retailers. Chasson explained that the bill had been narrowed to require retailers to submit an existing written workforce safety plan, or develop one if they do not already have one, with no penalties attached. The committee adopted a substitute bill incorporating prior amendments. Representative Glorioso noted continuing concerns about civil-liability implications and the duty to protect against third-party criminal acts, but the bill was advanced from committee after the substitute was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to announce that all hearing materials, including the agenda background and handouts, are
• We should, at some point, continue to check on the change orders and make sure that there is no waste
• If you turn to page one on the background, I'm not going to go through all of this.
• I don't know what your construction background is. I have my opinion, because I've built things.
• I don't know what your construction background is. I have my opinion, because I've built things.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan, with testimony from the authority, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General. Chair Cortese framed the hearing around the project’s recent changes: a new CEO, revised delivery strategy, loss of federal funds, renewed interest in private financing and value capture, and proposed adjustments to the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment. He also raised concerns about statutory compliance, transparency, and whether the draft plan fully reflects required elements and true costs and timelines. Authority CEO Ian Chaudhry said the project has made substantial construction progress in the Central Valley and is moving toward track installation, with the state’s $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funding providing a stable base. He argued the plan uses design optimization, direct procurement of materials, and revised sequencing to reduce costs and support an early operating segment by about 2032-33. He also promoted broader commercialization of the corridor through real estate, energy, broadband, logistics, and public-private partnerships, saying private sector interest is now real. Several senators pressed him on station locations, tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, permitting delays, transparency, and whether the project can realistically reach Los Angeles and San Francisco on the current timeline and budget. The LAO and Inspector General were more skeptical. LAO analyst Helen Kirstine said the draft plan assumes major scope changes, including a shorter segment, a Merced station outside downtown, more single-tracking, and several statutory changes that have not yet been enacted. She warned that the plan may not comply with recent legislative requirements, that funding may still be insufficient even for the reduced segment, and that borrowing against future cap-and-invest revenues is risky because those revenues are uncertain and volatile. Inspector General Ben Belknap said the draft plan fails to comply with newer statutory requirements, especially regarding the Merced-to-Bakersfield scope, the funding plan, and missing procurement milestone dates. He said the presentation obscures cost increases and schedule delays and limits the Legislature’s ability to compare current estimates with prior reports. Committee members generally supported continued oversight and some form of project delivery reform, but several expressed concern that the plan relies on legislative changes that have not been approved and on private financing that may not materialize. Chaudhry said the authority would address the Inspector General’s findings in the final business plan and continue to pursue federal grants, private capital, and corridor commercialization. No vote was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:10:28.519> executive<00:10:28.959> 20<00:10:29.440> 22<00:10:30.320> check
• Statute through executive 20 22 check Statute through executive 20 22 check that<00:10:30.880>
• <00:33:39.799> that may put their people on uh check that may put their people on uh check
• I appreciate the color information, the background.
• So if you have a moment, check your email. You'll see that there. Thank you. Anybody else?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 hearing took testimony from the director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training on the agency’s budget request and operations. He described the agency’s role in setting hiring, education, certification, and discipline standards for police, corrections, probation and parole, and court security officers, and noted that the agency runs the full-time, part-time, corrections, and court security training programs. He also outlined the agency’s staffing, facility, and budget request for FY 2026-27, including a request to keep funding level with the governor’s recommendation while shifting funds to support an IT manager position by defunding a vacant administrative slot. The agency requested several statutory changes in Chapter 106, including clarifying the definition of police misconduct, allowing a temporary member on the Conduct Review Committee, clarifying reporting requirements for misconduct allegations, and codifying the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The director also reviewed new responsibilities added in recent years, including crisis intervention training, statewide accreditation, the Conduct Review Committee, and increased annual in-service training requirements. He explained that crisis intervention funding is carried in a continuously appropriated, non-lapsing account and that some budget lines were reclassified, including software and janitorial services, to reflect actual spending needs. Members asked about national standards, the different academy tracks, crisis intervention funding, maintenance and contract changes, temporary positions, and the court security training program. The agency said it coordinates with national peers through IADLEST, that the part-time and corrections academies are longstanding programs, and that the new court security academy can be delivered either as a full academy or as in-service training depending on resources. The director also said the agency has been running extra full-time academies because of high vacancy rates, but expects to return to three full-time academies this year, with two corrections academies and one or possibly two part-time academies. He also explained the current approach to misconduct records and public disclosure, saying sustained findings under RSA 106-L are heard by the council and published, replacing the older, less standardized exculpatory list process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, private schools can do that on parents' behalf with a simple check-off.
• And it talks about doing these cross-checks four times a year.
• If you're doing the cross-check four times a year, you're covering 45 days.
• I don't know that we need to check them every 18 days.
• And we do, when we have somebody withdraw, we send the checks back all the time.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted. During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, once the initial setup, if a person goes on there and checks it five times a day for
• Um, to get started, a little bit about my background. I'm a practicing attorney.
• So, a little bit about my background. I am admitted in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
• <02:10:46.639> in I have a a reasonably good background in I have a a reasonably good background
• >> Are you going to check out there, Jody? >> Thank you, Mr. Chair and honorable members.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll just quickly check, as we often do, is there anybody else in the audience that would like to
• Let me give you a little background.
• let me give you a little background let me give you a little background stuns<00:48:22.839> Bay
• I'm checking on data protections for the data of the wolf locations.
• I'm checking on data protections for the data of the wolf locations.

Keywords: 1183, house