Transcript Highlights:

• It is the opportunity to grow good jobs, invest in our state's tax base, socialize this technology that
• Part of that packaging can be the skilled workforce.
• And I do think, part of that packaging can be the skilled workforce.
• It is also one of the most effective tools that we have for advancing social equity.
• And so that is an expectation that you develop that skill set to be able to work in Fremont.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the Department of Social and Health Services is a limited authority law enforcement agency
• And just as those rules keep physical materials safe, STL files could be licensed for hobbyists or game
• point out that as my career as a scientist at a premier research institute, I observed that the most skilled
• Research Institute, I observed that the most skilled scientists and engineers are those who have hands-on

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Approximately 60% of my students are on Pell Grant, which means 60% of my students are low socially,
• It's just more of a fun game.
• on that's partnering with the community colleges to get farm employees who want to upgrade their skills
• on that's partnering with the community colleges to get farm employees that want to upgrade their skills

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:

• Approximately 60% of my students are on Pell Grant, which means 60% of my students are low socially,
• It's just more of a fun game.
• on that's partnering with the community colleges to get farm employees that want to upgrade their skills
• on that's partnering with the community colleges to get farm employees that want to upgrade their skills

Summary: The joint informational hearing at Fresno State focused on cost pressures in California’s food system and how those pressures affect households, farmers, and small businesses. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s role in the Central Valley economy and the region’s importance to the state and nation’s food supply. Members said the hearing was part of a broader “pocketbook tour” to gather local input on affordability, food costs, labor, water, regulation, and market conditions, and they noted the added strain from the federal shutdown’s impact on CalFresh benefits and food insecurity. The first panel featured an agricultural economist, a PPIC researcher, and a Small Business Development Center leader. The economist described agriculture’s outsized role in the Central Valley’s GDP, employment, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market uncertainty, invasive pests, and rising production costs as major barriers. The PPIC witness said food prices remain much higher than before the pandemic, household budgets are under pressure, and California’s nutrition safety net—especially CalFresh, WIC, and school meals—reduces poverty significantly, though federal changes and the shutdown could weaken that support. The SBDC representative highlighted technical assistance, capital access, and training for farm-adjacent businesses, but warned that reduced funding and ownership-transition challenges are making it harder for small businesses and farms to adapt. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce grower, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO. The grower said input costs such as fertilizer, fuel, irrigation supplies, land leases, labor, and compliance have risen sharply while wholesale prices have not, leaving small farmers with thin or negative margins and delayed disaster assistance. The food entrepreneur described scaling barriers for small food processors, including the lack of local small-batch processing facilities, higher distribution costs, and the need for better education on labeling and regulatory compliance. The Farm Bureau leader argued that farmers are price takers, not price setters, and said consumer food prices are driven largely by transportation, processing, packaging, and retail costs rather than farm-gate prices; he also stressed the importance of exports, water infrastructure, land preservation, ag burn rules, and continued investment in technology and labor solutions. Members asked about ways to help small farmers, land access, farm-to-school participation, ag burn restrictions, and water reliability. Witnesses suggested grants or programs to help small farmers buy land, more local processing capacity, continued investment in water conveyance and recharge, and stronger support for technical assistance and innovation. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with members thanking the panelists and inviting continued input as they prepare future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• good negotiator for America's trade interests and a partner to this committee, his experience and skill
• walks of life have dignified work as producers and builders is critical for economic mobility and social
• We need to be ahead of the game here.
• So congratulations on your parenting skills. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They gain critical thinking skills and a deeper sense of belonging.
• My name is Filma Fonsenelia, and I'm a middle school ELA and social studies teacher. Thank you.
• My name is Filma Fonsenelia and I'm a middle school ELA and social studies teacher. Thank you.
• The time to act and ensure our stories are part of social studies curriculums in Washington is now.
• I went back and looked, as a good social studies teacher, at the current social studies standards.

Bills: SB5901 , SB5860 , SB5956 , SB5574 , SB5922 , SB5858

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: school construction, school facilities, capital budget, school plant project, state funding assistance, school construction assistance program, on-base schools, military base, Department of Defense school, military families, public school facilities, instructional space, Superintendent of Public Instruction, SIP, school district capital funding, school housing burden, rapid growth, enrollment growth, free and reduced-price meals, alternative learning experience

Transcript Highlights:

• enterprises. ...but they all meet the criteria of employment social enterprises.
• earn wages while building skills and stability.
• infrastructure, linking them directly with workforce and social service systems.
• So not related directly to California RISE, but just the employment social enterprise model.
• My name is Ashley De La Rosa on behalf of Building Skills Partnership.

Transcript Highlights:

• High-volume surgery requires specialized skills and oversight.
• And with the skill level we've obtained that is now proven through this licensure, we should not have
• Some go through licensure for micro-social work.
• And when we say we are social workers, we expect that comes with a certain set of skills.
• When we say we are social workers, we expect that comes with a certain set of skills people can rely

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting the lack of quorum while testimony continued. AB 1693 by Assemblymember Zbur would streamline local permitting for retail tenant improvements by allowing qualified professional certifiers to review plans and requiring local action within set deadlines; the California Retailers Association supported the bill, citing lengthy permit delays, and there was no opposition. AB 2010 by Assemblymember Soria would expand access to high-volume spay and neuter services, including mobile clinics, to address pet overpopulation; supporters said it would improve access in rural and underserved areas, while opponents and the Veterinary Medical Board raised concerns about safety standards and asked for amendments. AB 2195 by Assemblymember Rodriguez would stop automatic occupational license suspensions for low-income parents behind on child support; supporters argued the policy is counterproductive and hurts earning capacity, while the California Child Support Association and others said license suspension is an effective enforcement tool that brings parents to the table. The committee also heard AB 2311 by Assemblymember Chiu, which would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians; supporters said it would improve recruitment and access to care, while medical groups warned about physician autonomy and institutional influence. AB 1796 by Assemblymember Jackson would create a licensure pathway for professional interior designers and add an interior designer to the California Architects Board; supporters framed it as a public safety and professional recognition measure, while opponents said it would create confusion, unnecessary regulation, and no demonstrated public harm. AB 1739 by Assemblymember Ward would make it a crime for clergy providing therapeutic services to engage in sexual contact with a counselee, closing a gap in existing law; it drew strong support from survivor advocates and no opposition. Finally, AB 2497 by Assemblymember Johnson began testimony on modernizing the physical therapy practice act, with the author noting committee amendments that removed imaging and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a game changer for individuals with disabilities and their families, and we expect increased
• And in the end, you're often going to find social services and law enforcement, other issues.
• a place with the universities for a residential four-year experience, because that’s part of our social
• The pilot has been in the IT area, giving them those skills so that they're workforce ready.
• The pilot has been in the IT area, giving them those skills so that they're workforce ready.

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:

• These events address pressing issues such as identity, social justice, and culture, challenging students
• She goes, "No, well, you'll have to provide your ID and your social."
• Their work requires strength, skill, and sacrifice.
• After the session, he plans to utilize his policy skills and study for the LSAT to pursue his dream of
• Social and governance factors.

Bills: SB15 , SB646 , SB800 , SB790 , SB748 , SB571 , SB1957 , SB1923 , SB1896 , SB1760 , SB1335 , SB2368 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2986 , SB2965 , SB1563 , SB1467 , SB1164 , SB1137 , SB614 , SB705 , SB918 , SB955 , SB869 , SB850 , SB863 , SB1055 , SB2206 , SB457 , SB2337 , SB1610 , SB1362 , SB926 , SB1494 , SB251 , SB456 , SB500 , SB1307 , SB2615 , SB2995 , SB2321 , SB2972 , SB973 , SB865 , SB506 , SB1522 , SB1558 , SB510 , SB667 , SB763 , SB2073 , SB1858 , SB1660 , SB2900 , SB1433 , SB1540 , SB1964 , SB1300 , SB1644 , SB2217 , SB2373 , SB2431 , SB1758 , SB974 , SB2480 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB2781 , SB826 , SB766 , SB527 , SB1946 , SB2885 , SB1243 , SB2610 , SB857 , SB2501 , SB66 , SB268 , SB331 , SB1302 , SB519 , SB2807 , SB13 , SB7 , SB1718 , SB1567 , SB1233 , SB413 , SB2177 , SB30 , SB2024 , SJR1 , SCR27 , SB2018 , SB1580 , SB2121 , SB1049 , SB1266 , SB1400 , SB1596 , SB2753 , SB2221 , SB1719 , SCR9 , SB204 , SB437 , SB568 , SB612 , SB672 , SB710 , SB823 , SB876 , SB904 , SB905 , SB968 , SB1084 , SB1207 , SB1230 , SB1313 , SB1504 , SB1790 , SB2232 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2398 , SB2515 , SB2520 , SB2589 , SB2786 , SB2790 , SB3048 , SB3050 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3056 , SB3029 , SCR3 , SCR18 , SCR30 , HCR146 , HCR148 , HCR149 , HCR153 , HCR155 , HCR157 , HB5560 , HB762 , HB1584 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB4386 , HB2495 , HB581 , HB3348 , HB5323 , HB4341 , HB6 , HB2712 , HB171 , HB3153 , HB143 , HB2688 , HB3464 , HB449 , HB3486 , HB4263 , HB2 , HB1522 , HB24 , HB 1237 , HB2637 , HB3126 , HB3233 , HB4310 , HB3487 , HCR9 , HB5331 , HB1397 , HB163 , HB3250 , HB3071 , HB3463 , HB5033 , HB35 , HB3824 , HB216 , HB4226 , HB3512 , HB18 , HB5154 , HB 103 , HB851 , HB647 , HB4520 , HB3016 , HB2313 , HB2818 , HB2851 , HB4486 , HB4264 , HB1500 , HB5081 , HB2974 , HB2080 , HB4384 , HB5659 , HB493 , HB4903 , HB2516 , HB4488 , HB4530 , HB3689 , HB145 , HB43 , HB5247 , HB2221 , HB5671 , HB700 , HB3711 , HB 120 , SB17 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB21 , SB2778 , SB379

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• forensic evidence collection and clinical apprenticeship following the 40 hours of coursework, and skill
• And that skill labs, photos, and mock exams, and so those are, and it says a national certification for
• It stops cost-shifting games.
• It stops cost-shifting games.
• And the PBMs and carriers—enough of the games.

Bills: HB62 , HB124 , HB182 , HB193 , HB198 , HB203 , HB223 , HB237 , HB469 , HB486 , HB574 , HB779 , HB796 , HB919 , SCR2 , SB4 , SB36 , SB38 , SB109 , SB152 , SB168 , SB195 , SB216 , SB221 , SB236 , SB404

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: Louisiana Women's Policy, gender equality, policy research, commission membership, women's representation, Domestic Violence, judicial experience, legislation, criminal law, family law, HB182, sexual assault, rape kit, forensic examination, forensic medical exam, sexual assault survivor, sexual assault nurse examiner, SANE, emergency department, hospital staffing

Transcript Highlights:

• And your commissioners are. appointed, but they're very skilled individuals.
• technology used by all game wardens repair and upgrade the game warden training center and allow the
• I'm Bob Blackburn, and I'm the president of the Game Warden Peace Officers Association.
• As a game warden stationed in Wharton County, uh, 20 years this May. 23 total as a Texas game warden.
• Allowing game wardens to work overtime hours...

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:29.800><c> and</c> permission to apply their skills and permission to apply their skills and
• </c> is an increased demand for skilled is an increased demand for skilled Professionals<01:08:36.279
• </c> companies with the necessary skilled companies with the necessary skilled labor<01:12:07.440><c>
• PE protein has been a game changer for us for her diet when she was just an itty-bitty.
• people in Recruit and retain skilled people in these jobs.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I think this is more in regards to the Life Skills Training Center.
• So you can see that it just allows us to lease for anything at Life Skills.
• They added Life Skills because we have a lot of property up there, too.
• They added life skills because we have a lot of property up there, too.
• Section 46, Life Skills and Transition Center.

Bills: SB2015

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Human Resources Division met with all members present and took up several bills, focusing most of the discussion on SB 1577 and SB 1619, along with a detailed review of the HHS budget bill draft. On SB 1577, Senator Magrum explained that the bill was being revised to focus on wastewater rather than raw water, possibly shifting the Washburn project to the Department of Water Resources so it could access matching funds, and potentially converting the bill into a line of credit if federal money is restored later. Members discussed whether to keep an emergency clause or instead use a date-based approach, and agreed the bill would likely be handled through the full committee and possibly reconsidered later. On SB 1619, Senator Davison said amendments were still being worked on, including changes requested by the Bank of North Dakota, and the committee planned to hold it for possible amendment before full committee consideration. The bulk of the meeting was a section-by-section review of the HHS appropriations bill draft. Members discussed one-time funding items such as technology projects, child care programs, housing programs, behavioral health facility grants, infant and toddler care provider support, juvenile justice diversion, medical housing, and other public health and human services projects. Several adjustments were noted, including reductions or changes to IMD-related funding, incarcerated-person treatment funding, the child welfare technology project, and the provider rate increase. The committee also discussed the FTE block grant structure at length, with staff explaining that the apparent increase in positions reflected budgeting mechanics, zero-dollar “phantom” positions, and positions approved previously but not counted in the FTE total. Members raised concerns about transparency and whether the bill should list FTE numbers, but staff said the block grant was intended to give the department flexibility while quarterly reporting would provide oversight. Other topics included Medicaid expansion funding and provider reimbursement rules, the move toward certifying human service centers as certified community behavioral health clinics, a moratorium on new ICF beds, and studies or reports on Medicaid, obesity, disability services, truancy, and behavioral health facility grants. The committee also discussed removing or revising broad intent language in Section 31 so the department would report findings rather than implement changes without further legislative action. No final votes were taken in the transcript; instead, members agreed to make a few technical adjustments, continue reviewing the bill, and likely revisit it the next day before moving it to conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• They gain critical thinking skills and a deeper sense of belonging.
• My name is Filma Fonsenelia, and I'm a middle school ELA and social studies teacher. Thank you.
• My name is Filma Fonsenelia and I'm a middle school ELA and social studies teacher. Thank you.
• The time to act and ensure our stories are part of social studies curriculums in Washington is now.
• I went back and looked, as a good social studies teacher, at the current social studies standards.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5901, which would change the school construction assistance program so that instructional space on military bases is excluded from a district’s available space inventory when calculating state construction aid. Staff explained the bill would also require state assistance to equal approved project cost minus federal funding received. Senator Christian said the measure is intended to prevent military-base facilities from unfairly reducing districts’ ability to modernize or build schools. Testimony in support came from OSPI, Clover Park School District, and Medical Lake School District, which said the current formula penalizes districts serving military families and can leave them unable to secure needed renovation funding. No opposition was heard, and the bill was later described as having an indeterminate fiscal impact. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5860 on school board compensation. The bill would raise director pay from $50 to $100 per day, increase the annual cap, allow child care expenses to be reimbursed, require OFM to periodically adjust compensation, and direct WASDA to develop finance training for school directors. Senator Cortez said the changes are needed to broaden who can serve on school boards and to help working families participate. Supporters from OSPI, WASDA, and South Sound superintendents said compensation could improve diversity and help recruit and retain board members, though WASDA noted concerns about diverting district funds and said its members do not have consensus on mandatory training. Opponents argued the bill would misuse levy funds and that child care and other expenses should not be paid from local education levies. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5956 on artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in schools, which would bar automated systems from being the sole basis for discipline decisions, prohibit risk scores and biometric surveillance, require OSPI guidance updates, and direct WASDA to create model policy. Senator Nobles and supporters said the bill is needed to protect students from discriminatory and inaccurate AI-driven decisions; no vote was taken in the hearing. Finally, the committee heard a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5574, which would require districts to include instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black American history in required social studies courses during the regular curriculum review cycle, with reporting beginning in 2030. Senator Nobles said the bill is meant to address exclusion and bias in history education and to help students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Testifiers from education, student, parent, and community groups overwhelmingly supported the measure, saying it would improve belonging, reduce bullying, and build on existing curriculum resources without creating a new course or major new cost. The hearing ended without a vote or other formal action on SB 5956 or SB 5574.

Transcript Highlights:

• These companies are reporting challenges with hiring skilled employees have AI skills.
• How does I effect critical thinking and problem solving skills?
• And last session, we talked about how important it was to do social media literacy.
• I mean, I think to a certain extent we failed with cell phones and we failed with social media.
• Because there's we missed mixed AI as the teachers resources, student resource and social studies.

Transcript Highlights:

• skill set beyond traditional administrative<00:48:41.760><c> roles.
• We do social emotional support. And we do college and career readiness.
• We do social emotional academic support.
• I am a licensed clinical social worker and have been a school social worker at RPS for 10 years.
• </c><01:31:05.440><c> Um</c> social workers. Um social workers.

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• mean, part of the the social contract, mean, part of the the social contract, right,<00:09:12.240><c>
• online casino-style games for the chance to win real cash prizes.
• online casino-style games for the chance to win real cash prizes.
• online casino-style games for the chance to win real cash prizes.
• But, before an automated vehicle company... online gambling lacks social and online gambling lacks social

Transcript Highlights:

• And a big part of that effort is we try and do exercises like war games.
• You know, we're trying to do exercises like war games.
• We're trying to do exercises like war games with these objects.
• have something called the International Asteroid Warning Network, and we conduct exercises or war games
• Well, okay, I'm just going to have the skills right there. Okay, so just remind you.

Committees: House Rural Economic Development , House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• This takes a lot of effort from our very skilled maintenance crew that deals with these bridges.
• This is really a long game on our bridge needs and addressing our bridge backlog of needs.
• That would... and to answer that, I'd really, like I talked about, it's really a long game.
• Like I talked about, it kind of is a long game.
• It's really a long game, because it can be just a shot in the arm, just, you know, hey, in 27-29, if

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee devoted the meeting to state highway preservation needs, with testimony from Troy Suing of the Department of Transportation’s Capital Program Development and Management program. Suing said the department is a national leader in asset planning, but current funding is not enough to keep up with preservation needs. He distinguished preservation from operations and maintenance, and outlined the main highway preservation categories: pavements, bridges, and other highway facilities such as slopes, rest areas, signal systems, retaining walls, and culverts. Suing presented data showing that many assets are already past the optimal “lowest life cycle” point for repair. He said about 40% of roads are overdue for preservation now, and roughly 85% could need some form of preservation within 10 years under current funding. For bridges, he said Washington has about 3,400 bridges, with an average age of 52 years, and about 9.9% are currently in poor condition, putting the state near the federal 10% threshold that could trigger more federal oversight. He also described culvert failures and bridge closures, including the Carbon River Bridge, as examples of how deferred maintenance can quickly disrupt communities. Committee members asked about liability risk, bridge project costs and regulatory burden, traffic data, and whether DOT is using more in-house crews for bridge work. Suing said deterioration increases tort and closure risks, bridge projects can involve significant design, environmental, permitting, and outreach costs, and DOT is relying more on maintenance forces in part because of the volume and urgency of repairs. He said the department’s 2026 supplemental budget identified preservation as one of five underfunded critical priorities and estimated a 10-year preservation need of $8 billion to address the backlog and become more proactive. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended with committee appreciation for DOT staff and a brief birthday announcement from Senator Alvarado.