Video & Transcript : 'house appropriations' :
Page 152 of 500
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I'll move it at the appropriate time.
- And I'm going to use Richard Murphy Hospice House, but it applies to the hospice house in Slidell as
- I'm the CEO of the Hospice House in Slidell.
- Donna Olivia with Richard Murphy Hospice House, Miranda Lindsay, Hospice House, Mary Dubassan, Hospice
- And so at the appropriate time, Mr.
Bills:
SB57 , SB405 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB222 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB815 , HB949 , HB1092 , HB1214
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 5th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- for consideration by. by House Appropriations and Senate Finance.
- appropriately.
- And on the House side.
- It's the Chair of House Appropriations, so Representative Bonnen, and then the Chair of House Weizen
- That's not appropriated. There's no appropriation for it.
Committee:
House Delivery of Government Efficiency
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I now move that House Committee substitute for House Bill 3010 be voted due pass. Any discussion?
- By your vote of 10 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Bill 3010
- I now move that House Bill 2010 do pass. Committee substitute for House Bill 3010, due pass.
- I now move that House Committee substitute for House Bill 2355 be voted due pass. Any discussion?
- I now move that House Committee substitute for House Bill 1855 be voted due pass. Any discussion?
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and advanced several bills. HB 1881 was voted do pass without discussion. HB 3010 was amended with a committee substitute that removed a subsection allowing payers to remove “gold carding” based on procedure volume changes, then passed 10-0. HB 2355, the “Food is Medicine” bill, received a committee amendment to align terminology with other partnerships and then passed 11-0. HB 1855, dealing with alpha-gal reporting, was substantially revised: the substitute narrowed the bill to alpha-gal, removed Lyme disease, changed a department duty from mandatory to discretionary in one section, and delayed reporting implementation; it then passed 14-0 after members discussed the need for better disease tracking and the department’s workload.
The committee then heard testimony on HB 2034, which would require insurance coverage for activity-based prostheses, orthotics, and high-performance or mobility-supportive wheelchairs. Sponsor Representative Carolyn Caton said the bill is intended to cover devices that help people live, exercise, and avoid secondary health problems, while preserving prior authorization and medical-necessity review. Supporters included clinicians, parents, amputees, and athletes who described being denied running blades, water-safe prostheses, or durable wheelchairs and said the devices are essential for health, independence, mental well-being, and participation in school, work, and sports. Several witnesses said the bill would reduce long-term costs and reliance on charity.
Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and America’s Health Insurance Plans, argued the bill is an expansion of coverage with unclear definitions and potentially significant costs, especially for Medicaid and other state-regulated plans. They cited the fiscal note, warned about possible federal ACA rule changes that could shift costs to states, and questioned whether the bill’s language on Medicare supplemental coverage and “perceived disability” was workable or preempted. Committee members pressed both sides on cost savings, definitions of “normal” activity, and whether the bill could be narrowed or otherwise revised, and several said they were willing to keep working on the issue. The hearing on HB 2034 was left open and then recessed after testimony, with no vote taken in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (2-11-25) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe in House Bill 1 those were separate appropriations.
- appropriation that is correct and also appropriation that is correct and also just<01:03:12.319><c> because
- 01:04:15.680><c> county</c> were they appropriated uh to the county were they appropriated uh to the
- </c> response effort or core that is housed response effort or core that is housed within<01:11:51.360
- </c> of clarification is this an appropriate of clarification is this an appropriate time<01:16:51.080
Summary:
The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection.
The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts.
Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details.
The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Because this is a non-appropriated account, funding for this bill is not included in the House budget
- House Bill 2590.
- That concludes the hearing on Substitute House Bill 1570. Next is House Bill...
- Next is House Bill That concludes the hearing on Substitute House Bill 1570.
- A fiscal note is available on the version of the bill that passed House Appropriations.
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
Keywords:
firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 12th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 40. ...can be removed from their homes without the benefit of appropriate medical expertise.
- Senate Bill 42 requires appropriate medical consultation.
- This slide represents the requested funding model outlined in House Bill 7089 and Senate Bill 2502.
- This slide represents the requested funding model outlined in House Bill 7089 and Senate Bill 2502.
- The proposed funding structure, the table indicates $36.1 million in appropriations already available
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant Jul 14th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The process of expenditure of those appropriations, which includes procurement.
- They have no ability to place infrastructure for their housing needs.
- Housing developments.
- To the floor of the House, and it actually passed the floor of the House.
- There was a lot of debate on both the House and the floor.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Press Conference 4/8/26
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 477, or 4077, and Senate File 44379 is a simple and common-sense bill that prohibits local
- House File 477, or 4077, and Senate File 44379 is a simple and common-sense bill that prohibits local
- </c> This is a bipartisan effort in the House This is a bipartisan effort in the House and<00:03:20.800
- House File 4077 offers transparency. House File 4077 offers transparency.
- [laughter] She says, "Why was the bill pulled from the general register in the House?"
Summary:
Lawmakers held a bipartisan press availability on a bill to prohibit local governments and their officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities. Supporters said the measure is intended to protect transparency, public participation, and Minnesotans’ right to know about local decisions involving land use, public financing, and economic development, especially in cases involving data centers and other large projects. Representatives and senators from both parties described the bill as a response to examples in cities such as Rosemount, Farmington, Hermantown, North Mankato, Monticello, Pine Island, and others, where they said NDAs kept communities from learning about projects until decisions were effectively already made.
The authors argued that the bill is not anti-development or limited to data centers, but instead prevents corporations from using private contracts to circumvent Minnesota’s open meeting and data practices laws. They said Chapter 13 already addresses trade secrets and other confidential information, and that the bill is meant to stop NDAs from creating secrecy around government decision-making. They also said they had heard little organized opposition so far, though they acknowledged questions about how the bill would affect early-stage business recruitment conversations and how local governments, especially smaller ones, would implement the change.
Members also discussed the bill’s legislative path. They said it had previously received unanimous support in committee and was sent to the general register, then moved to the Judiciary Committee at the request of Chair Scott, who wanted a hearing. The authors said they did not believe the bill raised Chapter 13 issues requiring judiciary review, but agreed to the referral as a courtesy and said they were seeking a hearing. They reported that Senate consideration had previously ended in a tie vote, but said momentum was growing and expected stronger support this session. No vote was taken during the press event.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Jul 1st, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It was the special appropriation.
- This is what was the House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 68.
- It came back as a House committee, or House. House bill.
- On the House side, then-Representative Bill Reim and I introduced House Bill 286.
- In the right-hand corner, it says, House Judiciary Committee, House Bill 68.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jan 12th, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And just to clarify, that motion was do pass as amended to Appropriations.
- People who— the bins in front of your house, the single bin in front of your house.
- I don’t want to trip you up in the first committee in the first house.
- The motion is due pass to Appropriations. Bryan? Aye. I mean, do pass as amended to Appropriations.
- The motion is due pass to Appropriations. Bryan? Aye. I mean, do pass as amended to Appropriations.
Committee:
House Natural Resources
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- As we said before, with those appropriate safeguards in place.
- Age-appropriate design was then sued on. It's very minimally now lawful...
- Age-appropriate design was then sued on.
- Anyone else want to weigh in on age-appropriate design in concept?
- and family-appropriate?
Committee:
House Privacy and Consumer Protection
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We are convening the House Committee on Housing.
- to receive housing credits after the repeal of that act if the housing projects were approved by the
- and each county to include certain information when approving housing projects for housing credits.
- </c><00:23:07.559><c> credits</c> of the affordable housing credits of the affordable housing credits
- projects for housing credits.
Committee:
House Housing
Summary:
The House Committee on Housing met on March 21, 2025, first taking testimony on several resolutions related to housing policy and building codes. HCR 1/HR 1 urged HHFDC to continue working with the City and County of Honolulu to transfer roads in the Villages of Kapolei; the committee noted one supportive testimony from HHFDC. HCR 66/HR 60 sought action by the State Building Code Council to authorize point access block, or single-stair, residential construction up to six stories; testimony included support from Housing Hawaiʻi Future and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaiʻi, and opposition from the AIA Hawaiʻi State Council. HCR 67 asked state and county officials to develop a comprehensive strategy for updated building codes; Grassroots Institute testimony was in support and AIA Hawaiʻi State Council was in opposition. HCR 78 addressed housing credits under Act 31, clarifying that qualifying projects approved before July 1, 2031, would remain eligible after repeal; HHFDC and Na Uho testified in support. HR 147 proposed a legislative working group to oversee DHHL’s use of Act 279 funds; DHHL supported the measure, along with one individual supporter who was not present. No public testimony was offered beyond those submissions, and the committee moved to decision-making after a short recess.
In decision-making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HCR 1/HR 1 as is, with several members excused. HCR 66/HR 60 was also passed as is after discussion emphasizing the potential for lower construction costs, more design flexibility, and better ventilation from single-stair buildings. HCR 67 was passed with amendments, including removing the housing committee chairs from the recipient list and adding language calling for reinstating and adequately funding the State Building Code Council so it can carry out its mandate. HCR 78 was passed as is, and HR 147 was passed as is after brief supportive comments about DHHL accountability. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:15.919><c> to</c> increases dcf's base appropriation to increases dcf's base appropriation
- </c><00:42:42.200><c> file</c> file testify on house file file testify on house file 102<00:42:44.599
- </c> Kum renews her motion to layover house Kum renews her motion to layover house file<00:52:06.079>
- </c> years what we appropriate for early years what we appropriate for early learning<00:54:34.960><c
- House File 2643, I'll move House File 2643.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Early Learning & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, we have our member in the House.
- House Bill 2455 creates a housing support pilot for extended foster care youth.
- House Bill 2455... House Bill 2455 matters because it addresses that gap.
- Make sure House Bill 2455 is passed.
- Emergency housing programs...
Committee:
House Early Learning & Human Services
Keywords:
housing assistance, youth, foster care, pilot program, social services, terminology correction, healthcare, regulatory compliance, department reorganization, Washington, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, accountability board, oversight board, child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, juvenile justice, early learning, family preservation, children and families
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> is House House File 1531. is House House File 1531.
- House File 3399. Mr.
- </c> few comments on House File 3399. few comments on House File 3399.
- Next up, House File 4019, Representative Schultz, Mount Simon-Hinckley Aquifer Appropriation Permits.
- </c> permit appropriation. permit appropriation.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- , because affordable housing isn't fixing itself in the state of Florida.
- And this bill is putting housing exactly where it should be.
- That would not be appropriate.
- Let me make sure I give you the appropriate reference.
- Sadbury and the Appropriations Committee thought it was appropriate that, you know what, I think everyone
Committee:
Senate Community Affairs
Summary:
The committee first postponed SB 1122, then took up SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations. Senator Rouson explained the bill as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act, aimed at reducing local land-use barriers near transit corridors. The committee adopted an amendment removing the compelling governmental interest standard from enforcement and litigation provisions, then approved the bill. Testimony included support from a county commissioner and concerns from the Florida League of Cities and a Republican executive committee about overriding local zoning and creating rigid standards near transit stops.
Members then heard SB 1614, which would let local governments use excess Florida Building Code enforcement funds for stormwater repairs and restrict eligibility for certain state appropriations if a government has been audited or fails to affirm it has no excess funds. An amendment removed the stormwater and code-enforcement building provisions and tightened the appropriations restrictions; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1548, the next iteration of the Live Local Act, expanding qualifying projects on public land and near airports, limiting setback-based height restrictions, clarifying agricultural-use issues, and strengthening fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems was also reported favorably, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments regarding permits for generators, windows, and doors.
The committee next approved SB 698, allowing building permits for single-family homes to be issued after septic permit application rather than waiting for septic approval, with builders and industry representatives citing long delays and lost contracts. SB 1320, requiring county tax-referendum ballot questions to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available, also passed after debate over whether it duplicated existing audit transparency requirements. SB 484 on large-scale data centers was reported favorably after an amendment added a knowledge requirement to the prohibition on service to certain foreign-country-linked customers; testimony focused on electricity costs, water use, NDAs, and ratepayer protections. SB 1118, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center site plans and proprietary information, was also approved despite concerns about secrecy and local officials appearing to conceal development plans.
Finally, the committee took up SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark approval; it was reported favorably after questions from members about local input. The last major item was SB 1134 on official actions of local government related to DEI, which drew extensive questioning and public testimony. The sponsor said the bill would bar counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or staffing DEI offices or programs, with violations treated as misfeasance or malfeasance and enforceable by resident lawsuits; supporters framed it as a merit-based, anti-bureaucracy measure, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and would chill civil-rights, health, education, and cultural programming. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1134, before any final action on that bill is shown.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Both the House and the Senate committees. Therefore, we're ready to rock and roll.
- federal, dedicated, and general appropriation, both ongoing and one-time.
- The agency's appropriation generally hovers just over the $50 million amount.
- Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 592, $225,000 was appropriated from the general fund to the depredation
- This slide shows the total appropriated funds, including ongoing and one-time, including all appropriated
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the State Liquor Division. For Agriculture, legislative staff reviewed the agency’s structure, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY 2026–2027 budget requests, including pay adjustments, replacement items, IT hardware, a reappropriation for the Resilient Food Systems Grant, and two major one-time requests: a deficiency warrant for exotic pest response and a supplemental appropriation for quagga mussel treatment. Director Chanel Tewalt emphasized the history and urgency of Idaho’s invasive species program, described the state’s rapid response to quagga mussels, and explained how the program uses inspections, stations, chemicals, and other tools to reduce risk. Members asked about grant timing, vehicle replacement, signage costs, research into alternative treatments, chemical costs, possible use of sturgeon, and whether budget cuts would affect inspection stations; the director said some station openings or hours could be delayed or reduced, but priority would be given to border crossings and higher-risk locations.
The committee then reviewed the State Liquor Division budget. Staff outlined the division’s dedicated-fund operations, personnel levels, statutory distributions, and FY 2027 requests for inflation, replacement items, and IT/security equipment, all recommended by the governor. Director Andrew Arulenandum said his priorities were safety, legal exposure, and operational continuity, citing a store shelving collapse and warehouse safety needs as reasons for some requests. Members asked about a policy proposal to restrict bulk lottery ticket purchases by out-of-state syndicates, the division’s pricing and markup structure, and whether Idaho might move away from a state-run liquor model. The director and his staff said the lottery restriction would not have a fiscal impact, that the markup is standardized, and that while the division remains open to efficiency ideas, the current control-state structure is intended to support revenue and temperance. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would return the next day to take action on FY 2027 maintenance budgets.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities And Communications Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll move the bill when it's appropriate. Thank you. Thank you.
- I'll move the bill when it's appropriate. Thank you. Thank you.
- Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 12-0. Richardson? Aye.
- Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 13-0. Hurtado? Call the roll. Do pass to Appropriations.
- Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 9-0. Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 9-0. Hurtado?
Committee:
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications
Summary:
The committee heard several energy, telecommunications, and regulatory bills. SB 929 by Senator Jones would require the California Energy Commission chair to appear annually and report to the Legislature on the commission’s activities, plans, and outreach; it was presented as a low-cost oversight measure and drew no opposition. SB 1138 by Senator Padilla would let load-serving entities trade hourly resource adequacy obligations under the CPUC’s slice-of-day framework to reduce overprocurement and lower ratepayer costs; supporters said it could save tens of millions of dollars, while questions focused on reliability and whether savings would reach customers. SB 913 by Senator Becker would create a clearer pathway for customer-sited distributed energy resources, such as home batteries and smart thermostats, to participate in resource adequacy markets; supporters said it would unlock existing clean capacity and reduce costs, and members asked about reliability, opt-in participation, and compensation for homeowners.
The committee also heard SB 1197 by Senator Niello, which would move California to permanent standard time if federal law allows, with testimony from a sleep medicine physician supporting the health and safety benefits of ending the time switch and opposition from golf industry representatives who urged a broader analysis of economic, recreational, and public safety impacts. Members debated whether the 2018 voter approval required another vote and whether Congress would need to act. SB 1265 by Senator Richardson would codify and expand the Go Green financing program by creating a new fund and allowing broader partnerships beyond current IOU service areas; supporters said it would expand access to clean energy financing statewide. SB 1337 by Senator Richardson would create a working group to coordinate fuel transition policy and refinery-related issues following SB 237, with supporters emphasizing the need for better interagency coordination and some members asking how it would avoid duplicative work.
The committee also considered SB 1191 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which would extend the California High-Cost Fund A and B programs for rural telephone service through 2033; supporters said the surcharge-funded program is essential for affordable service and emergency connectivity in remote areas. After discussion, the committee adopted amendments where offered and voted all of the bills out of committee, generally on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, with SB 1265 receiving one no vote. Several bills were held on call briefly and then later passed when the committee reconvened, and the hearing adjourned after all listed measures were reported out.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you pass consent to appropriations committee? Ortega? Aye. Ortega, aye. Flora? Aye. Chen?
- Steven Stensler with Brownstein on behalf of Housing California, in respectful opposition.
- The motion is do pass to Appropriations. Ortega? Aye. Ortega, aye. Flora? Chen? Elhawary? Aye.
- The motion is do pass to Appropriations. Ortega? Aye. Flora? Chen? Not voting. El-Hawary? Aye.
- The motion is due pass to Appropriations. Ortega, aye. Flora? Chen, aye. Elhawary? Kalra, aye.
Summary:
The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its rules, and approved the consent calendar before hearing several bills. AB 538, by Assemblymember Berman, would require awarding bodies on public works projects to make a timely attempt to obtain certified payroll records from contractors when the public requests them, rather than simply saying they do not have the records. Supporters said it would clarify existing prevailing wage enforcement; county, city, special district, and housing groups opposed it over workload, privacy, and potential funding risks. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 485, authored by Chair Ortega, which would direct state agencies to deny or renew business licenses for employers with outstanding wage theft judgments unless the judgments are satisfied or bonded. Supporters, including labor groups and a caregiver who described delayed recovery of unpaid wages, said the bill would give workers meaningful leverage to collect judgments. The California Hospital Association opposed it, warning that license action could threaten patient access to care. The bill passed on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations.
AB 596, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would codify workers’ right to wear a face covering or respirator at work unless it creates a direct safety hazard. Supporters said the measure would protect workers from illness, wildfire smoke, and employer restrictions after prior Cal/OSHA protections expired; the Chamber of Commerce opposed it narrowly, asking for an exception where masks are infeasible for certain tasks. The committee supported the bill and sent it to Appropriations. The hearing concluded with the roll kept open for absent members and the committee adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Any objection to report House Bill 112 favorably?
- Objection to report in House Bill 112 favorably.
- So the subcommittee considered what was the appropriate response.
- Of doing it as a basic negligence standard was more appropriate.
- Move forward at the appropriate time. Okay, we have a motion. It is the appropriate time.
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure