Transcript Highlights:

• Anita is my counterpart over in India, rural affairs, and so she's going to be... ...Indian and rural
• So this reading assessment, we want to have a minimal impact on instructional time.
• New Mexico's literacy crisis is generational and unrelenting, and many of us know someone impacted by
• I know that sometimes in the smaller rural school, it is real hard to Totally.
• I'm still dyslexic, and in the middle I had two ninth grade, so it has an impact.

Bills: SB29, SB37

Keywords: SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• We should be working to protect prosperity in rural Texas, not undercut it.
• There is no significant fiscal impact to the state.
• Where I think you're getting the no fiscal impact is because we can ask for clarification.
• It's why it says there's no significant impact. Thank you. And lastly, Mr.
• Houston, while empowering rural trucks to access bigger markets.

Bills: HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• They state, while this bill may be well-intentioned, the bill will have harmful and unintended impacts
• As you know, we have a physician shortage, especially in the rural area, so this will target those rural
• The answer is no, it does not impact any political subdivision outside of K-12.
• No, it does not impact any political subdivision outside of K-12 institutions.
• So I think this would adversely affect our rural Arizona school districts and even some of our non-rural

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and several ceremonial proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Joseph Torkelson for his service in pediatric oncology and military medicine. Members also introduced guests connected to Arizona Bleeding Disorders, charter schools, and a suicide-prevention effort tied to HB 2665 (“Cade’s Law”). The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions. On the first calendar, the House gave do pass recommendations, mostly as amended, to HB 2117, 2744, 2751, 2917, 2939, 2957, 2970, and HCR 2038. The amendments addressed topics such as natural resource conservation district boundaries, manufacturing and jobs, Real ID/non-Real ID data privacy, and Colorado River conservation and tribal/community representation. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent the measures for engrossing; a later motion to amend the report to include the defeated Villegas amendment on HB 2667 failed by roll call vote, 22-32 with 6 not voting. In the next calendars, the House advanced HB 2015, 2129, 2327, 2439, 2533, 2667, 2793, 2873, HCR 2044, and others, with several floor or committee amendments adopted. Debate focused on homelessness coordination in HB 2533, homebuyer assistance and corporate ownership concerns in HB 2667, annexation and local control in HB 2793, and a proposed constitutional referral in HCR 2044 aimed at closing loopholes for discrimination in public programs. The House also considered HB 2044 and HB 2076 in the Judiciary calendar, with debate over the scope of a homicide-disposal statute in HB 2044 and school safety/teacher firearms issues in HB 2076; both bills advanced as amended. The final calendar covered natural resources, energy, and water bills. The House advanced HB 2014, 2055, 2145, 2185, 2267, 2340, 2428, 2696, 2798, 2955, 2975, and 2986, with amendments on drought definitions, emissions permitting, mineral district mapping, and environmental enforcement authority. HB 2267 drew the sharpest debate, with opponents arguing it would hinder solar and wind development and supporters arguing for diversification toward coal, gas, and nuclear; after a division vote, the bill still received a do pass recommendation. The session concluded with the Committee of the Whole rising and reporting, and the House adopting the report and assigning the measures accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• On rural health care, I expect you to protect and support access to rural health care to help achieve
• rural emergency hospital program, which is a program I got past five years ago Is working for rural
• That is mostly rural health care and the access to that pharmacist in those rural areas all over the
• A lot of rural America, they can't.
• Senators in large rural constituencies.

Keywords: Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing

Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• That cell phones are not having a negative impact on our students and into action.
• I have firsthand seen the overwhelmingly positive impact of enforcing clear students' cell phone policies
• And I think it should be impacted— It's a good idea.
• And in urban places where we represent members and even rural places, a lot of students still bike to
• Is there a need for this type of funding in the rural areas for this issue? And is it being met?

Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies prohibiting student use of wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for medical needs, assistive technology, emergencies, and educator-approved instructional use. The sponsors and PED/Broadband officials said the bill builds on last year’s law, responds to classroom distraction and cyberbullying concerns, and pairs the mandate with access to the Education Technology Infrastructure Fund for implementation support. Supporters included NEA-NM, AFT-NM, Teach Plus, New Mexico Kids Can, higher education, ECED, and others, who said the bill would improve focus, classroom culture, and student readiness. Some members questioned the three-year phase-in, local control over consequences, effects on recess/lunch and after-school programs, charter and virtual school enforcement, and whether statewide mandates were necessary; the committee ultimately advanced the bill on a 6-3 vote, with Senators Pope and Soules voting no. The committee then heard Senate Bill 73, which would add a requirement that driver education include instruction on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and others outside vehicles. The sponsor and supporters from APS, NEA-NM, AFT-NM, PED, Albuquerque city officials, cycling and pedestrian advocates, and individuals affected by traffic violence said New Mexico’s high pedestrian and bicyclist fatality rates make the training necessary and that better education could improve safety and awareness. Some testimony connected the bill to broader public health, climate, and Vision Zero efforts, while several speakers shared personal stories of crashes and losses. Committee members asked about the three-hour requirement, whether it would apply to existing drivers, how it would be implemented by DOT and MVD, and whether the bill should also address training for vulnerable road users themselves; concerns were also raised about rural road conditions and the limited behind-the-wheel training currently required. The committee passed SB 73 on a 6-3 vote, with Senator Thornton voting no. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 234, an appropriation of $1.2 million to Albuquerque Public Schools for transportation of students in foster care. The sponsor and an expert witness, a former CYFD caseworker, described serious transportation failures after contracts were terminated, saying caseworkers were forced to drive children themselves and that missed or late rides disrupted schooling and overburdened staff. APS, New Mexico Child First Network, and CYFD all supported the bill, saying it would clarify responsibility, relieve caseworkers, and ensure continuity of transportation for foster youth. Committee questions focused on why the appropriation was limited to APS rather than other districts with transportation shortfalls, whether $1.2 million would be enough, who would provide the rides, and what safety/background-check standards would apply if contractors were used. The bill was still under discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Expanding concealed rural communities.
• And I think that's a very big difference between gun culture in rural areas in rural Kentucky and what
• In rural areas, it is a family legacy.
• gun culture in rural areas in rural<00:54:05.200><c> Kentucky</c><00:54:06.000><c> and</c><00:54:06.240
• It is impacting all of us, and all of us have different needs.

Keywords: The live stream for the House Chambers was interrupted and this version was recovered from backups and should contain the complete Legislative Session. Convene 00:00:00 Senate Message 00:04:40 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:38 Orders of the Day 00:06:14 HB 312 00:06:42 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 01:11:07 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:13:24 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 01:14:30 ConC/Rules Report 01:19:42 Adjournment 01:21:18, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, received the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 89 members present, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber approved the prior day’s journal and received notice that the Senate had passed SB 13, 22, 46, 51, and 90 and requested concurrence. On second reading, HB 134 (sexual assault nurse examiners), HB 168 with HCS 1 (voting under the influence), and HR 7 (recognizing guiding principles of elections in Kentucky) were reported. The House also recommitted HB 258 to the Transportation Committee and took up HB 312 for third reading and passage. HB 312, relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons, drew the bulk of the debate. The sponsor argued the bill would allow law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds to obtain a provisional concealed carry license, saying they are adults in other respects, the Second Amendment protects their right to bear arms, and Kentucky should align with other states. Supporters framed the measure as a constitutional rights issue and cited defensive gun use statistics, while one member argued the root problem is family upbringing rather than guns. Opponents said the bill would increase risks in schools and public spaces, pointed to concerns from school district police and SROs, and cited research linking younger age groups and loosened carry laws to higher firearm violence; they also argued the bill would make communities less safe and that no one’s rights would be taken away by voting no. The sponsor said no stakeholder had expressed opposition and clarified the bill would not change where firearms are permitted. The transcript provided does not include the final vote on HB 312.

Transcript Highlights:

• This prioritizes awards to rural and disadvantaged communities.
• lot of So beautiful project, like on the last slide, this is a library project in Stevens County, rural
• Project licensure is certainly a challenge impacting future operating funds that are needed at sites
• Buildings impact every aspect of our lives, from how we Time indoors.
• That'd be sure. ...of our public institutions and the impact of our environment.

Summary: The committee first received a Commerce overview of capital budget grant programs, including behavioral health facilities, Building for the Arts, Building Communities Fund, early learning facilities, library capital improvements, and youth recreational facilities. Commerce described program eligibility, match requirements, funding cycles, and project examples such as an early learning center in Spokane, a rural library in Stevens County, and a youth clubhouse in Prosser. Members asked about behavioral health capital projects, including how many facilities have been opened and how capital planning aligns with operating funding; Commerce said it could provide more data later and noted it focuses on capital while HCA, DSHS, and DOH handle operating requests. Members also raised concerns about nonprofit financial stability, project licensure, siting, and the burden of non-state match, while Commerce emphasized shovel-ready projects, community match, and efforts to reduce application burden. The committee then heard an update on the Clean Buildings Performance Standard from Commerce. Staff reviewed Washington’s building emissions laws, compliance tiers, exemptions, incentives, and district energy system decarbonization planning under House Bills 1543, 1976, and 1390. Commerce reported nearly 5,000 inquiries in 2025, a fellowship program that has helped more than 250 buildings in 16 counties, and review of nearly 30 district energy plans. The presentation highlighted that over half of Tier 1 buildings are already meeting targets, that Tier 2 incentive applications suggest the 30-cent-per-square-foot incentive often covers compliance costs, and that district decarbonization plans face common challenges such as aging infrastructure, grid readiness, workforce, and inconsistent cost reporting. Members asked what additional legislative action might help, and Commerce said it was still learning from the new rulemaking and implementation changes. Western Washington University and Corex then presented on WWU’s campus heating conversion project and a possible off-campus thermal energy partnership with the Port of Bellingham. WWU described its aging steam system, high emissions, maintenance costs, and the $51 million in Climate Commitment Account funding it has received to transition toward an electric hot-water system using technologies such as geo-exchange, heat recovery chillers, and air-source heat pumps. Corex explained its existing district energy system at the Port of Bellingham, which uses industrial waste heat and is operating at very high efficiency, and said it is exploring a heat transmission line to WWU and possibly sewer-heat recovery. Testimony from WSU and UW supported the broader decarbonization effort but raised concerns about the scale of costs, deferred maintenance, and the need for predictable state funding. A contractor witness urged the state to think bigger about public-private partnerships and other financing tools rather than forcing campuses to compete for limited funds. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2330, which would create a prioritization process for capital funding for state campus district energy system decarbonization projects. Staff said the bill would establish a Commerce committee to score and rank projects, issue a preliminary framework report by December 30 of this year, and provide biennial recommended project lists beginning in 2028, while also studying barriers to energy-as-a-service contracts and public-private partnerships. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to create a thoughtful, predictable process for deciding which projects to fund, emphasizing energy savings, emissions reductions, operating cost reductions, shovel-readiness, and the value of public-private partnerships. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive: WSU and UW backed the bill as a way to advance compliance and predictability, though WSU warned that compliance costs could be very large and that the university would likely seek state help if fines were imposed. A contractor witness supported the concept but argued the bill should help build a larger funding “pie” through partnerships and financing tools rather than simply dividing scarce resources. The committee then opened and heard testimony on House Bill 2338, which would authorize community-scaled weatherization projects. Commerce staff said the bill would allow weatherization funds and matching funds to be used for neighborhood-scale projects affecting multiple dwelling units, while still prioritizing low-income households; the fiscal note estimated about $273,000 in FY 2027 and about $237,000 per biennium ongoing for administration. Supporters from community action agencies and Spark Northwest said the bill would improve health, safety, affordability, and contractor participation by allowing weatherization to be done at a community scale, especially in mobile home parks and low-income neighborhoods. No votes were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> your rural communities. your rural communities.
• </c> general aviation ensures rural general aviation ensures rural communities<00:08:12.560><c> have<
• We don't have a lot of uh uh rural area.
• </c> be good to put those in these rural be good to put those in these rural areas.<00:21:06.480><c>
• </c><01:12:55.440><c> Um</c> it just came back minimal impact. Um it just came back minimal impact.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Want to make sure it doesn't impact us.
• Want to make sure it doesn't impact us.
• The timber economy is still very important in these rural areas.
• And for a lot of local economies and rural communities, there are cascading impacts for other members
• And for a lot of local economies and rural communities, there are cascading impacts for other members

Bills: SB5919, SB5816, SJM8015, HB2737

Keywords: fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, federal response, wildfire protection, community safety, infrastructure, natural resources, commercial shellfish, shellfish fees, Department of Health, biotoxin testing, export certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a growing urban-rural divide.
• and also urban-rural divide is the challenge to research.
• And so that has a huge impact. That's a huge challenge for Washington agriculture.
• And so that's where we're seeing the real severe impacts associated with labor.
• So I agree, as Senator Short, there is likely an impact on the lowest-income household members.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just as we're seeing in Florida, there's a 74% increase in rural taxes in rural parts of that state having
• And we felt it impacted in a real way.
• 74% over 10 years in Florida. and rural Florida.
• It's a rural Texas bill. I'll let you go.
• to in rural districts.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , there is no impact to the state.
• , there is no impact to the state.
• The bill has no expenditure impact.
• So it is not clear how much of an impact there would be.
• The impact—the more impact that they say this bill will have, the more that demonstrates what a tax advantage

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on nine bills. Senate Bill 5872 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic donations for ECAP preschool slots; supporters, including DCYF, the governor’s office, and early learning advocates, said it would help expand access to high-quality pre-K with a 10-year Ballmer Group commitment for up to 10,000 new seats annually. Senators asked how the money would flow, and staff and witnesses explained it would be governed by an MOU and deposited annually; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5879 would eliminate two JLARC studies, one on lodging tax reporting and one on training benefits; supporters said the reports were duplicative and burdensome, while the hospitality industry warned against losing transparency, and no action was taken. Senate Bill 6047 would permanently codify various capital budget administration rules, including minor works flexibility and early learning grant changes; testimony focused on technical cleanup and on provisions affecting co-located child care and community projects, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to charge fees for accrediting opioid treatment programs, with support from DOH and tribal/nontribal providers who want the state to continue providing the service; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5923 would allow Island Hospital in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital, with local hospital leaders and residents supporting the measure to improve reimbursement and sustain rural care; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5832 would raise the Lemon Law arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to fund the Attorney General’s consumer protection work, and the AG’s office, dealers, and the sponsor said the program is effective and underfunded; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5970 would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers, with AARP supporting the bill as a benefit to seniors and caregivers; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5994 would preserve timber tax distributions for school districts that recently had qualifying levies, and forest industry witnesses supported the bill while suggesting a possible amendment for state forest transfer lands; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5949 would narrow the B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses so it applies only to the entity paying the insurance premiums tax, retroactive to 2019; the Department of Revenue and bill supporters argued it restores tax equity, while insurers, health plans, and business groups opposed it as retroactive, ambiguous, and likely to raise premiums. The committee heard extensive testimony on that bill, but the transcript ends with adjournment and no recorded vote or executive action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And financial impacts for each.
• I know that several, as we looked at that map, a lot of us are rural schools.
• We do have aging facilities, as we do in rural areas.
• That is extreme for a small rural district of our school size.
• ... ...and the effect of multiple factors that have affected our small rural K-8 school district.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . $30.4 million for the regional education consortia to provide additional support to Florida's rural
• Again, we're focusing on workforce. $7 million for the new Rural Incentive for Professional Educators
• Other key highlights of the budget: $209 million to initiate the Rural Health Transformation Fund in
• Over $95 million in support for our rural communities, $505 million of an increase to help the supply
• Senator Trumbull, you mentioned that we are putting $209 million for rural health.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has no impact on the state general fund.
• The visitor impact with FIFA has been sort of a moving target, and so that's why.
• We have Senate Bill 6031, Crimes Impacting Insurance.
• We have Senate Bill 6031, Crimes Impacting Insurance.
• Bill 6031, Crimes Impact Insurance. I move the adoption of the proposed substitute.

Bills: SB6061, SB5844, SB6079, SB6137, SB5831, SB6031, SB6178

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, storage rental, tenancy agreements, tenant rights, landlord obligations, termination notice, insurance, wildfire prevention, policy nonrenewal, cancellation, risk management, sports wagering, sports betting, sports gambling, bookmaking, gambling regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has no impact on the state general fund.
• The visitor impact with FIFA has been sort of a moving target.
• The visitor impact with FIFA has been sort of a moving target. And so that's why.
• We have Senate Bill 6031, Crimes Impacting Insurance.
• Senate Bill 6031, Crimes Impacting Insurance. I move the adoption of the proposed substitute.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering. Staff explained that the bill would allow wagering on collegiate events involving Washington colleges, but would continue to prohibit bets on the performance of individual college athletes. Tribal representatives from the Jamestown S’Klallam, Puyallup, and Kalispel tribes testified in support, saying the bill would keep wagering within the regulated tribal marketplace, protect integrity, and help smaller tribal casinos participate through a hub-and-spoke model. University of Washington and Washington State University representatives supported the ban on individual prop bets and emphasized student-athlete safety, while WSU also argued the bill would expand exposure to harassment and online abuse. No vote was taken. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6079, which would create the Strengthen Washington Homes wildfire mitigation grant program. Staff said the bill would fund grants for wildfire-hardening homes to IBHS standards, authorize pilot projects, and prohibit insurers from using wildfire risk to disqualify homes that meet the standards. Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuder and Senator Marcus Riccelli supported the bill, arguing that wildfire losses and non-renewals are increasing and that upfront mitigation is cheaper than recovery. Local officials and advocates from Medical Lake, Washington Realtors, and climate and wildfire groups also supported the measure. Insurance industry representatives supported the mitigation goals but objected to the bill’s requirement that insurers provide coverage based on IBHS designation and to using the commissioner’s regulatory account as a funding source, saying underwriting still needs to consider broader risk factors. No action was taken. The committee next held a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 6061, which would create a tourism self-supported assessment program. State of Washington Tourism, the Washington Wine Commission, the Washington Hospitality Association, the Brewers Guild, the Port of Seattle, and rural economic development representatives said the state’s tourism program is underfunded and that an industry-led assessment could provide a stable, competitive funding source. They said the model would be governed by a ratepayer oversight board, subject to ratification, and could generate significant visitor spending and tax revenue over time. Some testimony raised concerns about the scope of eligible businesses and the bill’s references to other industries, but supporters said friendly amendments would refine those details. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5844 on self-storage rental agreements, which would allow electronic agreements, clarify acceptance by continued occupancy, and create a uniform process for termination or nonrenewal for nonpayment or nonmonetary defaults. Self-storage operators supported the bill as a modernization measure that would improve safety and consistency, and no vote was taken on any of the bills heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the locals are seeing the impact of their taxes, and so also applies locally.
• And like every aspect of our society, the art sector was deeply impacted.
• Especially California's rural communities, and SLPs provide a pathway of funding for rural artists and
• rural arts organizations.
• Apt to happen in rural communities, and she told me how grateful she was.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> procedures you think would be rural procedures you think would be rural would<00:27:04.960><c> be
• </c><00:40:59.400><c> reflect</c><00:41:00.400><c> the</c> rural Minnesota may not reflect the rural
• I want to serve rural Minnesota.
• Minnesota is already feeling the impact, particularly in rural and underserved areas where there aren't
• She also noted that the opioid epidemic is impacting both rural and metro areas, and that in rural areas

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, we have a physician shortage, especially in the rural area, so this will target those rural
• The answer is no, it does not impact any political subdivision outside of K-12.
• No, it does not impact any political subdivision outside of K-12 institutions.
• No, it does not impact any political subdivision outside of K-12 institutions.
• So I think this would adversely affect our rural Arizona school districts and even some of our non-rural

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The long-term effects of the pandemic have revealed startling impacts, including significant declines
• this bill does not apply to school districts that have student enrollment of 8,000 or fewer, meaning rural
• I didn't believe that there was an impact.
• They wouldn't be impacted by this bill, but I know I have a lot that have gone...
• Achievement, especially in these small and rural districts that carefully implement the model, shows

Bills: HB 1209, HB4746

Keywords: school funding, instructional days, education, public schools, school performance, four-day school week, performance rating, school governance, school calendar, education funding, emergency closures, school district, school operations, Texas education, public school accountability, academic distinction designation, postsecondary readiness, career and technical education, CTE, P-TECH