Transcript Highlights:

• They still belong to their home school.
• So in a small school, most of our kids are tracked.
• So in a small school, most of our kids are tracked.
• Just appreciate the opportunity to present to this group today.
• Basically, we're a small...

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> co-workers and my home boss most likely. co-workers and my home boss most likely.
• </c> to construct an expansion of a small to construct an expansion of a small ruminate<00:15:27.120>
• </c><00:37:28.880><c> So,</c> child care homes. Um, next slide. So, child care homes.
• We also are veering away from the home visit and putting out there that this is a home visit because
• Our home number that they can do.

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared. The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site. The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.

Transcript Highlights:

• with enthusiasm and insights return home with enthusiasm and insights return home with enthusiasm and
• University in Washington DC by a group University in Washington DC by a group of 16 students led by
• small percentage of a very small small percentage of a very small small percentage of additional available
• Jackson and the group up there group Jackson and the group up there group Jackson and the group up there
• let's start at the home tell mama don't let's start at the home tell mama don't let's start at the home

Bills: HB 9 , HB 22 , HB 908 , HB 1392

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> suggestion uh where um the small suggestion uh where um the small producer producer producer uh<
• </c> you're going to exempt the small you're going to exempt the small producers.<00:48:56.800><c> I<
• </c><00:51:21.280><c> And</c> exemption for small producers. And exemption for small producers.
• And I protect our small farmers.
• “So much for home-field advantage.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Madam Chair, members of the working group.
• They're very small.
• That's a really small demographic.
• So early on, but it was a really small number.
• We are considered a formal working group.

Summary: The Kratom Working Group met to hear public testimony and expert presentations on whether North Dakota should prohibit or regulate kratom and 7-OH products. Early testimony split sharply between speakers who described natural kratom as a helpful, lower-risk alternative for chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, PTSD, and recovery, and speakers who urged prohibition because of dependence, overdose risk, and the growth of concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online. Several witnesses, including consumers and shop owners, argued that banning kratom would push people to more dangerous drugs or unregulated internet sources, while public health and medical witnesses said the marketplace is confusing and inadequately controlled. A number of witnesses, including representatives of the North Dakota Public Health Association, the state crime lab, and addiction-treatment and pediatric clinicians, emphasized risks from adulterated or concentrated products, lack of labeling and age restrictions, contamination concerns, and harms to adolescents, pregnant patients, and newborns. The crime lab described recent cases involving mitragynine, 7-OH, and pseudoindoxyl, and said products purchased in a smoke shop were inaccurately labeled. A Sanford pediatric hospitalist testified that kratom exposure in pregnancy can cause severe neonatal withdrawal and that adolescents are using the product. By contrast, American Kratom Association representatives and other advocates argued that natural leaf kratom should be distinguished from synthetic 7-OH, that deaths usually involve other substances, and that a regulatory framework with testing, labeling, age limits, and product registration would better protect consumers than a blanket ban. No formal bill was debated or voted on in this transcript. The working group heard testimony, asked questions, and took no final action before breaking for lunch and later resuming with additional presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a football coach, I used to coach some group of kids called offensive linemen.
• Small job, well, thank you, Madam Chair, welcome members.
• My wife was a group driver of a PR advertising firm, and we started our family.
• We, in Miami, in particular, we don’t have any registered homes.
• Safe travels home. And thank you. Of your week, safe travels home.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee held an introductory meeting focused largely on member introductions and “homework” reports about education issues in each district. Members raised a wide range of concerns and priorities, including early childhood care and VPK access, school choice and school closures, teacher recruitment and retention, conflict resolution and school safety, early literacy and preparedness, technology and AI/STEM instruction, attendance and mental health, ESE services, dual enrollment and career/technical education, caregiving youth, and real-time student enrollment/funding tracking. Several members also emphasized local challenges such as housing-driven teacher turnover, disaster-related attendance problems, and funding inequities across counties. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Florida’s early learning system from Chancellor Carrie Miller of the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning. She outlined the structure and funding of School Readiness, VPK, and the Gold Seal Quality Care program, the role of early learning coalitions and DCF, and the state’s quality and accountability measures. She highlighted the importance of kindergarten readiness, teacher quality, and the new School Readiness Plus program, which helps families transition off subsidy more gradually. Additional panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and a Tallahassee child care provider discussed workforce shortages, low wages, provider turnover, the TEACH scholarship program, Help Me Grow, local coalition operations, and the need for more providers and more consistent regulation. During questions, members asked about wait lists, special needs services, teacher retention, provider onboarding, and DCF regulation. The panel said Miami-Dade’s wait list was about 4,000 children and described priority categories for service; they also said children with disabilities are screened and referred for support, though not given a separate priority category. Panelists reported that TEACH has helped reduce turnover through education support and service commitments, but said wages and career pathways remain major issues. Members also pressed for clearer, more consistent licensing standards and more support for new providers entering the field. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• letter saying I want days to do a small letter saying I want days to do a small letter saying I want
• ahead and start why do you say small ahead and start why do you say small letter ma'am that's a small
• letter he letter ma'am that's a small letter he letter ma'am that's a small letter he said a small well
• I mean just it can be said a small well I mean just it can be said a small well I mean just it can be
• price to pay seem like it's a small price to pay seem like it's a small price to pay compared to the

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes us home to the largest diaspora community anywhere, with the exception of Russia.
• That makes us home to the largest diaspora community anywhere, with the exception of Russia.
• We put a very small check in this company.
• I think three more ServiceTitans is no small task, but I think possible.
• Small invest, huge growth. It's exactly what we want. And continue to invest.

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange focused on strengthening California-Armenia ties through trade, investment, education, culture, and diplomacy. Chair Harabedian and Assemblymember Caloza opened by emphasizing the importance of the Armenian-American community in California and the committee’s goal of expanding opportunities for business, job creation, cultural preservation, and academic exchange. The Republic of Armenia’s ambassador and the Armenian Consul General both described Armenia as a growing strategic partner for California, highlighting recent peace and connectivity developments, Armenia’s diversification strategy, and the role of the Armenian diaspora in linking the two places. The first panel featured Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Go-Biz trade specialist Trisha Utterback. Kounalakis reviewed the 2019 California-Armenia framework agreement and the opening of the California trade and services desk in Yerevan, noting growth in academic ties and California’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Utterback outlined Go-Biz’s trade and investment programs and reported that California-Armenia two-way trade has more than doubled since 2019, with exports rising sharply; she cited examples of California companies expanding into Armenia and Armenian businesses seeking California opportunities. Members asked about future priorities, and panelists pointed to tech, clean energy, agriculture, and continued outreach through trade and investment programs. A second panel centered on Glendale’s role as a gateway for the partnership. Mayor Ara Najarian described Glendale’s large Armenian-American population, the Armenian American Museum, sister-city relationships, and the city’s role in cultural and economic diplomacy, while also raising concerns about Artsakh, displaced Armenians, detainees, and discrimination against Armenian Americans. Vahe Kozoyan of ServiceTitan shared his company’s growth from a Glendale startup to a global firm with major operations in Armenia, and Armina Galstian of SmartGate VC and Hero House Glendale described a California-Armenia innovation corridor supporting startups, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and neuroscience. Committee members discussed how the state can further support the partnership through investment, delegation visits, education, innovation hubs, and ensuring Armenian-owned businesses are not excluded from supplier diversity and anti-discrimination protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last Thursday, we all went home.
• I have a group of citizens back home who have a couple of issues that are bothering them, and I'm not
• You have groups, you know, Republican and Democrat groups that are not out there, you know, spending
• So we're just looking at it as a group. So do you have a group... ...criteria.
• I want to make sure the groups that we're dealing with— is it per election or per group, or what?

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1071, which creates a public records exception for certain aerospace facility and activity records, including blueprints, plans, technical data, operational documents, and security information tied to federally regulated work and contracts with the U.S. Department of War or intelligence agencies. The sponsor and several members emphasized protecting Louisiana aerospace and defense-related work, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 181, as amended, which authorizes the legislative auditor to review confidential income tax records to help LDH verify Medicaid eligibility, and, after amendment, SNAP eligibility as well. Supporters said the bill would help identify ineligible recipients, reduce fraud, and improve the state’s error rate to avoid federal penalties; opponents argued tax returns are outdated and unreliable for current eligibility, could create false flags, and might burden or discourage eligible low-income residents. After extensive debate, the committee adopted Amendment Set 2633 and reported HB 181 favorably by a 10-6 vote. Later, the committee considered HB 250, which removes the requirement that immediate family members of appointed board or commission members disclose certain employment information, while leaving existing ethics prohibitions in place. The Ethics Board said the bill would not change substantive conflict-of-interest rules, only the disclosure requirement, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 544, authorizing a citizen’s advisory referendum election, was briefly explained as a nonbinding, petition-driven local ballot question process, but the sponsor deferred it for further consideration and the committee deferred the bill. The committee also heard HB 1036, which clarifies when a group is considered a “committee” for campaign finance purposes by using a more objective spending threshold rather than the current “primary purpose” standard. Ethics officials said the change would give clearer investigative guidance without changing other disclosure rules, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 210 was amended to address retroactivity concerns in a prior ethics-related provision affecting school board and local governing authority members employed by entities with contracts or business before June 5, 2024; the amendment grandfathered earlier situations while requiring disclosures going forward, and the bill was reported favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pest control, it may be termites, it may be home inspectors.
• Many times, we keep our chemicals outside the home.
• But we can't do that in small animals at all.
• The big difference I've noticed is the large animal versus a small animal.
• You're gonna be like, I'm not talking to a small animal.

Bills: HB43 , HB3364 , HB3469 , HB3479 , HB43

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, it's a relatively small percentage of Florida's budget, according to the packet, 2.6%.
• Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Madam Vice Chair, Madam Ranking Member, and members of this group.
• It's a very small agency. It's a very small agency.
• We're a small agency, as I said, with only 30 FTEs, and we have a relatively small budget of $5.6 million
• We are asking for $450 million for My Safe Florida Home Program.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding. Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach. Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• These reactors are extremely small.
• The Part 57 support I mentioned is for the small reactors.
• You've been through the briefings on small modular reactors.
• Small modular, large reactors, microreactors, where?
• When, if you, like I said yesterday, if you go home and you drive home and come up with another question

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the availability of presentation materials, then moved into a series of technical briefings from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent federal and DOE efforts to streamline nuclear regulation for advanced reactors, including NRC Part 53 and upcoming Part 57 rulemaking, DOE authorization updates, crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements, and use of AI to speed licensing communications and document review. He emphasized that the goal is to align safety standards for advanced technologies, reduce rework for developers, and support deployment for commercial, defense, and research uses. In response to questions, he said there is no current plan to merge agencies, but there is more information-sharing and embedded NRC staff at DOE facilities; he also noted public outreach is supported through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, covering uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and recycling. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), DOE’s HALEU Availability Program, and the need to expand domestic enrichment, deconversion, and transportation capacity to support advanced reactors and the 2050 nuclear growth goal. He also reviewed used fuel management, including on-site storage at operating and shutdown reactors, the Center for Used Fuel Research at INL, a high-burnup research cask project, and the long-term repository question, which he said is ultimately political as well as technical. He outlined reprocessing approaches—aqueous/Purex, pyrochemical, and fluoride volatility—describing INL’s work on electrochemical processing of EBR-II fuel and noting industry interest from several companies in recycling technologies. Ashley Shields presented on AI for nuclear applications, describing INL’s use of generative AI, high-performance computing, and digital-twin tools to accelerate reactor design, licensing, operations, and materials development. She highlighted the Prometheus effort to pursue highly automated reactor design and operation, the large documentation burden for reactor licensing, and ongoing work on autonomous control, remote operation, and AI-assisted materials qualification through the Vulcan challenge and related data platforms. In questions, she said AI tools are used under data-governance and security controls, with different models chosen for different tasks, and argued that software engineers and human oversight remain necessary. The session ended with a brief recess announcement and a transition to a later presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:05:05.919><c> lot</c><00:05:06.000><c> of</c> know, in small town America, a lot of know, in small
• </c> They said, "Well, the font is as small They said, "Well, the font is as small as<00:15:52.560><c
• And once that's done, so you'll home.
• </c> they're done they go back to their home. they're done they go back to their home.
• </c> building that long-term recovery group. building that long-term recovery group.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call. The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service. Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We found that although the city has approved very small lots, it does not make homes more affordable.
• We found that although the city has approved very small lots, it does not make homes more affordable.
• We had a developer come and propose to have an apartment building surrounded by town homes with a small
• surrounded by town homes with a small<01:19:44.239><c> retail</c><01:19:44.640><c> center</c><01:19:
• home.

Bills: HF3902 , HF3895

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing tax credit, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, qualified projects, taxpayer contributions, greater Minnesota, zoning, housing, local government, multifamily development, affordable housing, land use, urban development

Transcript Highlights:

• My son asked me to get the salad dressing recipe so we could take that home and he could try it at home
• </c><00:25:46.720><c> so</c><00:25:47.080><c> it</c> home and he could try it at home so it home and
• </c> lb of broccoli and that as a small lb of broccoli and that as a small grower<00:37:32.000><c> you
• </c><00:37:36.280><c> sales</c> small but when you add those small sales small but when you add those
• </c><00:59:31.200><c> to</c> actions schools should not be home to actions schools should not be home

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2005 creates an alternative option where an existing homeowner may partner with a small home builder
• It's really a benefit for us as small builders, small, you know... Policies.
• It's really a benefit for us as small builders, small infill builders.
• We focus on small-lot, single-family detached homes that are for sale, and townhomes that are two- and
• legislation The actual homes constructed.

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard several housing, water, labor, and local governance bills. AB 1621, by Assembly Member Wilson, would tighten timelines and limit repeated plan checks in post-entitlement housing permitting; supporters said it would reduce delays and costs, while cities and counties opposed or sought amendments over concerns about health-and-safety review and litigation risk. AB 2005 would expand SB 9 lot-split eligibility to certain owners using trusts or LLCs and allow partnerships with small builders; supporters framed it as a homeownership tool, while Realtors and others warned it would weaken SB 9’s owner-occupancy guardrails and invite speculative development. AB 2397 would create a financing tool for rural housing infrastructure districts, with the author and a developer witness saying it would help projects secure roads, water, and sewer funding. The committee also considered AB 2180, which would clarify Proposition 218 rate-setting standards for public water agencies. Water agencies, cities, counties, and other local entities supported the bill as a response to conflicting court decisions and rising litigation, while taxpayer and consumer opponents argued the Legislature should not intervene while the issue is pending before the California Supreme Court and warned the bill could weaken constitutional protections against cost shifting. After debate, the committee voted 3-2 to send AB 2180 to the Senate floor. AB 1838 would require bidders on public works projects to disclose recent wage-and-hour violations; labor groups supported it as a transparency and worker-protection measure, while contractors opposed it as burdensome and likely to reduce competition. The committee voted 2-2 on the bill, leaving it open. Members also heard AB 2134, which would allow local elected officials to take parental leave without publicly disclosing private medical or family information in order to avoid removal for missed meetings; it received broad support and passed unanimously to Judiciary. AB 2308 would extend an existing tax-increment financing timeline for the San Francisco Transbay/portal project, and AB 2397 advanced on a unanimous vote. After the hearing, the committee later took up the bills on call and reported most of them out, including AB 1621, AB 2005, AB 2134, AB 2308, and AB 2397, while AB 1838 remained tied and AB 2180 was sent forward on a divided vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to a device at home is no longer a luxury.
• Small problems become costly emergencies.
• Are you private school, home school or public school?
• And I feel like they do that best in small groups with parents that care about them and also through
• We brought him home and enrolled him in Washington Virtual Academies.

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6320, then heard Senate Bill 6222, which would let school districts and educational service districts sell or grant surplus technology hardware such as laptops and tablets to public school students and recent graduates, with priority for low-income students. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help students keep access to devices they need for homework, college, and work, while preserving existing surplus procedures. Testimony was generally supportive, including from district technology staff and students, though one question raised whether tribal compact schools would be included. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6263, which raises school district public bid thresholds to reflect inflation and reduce procurement costs. The sponsor said the limits had not been updated in about 20 years and should be aligned with other local governments. Supporters from school employees, finance officers, and school coalitions said the change would save time and money and reduce delays in maintenance and purchasing. Testimony on Senate Bill 6261, which would require parents of six- and seven-year-olds not enrolled in school to file annual declarations of intent about their child’s education, was overwhelmingly opposed by homeschool families and advocates. Opponents argued it would add bureaucracy, create privacy concerns, and burden families, while the superintendent of public instruction supported the bill as a way to improve enrollment data and planning. The sponsor said it was about knowing where children are and right-sizing school systems. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6118, requiring cardiac emergency response plans in schools and athletic facilities. The sponsor, who spoke about losing her brother to heart failure, said schools need faster, better-prepared responses to cardiac emergencies. Supporters, including parents, students, and community advocates, described personal experiences with sudden cardiac events and said the bill could save lives by ensuring AEDs, CPR training, and practiced response plans. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6320 on alternative learning experiences. The bill would restrict online and remote ALE providers to public or nonprofit entities and reduce levy equalization funding for remote/online ALE, with limited exceptions for medically fragile or severely bullied students. Supporters argued it would keep public education public and encourage in-person learning, while opponents—including superintendents, online program operators, students, and homeschool advocates—warned it would displace thousands of students, harm successful programs, and reduce family choice. No final votes were taken on the bills in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the two groups that it leaves out are our small group health plans and our individual plans that are
• This is your group home.
• So if the group home calls because they have somebody, they have a detention order to be picked up there
• If I get an order to pick you up or your son up at a group home... Handcuffs?
• If I'm going to, if I get an order to pick you up or your son up at a group home, the police are saying

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote. House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Adding high regulatory costs to routine home maintenance and small-scale development puts residents at
• That means almost every home...
• But when you built your home or you live in your home now, you didn't have to mitigate hundreds of thousands
• But when you built your home or you live in your home now, you didn't have to mitigate hundreds of thousands
• And we've seen in many coastal communities even a small number of homes. ...being converted into short-term

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there's a whole other group of students.
• The third thing is homes.
• She opened her home, and her home became the campaign headquarters. So thank you, Barb.
• homes.
• Majority Leader, take us home.