Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:31.680> issue<00:14:31.959> regarding<00:14:32.399> private<00:14:32.720>
• ><00:14:37.839> wells<00:14:38.399> and<00:14:38.600> I<00:14:38.759> ask
• you<00:14:39.279> please<00:14:39.600> vote<00:14:39.839> no<00:14:40.240>
• <00:14:42.560> resources<00:14:43.560> thank<00:14:43.800> you<00:14:44.399>
• ree or Rebecca<00:14:48.600> yes<00:14:48.959> Mr<00:14:49.519> represent<00:14

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 SB 89 Discussion 00:59 SB 89 Roll Call Vote 24:49, 958, all

Summary: The committee met in a special called session, confirmed a quorum, and took up Senate Bill 89. The sponsor, Scott Maiden, said the bill was intended to address permitting issues affecting coal and other industries, and he described it as supported by a broad coalition of business, agriculture, and industry groups. He said the bill would align Kentucky’s definition of “waters of the Commonwealth” with federal definitions and would codify the existing definition and calculation method for long-term treatment bond requirements at mine sites. He also emphasized that the bill would not eliminate groundwater protections, drinking water protections, or prohibitions on hazardous substance dumping. A committee amendment was discussed and adopted to add and clarify definitions, including navigable waters, sinkholes with open drains, certain springs, and wellhead protection areas. The sponsor said the amendment was intended to address concerns that the bill was too broad and noted that it was worked on with Louisville Water and other stakeholders. Testimony in opposition came from Rebecca Shelton of Appalachian Citizens Law Center, who argued the bill would leave private wells and groundwater vulnerable and cited groundwater contamination data. Nick Hart of Kentucky Waterways Alliance urged the committee to preserve the current definition and requested a statutory review and economic impact analysis. Audrey Ernsberger of Kentucky Resources Council said the bill would strip protections from most groundwater, ephemeral streams, karst aquifers, and many private wells, and warned of higher water-treatment costs and pollution risks. Members asked questions about the meaning of “carcinogenic” and the difficulty of cleaning up contamination in private wells. During roll call, several members explained their votes, with supporters saying the amendment protected water while preserving needed flexibility for industry, and opponents saying they could not risk weakening water protections or harming private wells and agriculture. The committee voted to pass SB 89 as amended with a favorable recommendation to the Senate, and then moved to roll the committee amendment into a committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $2.4 million General Fund in the budget year and $812,000 ongoing to implement chaptered legislation
• Chapter 811 also included certain reporting requirements only if funding was provided for.
• Chapter 811 also included certain reporting requirements only if funding was provided for in the budget
• The $14 million that's being requested ongoing is exclusively for the Department of Justice, correct?
• So we're hoping that the $14 million ongoing, until the need no longer arises, would be appropriate in

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision presentations for the Office of Emergency Services, Judicial Branch, CDCR, and the Department of Justice, with the LAO offering comments and recommendations throughout. For Cal OES, the administration outlined funding for relocating the Red Mountain communications site, increased FEMA reimbursement authority, cybersecurity grants, next-generation 911 support, and a reduction to the Flexible Cash Assistance for Survivors of Crime program. Members raised concerns about VOCA backfill and disaster reimbursement, while the LAO recommended approving the 911 request with reporting, adding contingency planning for cybersecurity grants, clarifying the FEMA reimbursement language, and increasing reporting on emergency spending. For the Judicial Branch, the May Revision included funding for implementation of the Trial Nations Access to Justice Act, reductions tied to court facilities and employee benefits, and General Fund solutions such as a reduction to the pretrial release program, a reversion from the Trial Court Trust Fund, and elimination of the jury duty pilot program. The LAO cautioned that the pretrial reduction could affect detention and release decisions and recommended tighter legislative oversight over the trust fund transfer and reallocation language. Members questioned the impact of the pretrial cut, the lack of Prop. 36 court funding, and the rationale for the jury pilot elimination; the Judicial Branch said it was generally supportive of the budget as proposed. CDCR presented requests for roof repairs, fire alarm replacements, CalAIM-related costs, and trailer bill changes on incarcerated college students, mental health hiring, and tuberculosis testing, along with a planned prison closure by October 2026. The department also proposed reducing or delaying several items, including radio replacement, ADA improvements, COVID mitigation, and some facility upgrades, while adding a $125 million placeholder for consultant-driven operational savings. The LAO recommended rejecting or reducing several San Quentin-related proposals, questioned the staffing and contract medical requests, and urged more transparency on the consultant savings plan; members expressed concern about the realism of the savings targets and the potential legal or operational risks from delaying ADA and radio projects. For DOJ, the May Revision proposed ongoing funding and 44 positions to defend against federal actions, IT and accounting system upgrades, implementation funding for AB 1877, and a special fund loan. The LAO supported the KLETS connection but asked for a contingency plan if the new DMV link is delayed, noted that AB 1877 would not be fully implemented without additional funding, and recommended limiting and reporting on the federal accountability workload. Members questioned the size and permanence of the DOJ request, the use of the earlier $25 million special session appropriation, and the pace of federal litigation; DOJ said the new request would support ongoing litigation, expert assistance, and coordination across multiple cases and states.

Transcript Highlights:

• , we'll hear the administration spending plan for the climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters
• And so I do wonder, within the Ag chapter, what is the approach, given that quite a bit of it relates
• We just have a few comments about this chapter of the proposition for a bond, which includes a sizable
• Other spending in this chapter, Proposition 4, specifically in terms of the conservancies, we think the
• I just want to first support the administration's proposal for a program For spending in the Ag chapter

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:36.560> place<00:14:36.880> or<00:14:37.240> any<00:14:37.440> one
• of us<00:14:38.560> um<00:14:38.720> to<00:14:39.639> indicate<00:14:40.160>
• > and<00:14:47.320> then<00:14:47.480> it's<00:14:47.680> up<00:14:47.800
• up to the governor<00:14:48.560> to<00:14:48.839> make<00:14:49.560> those<00:14
• 55.720> make<00:14:55.959> sense<00:14:56.279> then<00:14:56.519> if<00:14

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 118 in executive session and adopted Amendment 0882H, which would remove the House and Senate members from the Child Care Commission while leaving the commission in place. Members said the amendment was a continuation of earlier committee discussion and supported it as a needed change. The committee then voted 12-0 to recommend ought to pass as amended, and HB 118 was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 142, dealing with Gold Star Mother’s Day. The sponsor explained that the bill was unnecessary because existing statute already directs the governor to issue a proclamation for Gold Star Mother’s Day and to urge appropriate observance, including flag-related ceremonies. Several members discussed how to ensure the proclamation and flag observance would happen and whether the committee report should note the existing statute. Other members said they would oppose killing the bill because the recognition was important. The committee voted 9-3 to table/ITL the bill, and HB 142 was declared inexpedient to legislate. The final major item was a public hearing on a non-germane amendment to House Bill 456, with a related draft amendment also discussed. The sponsor said the amendment would raise the annual membership allowance from $20 to $75, rename fees as dues, prohibit dues from being used to pay lobbyists, require NHMA dues to be brought before voters as a separate warrant article for transparency, and require separate accounting so lobbying funds are not co-mingled with other funds. Supporters said the goal was to keep taxpayer-derived money from funding lobbying while preserving non-lobbying services such as legal advice and training. Opponents argued the proposal was an overreach and would micromanage local towns. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• During this tenure, he has seen 14 different speakers of the Assembly, seven committee chairs, and I
• So congratulations again for, you know, going out to enjoy the next chapter of life.
• Again, congratulations on this next chapter.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met to hear one bill, SB 1223 by Senator Padilla, which would require district agricultural associations and fairs to follow competitive bidding standards under the Public Contract Code and prohibit sole-source contracting. Senator Padilla and his witness argued the bill was needed to close a loophole exposed by litigation and investigations involving fair contracts, citing alleged bid tailoring and favoritism in San Diego and Orange County fair contracting. They said the measure would promote transparency, accountability, and fair competition, while noting that existing exemptions and guidance should allow smaller fairs to continue routine procurement without difficulty. Committee members asked how the bill would affect small and rural fairs and what steps managers would need to take to comply. The author and witness responded that the bill was aimed at large contracts where abuse had occurred, and that fair managers generally already know how to write RFPs so more than one bidder can qualify. The vice chair indicated support after receiving clarification, and the chair and other members spoke in favor of the bill as a safeguard against corruption. No opposition was presented in committee or public comment. The committee then voted to send SB 1223 to the Appropriations Committee. The roll call showed the measure passing with eight aye votes. Before adjournment, the chair also recognized the committee’s chief consultant, Victor, and secretary, Nicole, for their long service and upcoming retirements, thanking them for their work with the Agriculture Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:14:05.600> is<00:14:05.760> language<00:14:06.160> that<00:14:06.360>
• the audit<00:14:09.800> billings<00:14:10.240> from<00:14:10.400> the<00:14:10.480
• Page<00:14:16.400> 16,<00:14:17.120> actuarial<00:14:17.800> audit<00:14:18.160
• And<00:14:44.839> on<00:14:45.120> page<00:14:45.800> 17,<00:14:46.480>
• And<01:14:03.480> then<01:14:03.760> the<01:14:03.960> Governor's<01:14:04.760><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• > like<01:14:03.560> me<01:14:04.400> but<01:14:04.560> look<01:14:04.719
• 14:06.159> as<01:14:06.280> we<01:14:06.440> become<01:14:06.639> a<01:14
• 01:14:20.560> of<01:14:20.719> how<01:14:20.880> I<01:14:20.960> was<01:14
• <01:14:23.520> just<01:14:24.199> to<01:14:24.679> grow<01:14:25.199> up<
• > understand<01:14:32.120> Fe<01:14:32.480> coding<01:14:32.960> or<01:14

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:06.239> actually<01:14:06.480> going<01:14:06.640> to<01:14:06.800>
• vendors<01:14:10.080> to<01:14:10.719> um<01:14:10.960> try<01:14:11.199
• > to<01:14:11.679> a<01:14:11.920> solution<01:14:12.480> on<01:14:13.199
• > on<01:14:33.120> the<01:14:33.280> higher<01:14:33.600> end<01:14:34.159><
• :14:44.159> to<01:14:44.320> it<01:14:44.480> to<01:14:44.800> what<01:14

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:13.920> the<00:14:14.079> parole<00:14:14.399> board<00:14:14.959>
• <00:14:34.560> what's<00:14:34.880> the<00:14:35.120> mechanism<00:14:35.760>
• /c><00:14:48.560> that<00:14:48.800> part<00:14:49.040> and<00:14:49.199> I
• > for<00:14:51.440> that<00:14:52.000> but<00:14:52.240> I<00:14:52.480><
• <00:14:55.760> taken<00:14:56.160> care<00:14:56.320> of<00:14:56.480> and

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• responsible<00:14:03.639> for<00:14:03.800> our<00:14:04.000> website<00:14:04.759
• :14:12.199> event<00:14:12.680> in<00:14:12.839> April<00:14:13.680> our<
• Conservation<00:14:14.880> Camp<00:14:15.279> we<00:14:15.440> manage<00:14:16.040
• be<01:14:12.320> scared<01:14:12.679> to<01:14:13.000> ask<01:14:13.600>
• > we'll<01:14:14.719> give<01:14:14.840> you<01:14:15.040> oh<01:14:15.159

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps to counter the rather unscientific information in the eunuch chapter,...
• She has, since the age of 14 when she came out, continued.
• I work nights, 8, 10, 12, 14 hours a day. Do you know a professional male sports player?
• It's line 14 of the bill. Okay.
• It's line 14 of the bill. Okay.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:15.519> or<00:14:15.839> as<00:14:16.079> a<00:14:16.240> result
• to<00:14:20.959> corporations<00:14:21.680> that<00:14:21.920> is<00:14:
• <00:14:25.040> And<00:14:25.120> I<00:14:25.279> would<00:14:25.440> also
• <00:14:32.800> from<00:14:33.120> other<00:14:33.360> states<00:14:34.639>
• 00:14:38.720> to<00:14:38.880> enact<00:14:40.079> positive<00:14:41.120> um<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.240> then<00:14:12.440> lines<00:14:12.880> 48<00:14:13.760> and<00:14
• in<00:14:18.280> the<00:14:18.400> policy<00:14:18.960> package,<00:14:19.800>
• :14:21.600> had<00:14:21.840> a<00:14:22.240> um<00:14:22.320> zero house
• <00:14:25.120> And<00:14:25.280> so,<00:14:25.800> I<00:14:25.840> don't<
• 00:14:27.480> that<00:14:27.640> or<00:14:27.720> if<00:14:27.840> we<00:

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Safety and Security Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, with a quorum present and no immediate vote taken. Chairs explained the committee was working ahead of a possible target so it could act quickly later if needed, then proceeded with member introductions and a reminder about committee decorum. Staff noted a microphone delay and said the meeting would include a side-by-side walk-through of the House and Senate policy language and a review of the fiscal spreadsheet. Fiscal staff summarized major differences in court, public safety, and legislative security funding. The House and Senate proposals differed on safety and security funding for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, as well as on courthouse grants, capital security enhancements, and a new legislative/protective services unit. Staff also reviewed Senate-only and House-only items, including a Senate proposal to require removal of insignia from public safety vehicles sold to the public, and House provisions for a security services task force and member security costs. Total general fund impacts were reviewed, with the House total corrected to include an open appropriation that had been omitted from the spreadsheet totals. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the policy differences. The Senate language focused on a Protective Services Unit and security for principal state officials, while the House language focused on a Legislative Services Unit and security for legislators. Both bills included provisions on Capitol Complex Security, reporting requirements, and reimbursement arrangements with local law enforcement, but differed on details such as whether elected officials must provide contact information to DPS and how requests for personal protective services are handled. The House-only amendment A8 was presented for discussion; it would revise emergency contact provisions, replace the House’s personal protective services request language with a more detailed threat assessment and mitigation framework, direct implementation of the new unit, and make related reimbursement and technical changes. Judge Richard Kyle, president of the Minnesota District Judges Association, testified in support of stronger judicial and court safety measures. He described rising threats against judges, citing survey results showing high rates of judges limiting personal information, receiving inappropriate communications, changing personal behavior, and experiencing threats to themselves and family members. He said the association supports legislative authorization and funding for home security and personal data protections for judicial officers, and emphasized that safety concerns for judges and court staff have become more serious in recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.880> members<00:14:01.199> and<00:14:01.440> organizations<00:14:02.079>
• > realize<00:14:03.519> outdoor<00:14:03.920> heritage<00:14:04.399> goals
• <00:14:06.399> In<00:14:06.720> your<00:14:06.959> materials throughout the
• 14:08.480> the<00:14:08.800> locations<00:14:09.199> of<00:14:09.440> funded<
• and<00:14:16.399> acres<00:14:16.720> of<00:14:16.880> prairie<00:14:17.199>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that does go to that 1:14 alert.
• However, that warning came in at 1:14 a.m.
• And if I recall correctly, they moved canoes after 1:14 a.m.
• Violation of the chapter or rules, probably.
• Violation of the chapter or rules, probably.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opposition to this amendment, and you will see the addition in Section 1 of the bill as it impacts Chapter
• Engrossed Senate Bill 2402 is a bill for an act to create and enact a new section to Chapter 43.
• Engrossed Senate Bill 2402 is a bill for an act to create and enact two new sections of Chapter 43-15
• co-chair, recommends amendments on Senate Bill 2402, and when so amended, recommends do pass by a vote of 14
• This bill adds two new sections to Chapter 43-15 of the North Dakota Century Code and provides a limited

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this Senate bill, we have an absurdity in the law because Chapter 22C requires police to count
• I appear before you today as the state coordinator for the Massachusetts chapter of the ADOS Advocacy
• These are not just simple motor vehicle Chapter 90 violations.
• I've been organized of the Boston chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, or DSA.
• It establishes Chapter 151G to create fair investment practices, requiring professional investors to

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil rights, immigration, hate crimes, and reparations bills. Chair Edwards and Chair Day opened with strict testimony rules, including two-minute limits, written testimony options, and decorum requirements. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell testified in strong support of S. 1126/H. 1920, the Combating Hate in the Commonwealth bill, saying Massachusetts needs stronger tools to address rising hate and bias incidents. Her Civil Rights Division chief explained that the bill would give the division civil investigative demand/subpoena power, expand civil rights enforcement, close loopholes in the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, add protected classes to the hate crimes law, and require better hate-crime data reporting. The committee also heard support for H. 1954 on access to counsel in immigration proceedings, H. 4684 on law enforcement identification and public trust, and H. 1927 to exonerate individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. Several bills focused on discrimination and civil rights enforcement. Supporters of S. 1248 on organizational standing said fair housing nonprofits need explicit authority to bring discrimination complaints in their own names, especially as federal protections are under attack. On H. 1246, advocates urged adding sex and gender as protected classes in the hate crimes statute, arguing women are not protected under current state law. H. 1820 drew testimony for protections against height and weight discrimination. H. 1995 would regularize sentencing for hate crimes by requiring diversity awareness training for both convictions and continuances without a finding, and H. 1056/H. 1589 would broaden hate-crime victim standing and require restitution to be used to repair harm. H. 1886 would clarify that defense-based social service staff are exempt from mandated reporter obligations when working under attorney-client privilege. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1889/S. 1064, a bill to eliminate disparate impact. Environmental justice advocates, fair housing attorneys, and community members argued that neutral policies can still produce discriminatory outcomes and that Massachusetts should allow state-court claims and a private right of action to address them. Committee members raised concerns about litigation floodgates, punitive damages, and the scope of protected classes, while supporters said the bill would mainly target systemic harms and injunctive relief. Additional testimony supported H. 1922/S. 119, the Fair Investment Act, which would create civil rights protections in venture capital and other investment settings for founders and investors, especially women and minority entrepreneurs. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1683, the Sex Trade Survivor Act, which would expand vacatur and expungement relief for trafficking survivors, remove archaic offenses from the code, and create an interagency commission; supporters emphasized reducing barriers to housing, employment, and reentry. Finally, the committee heard extensive support for H. 1753/S. 1181, establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts. Testifiers described the state’s history of slavery, redlining, and ongoing racial disparities, and urged the committee to report the bill favorably. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number 14, AB 103, Calderon, with a motion of due pass to Emergency Management Committee.
• Tidman, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, in support
• Tidman, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians in Support
• Item number 14, AB 1003, was on consent. Moving to item number 15, AB 1037, for add-ons.
• Item number 14 is on consent. Item number 15, AB 1037, Al-Hawari. Rodriguez, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• :59.199> of<00:14:59.279> Wii<00:14:59.519> Wei<00:14:59.839> is<00:14:59.920
• :14:37.400> of<01:14:37.560> Health<01:14:37.760> in<01:14:38.120> support
• > okay<01:14:42.199> next<01:14:42.520> Executive<01:14:43.000> Office<01:14
• > on<01:14:52.639> aene<01:14:53.639> and<01:14:54.600> I<01:14:54.679>
• we're in support<01:14:58.760> of<01:14:59.000> this<01:14:59.199> measure<01:14

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, in section 14 on expenditures, the expenditures for emergency hotels and motels was
• And then finally, in section 14 on expenditures, the expenditures for emergency hotels and motels was
• And then finally, in section 14 on expenditures, the expenditures for emergency hotels and motels was
• In section 14 on expenditures, the expenditures for emergency hotels and motels was reduced by $500,000
• It amends chapter 171, 24 VSA, town of Williston, section 14.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate amendments and concurred in them after brief explanations from committee members. On House Bill 841, relating to miscellaneous animal welfare procedures, the House suspended rules, heard that the Senate had removed or revised several provisions — including a certified rabies vaccinator program, a fixed limit on breeding dogs, rescue-organization data reporting, and some advertising language — and then concurred 9-0-2 in committee and by voice vote. On House Bill 938, establishing the Vermont homelessness response continuum, members reviewed Senate changes clarifying funding eligibility, municipal grant applications, emergency assistance timing, fair-hearing procedures, rulemaking timelines, a unified housing voucher framework, and a shift of $500,000 from emergency hotel/motel spending to a Burlington day shelter; the House concurred after a question about the fiscal note was answered by noting the amount matched the governor’s budget and existing appropriations. The House also concurred in the Senate amendment to House Bill 941, which would have created a study committee on municipal regulation of agriculture, but the Senate struck that study-group language; the House committee supported concurrence 7-0-1, saying the underlying bill should move forward even without the study group. The House then considered House Bill 957, approving amendments to the Williston charter. The committee explained that the town had voted to eliminate the office of listers and replace it with contracted professionally qualified assessors, with transitional language ending lister terms after passage or upon hiring an assessor; the committee recommended passage 9-0-2, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages, passed it, and voted to message it to the Senate forthwith. At the end of the session, the House noted two additional committee reports: Senate Bill 64 on optometrists was referred to Ways and Means, and Senate Bill 313 on career technical education was referred to Appropriations. The House then adjourned until May 22, 2026, at 10 a.m.