Transcript Highlights:

• the overly broad definition to skip over the public, environmental, and community review process to access
• If California requires a labor peace agreement just to access this exemption and a competing state does
• These practices weaken labor conditions and limit access to essential benefits, especially medical care
• Many essential workers do not have access to affordable medical coverage provided by their employers,
• Jennifer Robles with Health Access California in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether you're a Republican or Democrat, I think we can all agree that the Virginia Public Access Project
• HB 848 improves access to the legal system by removing the requirement that tenants be current on rent
• Because a firearm you cannot access in an emergency is a firearm that you cannot use to protect you or
• to any load forecasting data, and so we would allow interveners to have access to that data.
• And employers will be able to ensure that this leave is accessible, but more importantly, that it will

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a situation where we want to make sure that we have fair and just access to our civil justice
• The proof of that is that, after 32 years, there is still full access to our courts.
• This would result in extremely limited or no access to quality care for them.
• But she will need help to be able to access this care.
• I've had the ability to access the best care and surpass anything the doctors expected of me.

Bills: HB4806

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just that they don't have access to it anymore. You're right.
• Everyone deserves access to the healthcare they need.
• Texas should be expanding, not attempting to limit that access.
• I did not know when I would be let out, and I had minimal access to outside support.
• Why shouldn't you have timely access?

Bills: HB 1239, HB1990, HB1748, HB1749, HB2578, HB2986, HB1970, HB3163, HB2733, HB1922, HB 113, HB 1088, HB1938, HB3004, HB2637, HB2960, HB113

Keywords: public health, access to healthcare, insurance reforms, medical expenses, healthcare providers, mental health, protective custody, preliminary examination, detention period, emergency circumstances, emergency detention, legal framework, detention, healthcare, liability, landowners, nonagricultural land, trespassing, public safety, interpreters

Transcript Highlights:

• order to effectively address youth homelessness, we must ensure homeless youth and at-risk youth have access
• as challenges and traumas that they are contending with as they are trying to exit homelessness or access
• It also stabilizes communities and provides access to education and access to employment opportunities
• And there are folks who want to actually make it available and even provide some additional access to
• They are an important way to ensure people have access to housing.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 249, which would require youth-specific coordinated entry assessments for homeless services. The author and supporters from Larkin Street Youth Services and the California Coalition for Youth argued that current vulnerability tools are adult-focused and can disadvantage young people; the bill was described as a developmentally appropriate fix to better connect youth to housing and prevention services. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0 to Human Services. Members then heard AB 239 and AB 1206. AB 239 would create a state-led disaster housing task force, a state disaster housing coordinator, and regular legislative reporting to speed recovery after disasters; it passed 7-0 to Emergency Management. AB 1206 would let local agencies pre-approve plans for single-family and small multifamily homes of up to 10 units to reduce permitting delays and costs; the League of California Cities opposed it unless amended, citing local variation and staffing concerns, but the author and supporters said it would preserve local control and help speed housing production. The bill passed 9-0 to Local Government. The committee also took up AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s home purchase assistance funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. Supporters framed it as reparative justice and a way to address longstanding racial disparities in homeownership, while Pacific Legal Foundation argued it likely violated constitutional limits on race-based government action and urged a race-neutral approach. After discussion about reparations criteria and the bill’s intent, it passed 6-0 to Judiciary. The consent calendar, including AB 480, AB 726, and AB 1154, was approved 8-0. Later, AB 282 was heard to allow housing providers to prefer applicants who participate in rental assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, despite existing source-of-income discrimination law. Supporters said it would help voucher holders find units and improve affordable housing operations; no opposition testified, and the bill passed 6-1 to Judiciary. AB 1229 followed, restructuring the adult reentry grant program to focus on permanent housing for people leaving prison by moving administration to HCD and using regional administrators; supporters emphasized the link between housing stability and reduced recidivism, and the bill passed 7-0 to Public Safety. The committee then approved AB 670, which would let local governments count preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element goals and require better demolition reporting, and AB 750, which would strengthen oversight and reporting for homeless shelters after a prior reporting law saw very low compliance. AB 670 passed 8-0 to Local Government, and AB 750 was presented with testimony from a shelter resident describing abuse and lack of accountability in shelters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many, many parents want that access, and there is not enough access to the after-school space.
• The other item that was in the hearing materials was around access.
• We do believe that we could really strengthen how we define access in the ELOP program.
• The other item that was in the hearing materials was around access.
• We do believe that we could really strengthen how we define access in the ELOP program.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Governor’s education budget proposals for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Learning Recovery Block Grant, and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), followed by testimony from State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. On LCFF, Finance outlined the proposed 2.43% COLA, repayment of prior deferrals, and a trailer bill penalty for LEAs that fail to adopt Local Control Accountability Plans on time. The LAO said its COLA estimate was slightly lower and raised concerns that the Governor’s proposed TK staffing ratio increase may be more costly than estimated. Members also discussed whether the current COLA formula should better reflect California-specific or district staffing costs, and whether TK should be more clearly separated from the K-3 grade span adjustment to avoid larger K-3 class sizes. The chair asked staff to work with the LAO on both the TK/K-3 issue and alternative COLA calculations. For the Learning Recovery Block Grant, Finance proposed restoring the first of three delayed payments, $378.6 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund, while the LAO recommended adopting the proposal but extending the expenditure deadline by at least a year. The LAO reported that districts had spent $1.6 billion of the $6.8 billion received through 2023-24 and said most districts were only now shifting from federal COVID relief to block grant spending. Members questioned whether the large state and federal investments were improving outcomes, citing declining reading and math trends, while Finance and the State Board president pointed to some signs of improvement, especially in math, attendance, and gains for some student groups. Darling-Hammond emphasized that student needs have grown, that recovery spending has gone to devices, ventilation, staffing, tutoring, summer school, and community schools, and that targeted interventions appear to be helping some districts recover faster than others. On ELOP, Finance proposed adding $435 million to expand universal access by lowering the Tier 1 threshold from 75% to 55% unduplicated pupils, bringing ongoing funding to $4.4 billion. The LAO said the estimate was reasonable but recommended delaying implementation for a year, aligning ELOP with ASES to reduce overlap, moving toward funding based on participation rather than enrollment, and considering a fixed Tier 2 rate. Members and witnesses discussed staffing challenges, the use of funds for students with disabilities, and uncertainty in Tier 2 funding caused by unspent dollars and opt-outs. Darling-Hammond supported ELOP as part of California’s broader after-school and summer learning strategy, said most districts are now offering full-day TK and expanded learning, and urged the state to reduce fragmentation across categorical programs and build more unified systems for funding, reporting, and support.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we use, to make sure that they're taken care of or protected from a financial perspective, from access
• When they get to a certain point, that we have access to that information so we can understand and know
• to a certain point that we have access to a certain point that we have access to<00:04:38.919>
• to information control your home access to information control your home computer<00:07:33.440> to
• <00:07:37.759> how<00:07:37.919> are in your pocket and then access how are in your

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can't live in modern America today without clean water, and you can't live here without access to
• Grantees are jurisdictions interested in accessing these funds.
• Projects that expand coastal access for people with disabilities will also be included.
• Land conservation and public access.
• Essential for all families and school children to have access to or who have unreliable access to safe

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had, we were going to access the dollars and we were ready to go and had told our contractors that
• And you can access the full 60-page report on our website at tipro.org.
• The only thing holding us back is access to capital.
• We have access to low-cost natural gas and large renewables. And a large renewable market.
• The new geothermal is accessing hot rock and you bring the water to the rock.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can access the full 60-page report on our website at TPRO.org.
• The only thing holding us back is access to capital, so in conclusion...
• We have access to low-cal. natural gas, and large renewables in a large renewable market.
• The new geothermal is accessing hot rock and you bring the water to the rock.
• But it could still be accessed in the same way. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Okay.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unique pressures, the high cost of labor, competition with cheaper imports, pest and disease, limited access
• We are the... the most diverse agricultural state in the country with regular access to water.
• First, the specialty crop block grant is incredibly valuable and has helped our growers gain access to
• You know, it's a really important lifeline for producers of diversifying market access and the ability
• We must seek new market access so we don't continue to slip behind our competitors.

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2007, Wisconsin Eye has filmed countless hours of state capitol coverage to provide invaluable access
• if there's, like, poisoning trends that you're seeing maybe specific substances or ways that they access
• Substances or ways that they access, the kids are accessing those substances, and then the, if so, then
• So looking at poisonings, I'm wondering if you're seeing trends on how children are having access to
• Thank you, Dr. poisonings, I'm wondering if you're seeing trends on how children are having access to

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this being a private nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(3), they are able to access dollars from private
• Fifty percent of Oklahoma's counties have no child care access, no maternity health care.
• So I went all of 2025 without getting health care access as a woman.
• to the categories of data collected about the person and where the data came from, access to...
• Access to the categories of data collected about the person and where the data came from, access to who

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• here, you know, when you come from a community like mine, you quickly realize the extreme need for access
• We really support the addition of stabilization, having that be a reason for being able to access this
• And I want to make sure that they have access.
• I very much appreciate the sponsors who understand the importance of access, and I believe this special
• session is about that—access and availability of health care within all of our states.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee secretary is aware that some people had trouble accessing the analysis through the LegInfo
• networks in an appropriate and orderly phased-in approach, because no one should be left without access
• This puts a quantifiable investment in California's short- and long-term future, expanding access to
• Because we want people to have access to voice. And the broadband maps were an indication.
• Californians will continue to have access to multiple options under this bill.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard AB 470 by Assembly Member McKinnor, a bill to modernize California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules for voice telephone service and create a process for carriers to transition away from obsolete copper networks in favor of advanced telecommunications infrastructure. The author and supporters said the bill is aimed at preserving reliable voice and 911 access while encouraging private investment in fiber and other modern networks, and emphasized that it is not a broadband bill. Support came from AT&T, business groups, and a former Cal OES director, who argued the bill provides a careful, phased modernization with CPUC oversight and increased public-safety investment requirements. Opposition came from TURN, CWA District 9, digital equity organizations, labor groups, and several local governments and county representatives. Critics raised concerns about the adequacy of the mapping process, reliance on broadband and wireless coverage data, the lack of on-the-ground verification, the challenge process, possible loss of Lifeline protections, and the impact on workers and union jobs. They also argued the bill could allow carriers to reduce universal-service obligations without enough safeguards for rural and vulnerable customers. Committee members discussed those concerns at length, especially the map-making process, the challenge procedure, and whether the bill sufficiently protects workers and customers who could be left behind. The author said the bill includes a 10-year backstop if service is lost, a CPUC-led process, and a three-to-one fiber buildout requirement tied to relinquishment, and expressed willingness to continue working with labor on workforce language. The committee ultimately passed AB 470 on a 7-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• like the pipeline, the student success in CTE, that have been very beneficial in also increasing access
• And we also have a part of our mission to make sure there’s access to baccalaureate programs throughout
• And then that actually, because enrollment, because we are open access, that's the primary description
• So they wanted to say that completions are not as much as enrollment because we have to be open access
• Because we have to be open access, but completions are really important.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee for Higher Education met to review Florida’s workforce and Florida College System funding models as part of budget planning. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the state’s growing focus on technical education and workforce pathways, and the committee first heard from Tara Goodman of the Department of Education on district workforce education. Goodman explained the programs funded through district workforce dollars, including career certificates, applied technology diplomas, registered apprenticeship, and adult general education, and described the model’s reliance on lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local tuition offsets, and supplemental factors such as disability services, GED testing, and minimum funding for small rural districts. She also noted federal support through Perkins and WIOA and said the model is used to determine unmet need and guide appropriations. In response to questions, she said health care programs are generally among the higher-cost offerings and may be supplemented by pipeline funds. The committee then heard from Kathy Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System, on the college system’s funding model. Hebda described the main funding sources, including the program fund, student success incentive funds, pipeline funds, tuition and fees, and performance-based incentives, and explained that the current model was developed by the 28 college presidents under legislative direction. She said the model uses a three-year average FTE, weights workforce enrollment more heavily than non-workforce enrollment, gives significant weight to completions, includes a small-college factor and regional cost differentials, and also provides targeted funding to bring colleges up to a floor based on per-FTE funding. Senators asked about colleges below the target, cost differences among programs, faculty salaries, and health insurance costs; Hebda said the model is meant to provide flexible operating dollars that colleges can use for those expenses, but specific salary and benefit decisions are left to the institutions. Seminole State College President Georgia Lorenz also testified in support of the college funding model, saying it holds institutions accountable for enrollment and completions, can be adjusted to reflect state priorities like workforce, and addresses differences in size and regional costs. No bills were voted on, and the committee adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking Seminole State College and the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• > Channel user access and Reporting access Channel user access and Reporting access Channel Etc
• <01:13:26.080> to those who need access to those who need access to information<01:13:28.440
• <01:40:00.320> to protect my patients rights to access to protect my patients rights to access
• He said this is an important subject about increasing access to care.
• He said this is an important subject about increasing access to care.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's meant to also increase access to historically underserved communities.
• must make sure that our existing buildings, especially those in Gateway and EJ communities, have access
• Mass Save has helped residents of the state access everything from less drafty windows to heat pumps.
• The locally accessible experiences I've gotten studying the night sky as a college student have helped
• If we design our lights so that they're efficient and carefully shielded, we'll be increasing access

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, but I will be clear that Access is the one who deals with eligibility. DHS doesn't.
• Access does want to know that, and so we do share that information. Excellent.
• Yes, most likely after Access.
• It was the Department of Health, Access, and the Department of Administration, so I assume that...
• So the reason why I'm here in support of her nomination is because she's very accessible.

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he had an issue with the state access road through his property that was being used all night long
• And he had an issue needs public access.
• And he had an issue with<00:13:08.560> the<00:13:08.800> state<00:13:09.120> access<
• road in his Harry Bean water access road in his memory.<00:14:14.000> And<00:14:14.160> I'm
• honoring him by naming that water access honoring him by naming that water access road<00:14:31.040

Keywords: 1189, house, all