Video & Transcript Research : 'House Resolution 19'
Page 162 of 500
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It is my intention to vote on Senate Bill 890 and House Bill 2762, House Bill 27, House Bill 20.
- House Bill 2762, we will then go into recess.
- House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2762, 2816, and 2402, being carried by Representative Banderman
- for House Bills 2762, 2816, and 2402.
- You have do pass House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2762, 2816, and 2402.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/13/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I and I'm a firm believer<00:19:49.600>
that <00:19:49.840>housing <00:19:50.320> - be hyperartisan.<00:19:52.880>
Housing <00:19:53.360>is <00:19:53.600>something - Housing is something that we<00:19:54.400>
all <00:19:54.720>need. - And when we all work together,<00:19:57.120>
housing <00:19:58.080>is <00:19:58.480> - <00:19:59.600>
It <00:19:59.840>it together, housing is attainable.
Summary:
The House adopted the conference committee report on House File 1141, the housing bill, and repassed the bill as amended by conference. Representative Howard said the compromise bill would help build thousands of homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral by using MHFA interest earnings and fund transfers. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, FHPAP, supportive housing, and added transparency for MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate provisions such as a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases were not included.
Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing as a basic need and linking the bill to homelessness, workforce shortages, and health outcomes. Supporters praised the bill’s funding for supportive housing, first-generation homebuyer assistance, tenant hotline services, and manufactured housing, and said the bipartisan conference process improved the measure. Representative Kosowski and others argued the bill would help people stay housed, reduce pressure on schools, hospitals, and emergency rooms, and support communities across all 87 counties and tribal nations.
Republican members raised concerns about spending and government growth, arguing the state should prioritize taxpayer relief, school safety, fraud prevention, and asset preservation instead of housing investments. Representative McDonald questioned the growth in MHFA staffing over the past decade, and Representative Howard responded that the agency had taken on many new responsibilities since the state’s larger housing investments and needed staff to administer programs effectively. After the motion to adopt the conference report prevailed, the bill moved to third reading, where further discussion continued in a generally supportive but divided debate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Motion to take up HF5084, proposing an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And And And when<00:19:06.400>
we <00:19:06.640>consider <00:19:07.760>the <00:19 - we have as<00:19:12.080>
we <00:19:12.320>seek <00:19:12.640>to <00:19:12.799>- to<00:19:23.280>
invite <00:19:23.679>motans <00:19:24.240>to <00:19:24.400>- be<00:19:24.480>
a <00:19:24.640>part <00:19:24.720>of <00:19:24.880>that - <00:19:30.720>
And <00:19:30.960>I'm <00:19:31.520>honored <00:19:32.000> - to<00:19:23.280>
Summary:
The House debated Representative Long’s motion to suspend the rules so House File 5084 could be recalled from committee, given second and third readings, and brought to final passage. The bill was described by opponents as an extreme anti-abortion measure that would create a right to life from fertilization, potentially criminalize abortions except in narrow cases, and could affect IVF, miscarriage care, and treatment of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Supporters said the bill was about protecting unborn life and giving Minnesotans the chance to decide the issue themselves through the ballot box.
Several members spoke against the motion, arguing that Minnesota has already settled reproductive rights through court decisions and recent legislation, and warning that the bill would put government into deeply personal medical decisions. They cited stories from other states where women were investigated or arrested after miscarriages or self-managed abortions, and said the proposal could treat people as criminals for seeking reproductive care. One member emphasized that the bill could be especially dangerous in cases like ectopic pregnancy, where treatment delays could threaten the pregnant person’s life.
Members in favor of the bill framed the issue as one of conscience, democracy, and protection of human life from conception. They said every abortion is an act of violence against a distinct human being and argued that Minnesotans should be allowed to vote on the question. Some speakers also shared personal experiences with miscarriage, infertility, premature birth, or pregnancy loss to explain why they viewed the issue as morally serious and emotionally difficult.
The debate became broader and more partisan, with some members criticizing both sides for using the issue as a political weapon rather than focusing on legislative work. The transcript does not include the final vote result, but the motion was clearly under a roll call and the chamber proceeded with extended floor debate over House File 5084.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF3426 5/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- >
You <00:19:03.360>know, <00:19:03.560>I <00:19:03.840>I <00:19:03.960>- <00:19:25.840>
on <00:19:25.920>the <00:19:26.000>same, <00:19:27.000>uh, - Uh,<00:19:38.000>
I <00:19:38.080>know <00:19:38.320>each <00:19:38.520>of - <00:19:25.840>
- > point<00:19:43.200>
of <00:19:43.280>view <00:19:43.520>or <00:19:43.600>- this, but what<00:19:50.040>
we're <00:19:50.120>missing <00:19:50.520>is <00:19 - this, but what<00:19:50.040>
Summary:
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, to finalize House File 3426. After roll call established a quorum, staff walked members through the conference agreement and spreadsheet, noting that most appropriations were unchanged from the House and Senate positions. The report kept the LCCMR recommendations in resiliency, water, fish and wildlife, energy, and most land and education/outdoor recreation items, while removing the “cultivating conservation leaders through education and wilderness experiences” project and a Senate rotational grazing pilot provision. The committee also noted the overall appropriation total and carryforwards/extensions, and that the community grants program appropriation remained in the bill.
Members then reviewed the policy language in the DE amendment. The agreement retained House provisions setting guardrails for the community grants program, including requirements for emerging issues account votes, maximum grant amounts, staff training, monitoring visits, pre-award risk assessments, surety bond or fiscal-agent approval for advance payments, and quarterly progress reports, while also adopting Senate language repealing a DNR acquisition-approval requirement. Senators McEwen and Her offered contrasting comments about the removal of the Boundary Waters-related project, with McEwen criticizing the decision as politicized and Her emphasizing stewardship and the importance of exposing young people to the Boundary Waters. Representatives Heintzeman and Fischer defended the need for accountability and said the issue had been addressed in a bipartisan way.
The committee reported receiving a letter from the DNR supporting the language and thanking the conferees and staff. Chair Her moved adoption of the HF 3426 DE amendment and the spreadsheet dated 5/13/26 at 11:38 a.m., authorized staff to prepare the conference committee report and make technical and conforming changes, and the motion passed 7-0. The meeting ended with thanks to staff, LCCMR participants, and Speaker Melissa Hortman, followed by adjournment and instructions for members to watch for and sign the conference committee report electronically that night.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes annual claims bill settling $5.1 million in claims against state 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next bill on the calendar for the day is House File 5074.
- The chief clerk will report the bill. >> House File 5074, an act relating to claims against the state
- House File 5074. Third reading. Discussion.
Summary:
The House took up House File 5074, the claims bill, which addresses claims against the state in three categories: exoneration claims, personal injury claims, and property claims. Representative Frederick explained that this year’s bill includes the largest exoneration payment in the bill’s history, with $4.5 million for Marvin Haynes, who was incarcerated as a teenager and later found innocent after about 20 years. He noted there are also two other exoneration claims and one personal injury claim.
During discussion, Frederick thanked Representative Wam for help on the claims committee and praised nonpartisan staff for preparing the bill materials. He urged support for the measure. No amendments were offered.
The House then took a roll call vote, including remote votes, and passed House File 5074 by a vote of 134 yeas and 0 nays. The bill’s title was agreed to.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF3900 5/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Tim Strom, House Research. >> Tim Strom, House Research.
- House position of House File 3900. House position of House File 3900.
- um House or or Senate. um House or or Senate.
- <00:19:01.600>
would <00:19:02.040>put <00:19:02.200>checks <00:19:02.480> - <00:19:03.800>
I <00:19:03.880>also <00:19:04.200>think <00:19:04.440>that
Summary:
The conference committee on House File 3900 met with a quorum, introduced members and staff, and received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the bill. Staff explained that the proposal would change the permanent school fund’s distribution formula from interest and dividends to a statutory payout based on 4.5% of the fund’s average value over the previous three fiscal years, with the Commissioner of Management and Budget responsible for determining and transferring the distributable amount. The Senate version differed by adding language requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative house to change the distribution policy or apportionment.
Members then debated whether a future legislature could increase the payout and whether the constitutional language would sufficiently protect the fund’s purchasing power. Senator Farnsworth argued that a supermajority requirement would help prevent politicization and lock in the fund’s purpose, while Representative Long, Senator Kunesh, Representative Youakim, and Representative O’Driscoll opposed the supermajority as unnecessary and potentially politicizing, emphasizing existing constitutional protections, fiduciary duties, and the legislature’s track record of stewarding school trust lands for students. Staff indicated the language requiring preservation of purchasing power would be a strong safeguard, though the exact legal remedy was unclear.
Senator Kunesh moved to adopt the House File 3900 second engrossment as the conference committee report. The committee took a roll call vote and approved the motion 7-1, with Senator Farnsworth voting no. After the vote, Senator Swedzinski offered brief remarks about the historical importance of school trust funds and public education.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House OKs housing finance, policy bill agreement 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 19:36.680>
housing <00:19:37.160>shouldn't a firm believer that housing shouldn't a firm - <00:19:39.760>
Housing <00:19:40.240>is <00:19:40.440>something be hyper-partisan - Housing is something that<00:19:40.960>
we <00:19:41.240>all <00:19:41.560>need < - ,<00:19:43.920>
housing <00:19:44.960>is <00:19:45.280>attainable. - <00:19:46.360>
It <00:19:46.800>It together, housing is attainable.
Summary:
The House considered the conference committee report on House File 1141, a housing bill, and moved to adopt the report and repass the bill as amended. Rep. Howard said the compromise would help build thousands of new homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, EHPAP, supportive housing, and a new provision for greater public access at MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate proposals, including a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases, were not included.
Several members spoke in support of the compromise. Rep. Kozlowski emphasized the bill’s role in addressing housing instability, homelessness, and workforce shortages, citing investments in first-generation homebuyer assistance, supportive housing, and preservation of beds and units. Rep. Skraba and Rep. West also supported the bill, with Skraba praising the bipartisan process and West arguing the bill focused on supply-side solutions such as manufactured housing and easing development constraints. Rep. Schultz opposed the bill, arguing the money should instead go to school safety, fraud prevention, asset preservation, and lowering costs for taxpayers. After brief discussion, the House adopted the conference report and advanced the bill to third reading.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes omnibus pensions and retirement bill 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :19:03.520>
really <00:19:03.920>uh <00:19:04.080>EMS <00:19:04.440>providers - >
that <00:19:10.880>and <00:19:11.000>how <00:19:11.160>we <00:19:11.320> - 12.560>
can <00:19:13.280>uh <00:19:13.400>see <00:19:13.600>those <00:19: - <00:19:15.920>
as <00:19:16.080>well <00:19:16.240>as <00:19:16.320>looking <00:19:18.400>- doing
best <00:19:18.640>by <00:19:18.760>those <00:19:18.960>
Summary:
House File 4074, the second engrossment of the retirement bill, was presented as a broad pension package with changes affecting multiple public retirement systems. Rep. Lilly described provisions including bringing St. Paul teachers closer to parity with TRA, reducing the COLA waiting period for police and fire retirees from two years to one, lowering the retirement age for certain probation, corrections, and 911 telecommunicator workers from 60 to 55, addressing a State Board of Investments fix, and creating or continuing work on Secure Choice and other retirement-related issues. Members also noted help for volunteer firefighters, EMS-related workers, and a local fix for Maple Plain’s volunteer fire system. The bill was repeatedly described as bipartisan and the product of successful working groups and negotiations with the Senate.
Several members spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of public pensions, the impact of inflation on retirees, and the value of the bill’s targeted improvements for workers who are often not covered by Social Security. Rep. Johnson, Rep. Hill, Rep. Vega, Rep. Robbins, Rep. Cha, and others praised the work of the pension commission, staff, and the co-chairs. They highlighted the St. Paul teachers changes, the police and fire COLA adjustment, and the bill’s efforts to honor promises made to public employees. Some members also pointed to the importance of work groups as a way to develop better long-term solutions.
The main point of debate centered on the duty disability amendment, which would have addressed disability issues for first responders. Supporters said the issue is serious and needs a work group solution rather than piecemeal changes, while Rep. Johnson and others warned that the proposal could create problems by treating psychological injuries differently from physical injuries. Rep. Roach said the body should not have passed the prior law and urged a fix for disabled law enforcement and first responders. After discussion, Rep. Lilly withdrew the A3 amendment. Earlier technical amendments A9 and A10 were adopted by voice vote, with members noting they were non-substantive and intended to keep House and Senate language identical and avoid a conference committee. The bill then moved to third reading as amended, with members urging a green vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/13/26 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- reading of House Files 5140 through 5143. >> First reading, House Files 5140 through 5143. as corrected
- :08:35.560>
offered <00:08:35.880>for House Files have been offered for House Files have - >> Introduction and first reading of House >> Introduction and first reading of House
- >> First reading, House Files 5140 through 5143.
- The House stands in recess. >> Mhm.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The journal from the previous day was approved as corrected, and House Files 5140 through 5143 were introduced and given first reading. The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration also reported that Senate File 3720 was designated for the calendar for Thursday, May 14, 2026, with a pre-filing requirement for amendments.
During the floor session, Representative Long repeatedly questioned the status of Senate File 4067, described as a comprehensive gun violence prevention package, asking where it was located and when it would move through committee. The Speaker responded that the bill, along with other omnibus bills from the Senate, was under review and would move at the appropriate time, which was within the Speaker’s prerogative. Long argued that families affected by gun violence wanted the bill advanced to the floor for a vote and urged leadership to move it forward.
Representative Niska then moved that the House recess to the call of the Speaker, and the motion carried. The House announced it would recess, with members also indicating they would meet in their caucuses.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Will the House please come to order, and members kindly take their seats?
- Uh, members, earlier today the Senate refused to concur in the House proposals of amendment to two Senate
- for a committee of conference, the chair appoints the following members to serve on the part of the House
- The bill is referred to the Committee on Appropriations pursuant to House Rule 35A, pending its entry
- <00:02:31.040>
and which is an act relating to housing and which is an act relating to housing
Summary:
The House took up Senate Bill 212, relating to potable water supply and wastewater system connections, but postponed action on it for one legislative day after a member from Ferrisburg moved to delay consideration because an amendment was still pending. No vote count was recorded, but the chair announced the ayes appeared to have it.
The chamber also received notice that the Senate had refused to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 223, concerning water quality of Vermont waters, and Senate Bill 325, concerning regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction. In response, the Speaker appointed House conferees for both bills. For S. 223, the House conferees were Representatives Sheldon, Labor, and Satroits; for S. 325, the conferees were Representatives Sheldon, Labor, and Chapin.
Additionally, the Committee on Ways and Means reported Senate Bill 328, relating to housing and common interest communities and carrying an appropriation, favorably with amendment. The bill was referred to the Committee on Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then agreed to journalize remarks from a member from Berrytown and adjourned until the next day at 1:00 p.m.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, you've heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is, shall the House adopt the resolution
- Members, we have received a request to read a House concurrent resolution that the House and Senate adopted
- Now, you've heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is, shall the House adopt the resolution
- > the House adopt the resolution in the House adopt the resolution in concurrence?
- concurrent resolution that the House and Senate adopted pursuant to the consent calendar.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional for Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on the fragility and renewability of mental health and the importance of human connection, kindness, and reaching out to people who are struggling. The chamber then handled several referral items, including first reading and referral of Senate Bill 329, an act relating to criminal procedures involving firearms, to the Judiciary Committee. It also referred Senate Bills 323 and 326 to the Committee on Appropriations because they carry appropriations, and noted that Senate Bill 278, relating to cannabis and state revenue, had been reported favorably with amendment and was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A.
The House took up Joint Senate Resolution 53 on weekend adjournment for May 15, 2026, and adopted it in concurrence by voice vote. The chamber also read House Concurrent Resolution 284 honoring former Senate Majority Leader and Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs’ Executive Director John F. Campbell for his public service, including his work on marriage equality and gun control, and members gave remarks recognizing his leadership, humor, and impact on the institution. Several guests were welcomed and recognized during announcements, including a representative involved in a diaper drive, local officials, and Norma Malone, who was honored for decades of public service in Barry Town and related local boards.
The main floor action was on Proposal 4, a proposed constitutional amendment on equality of rights. The Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence, and the member from Burlington explained the amendment’s purpose and process, emphasizing that it would add an equal protection guarantee to the Vermont Constitution covering race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and national origin, while preserving other constitutional protections. The member also reviewed the proposal’s prior passage in both chambers in the previous biennium and its current path toward appearing on the November 2026 ballot if approved again by the House and Senate. The transcript ends while the House is still hearing extended remarks on Proposal 4, with no final vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Commission to Study Stable Tokens (05/13/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- for institution,<00:19:06.280>
but <00:19:06.440>the <00:19:06.560>needs <00:19: - Um, the debate<00:19:22.240>
that <00:19:22.400>ensued, <00:19:23.360>uh, <00:19: - <00:19:32.480>
And <00:19:32.600>the <00:19:32.680>concerns <00:19:33.520> - What<00:19:44.120>
you'll <00:19:44.280>see <00:19:44.680>later <00:19:44.960> - <00:19:46.000>
is <00:19:46.400>the <00:19:47.000>way <00:19:47.240>we <00
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, and approval of the April 6 and May 4 minutes, with minor corrections noted to the May minutes. The main presentation came from JD of Link Network, introduced by Dan Cohen, who described Link’s work with crypto.com and other market participants on tokenized money market funds and real-time settlement for institutional clients.
JD gave a detailed history of his earlier work developing the Arca U.S. Treasury Fund and ArCoin, emphasizing that the project was built within existing SEC and 1940 Act frameworks and was intended to use blockchain technology for a traditional asset rather than create a crypto product. He said the effort involved years of discussions with the SEC, multiple custodians, and partners such as U.S. Bank, T-Zero Securities, and Tassat, and that the model eventually led to Link’s settlement system. He highlighted concerns that shaped the design, including regulatory compliance, privacy for institutional users, and the need to bridge traditional banking hours with 24/7 digital asset markets.
The presentation also described Link’s features, including segregated and bankruptcy-remote fund structures, tokenized deposit and treasury fund settlement, and “yield in transit,” which allows interest to accrue and be distributed daily down to a two-second block. JD said the platform is being expanded for use cases such as exchange liquidity, cross-border capital movement, off-exchange collateral, stablecoin bridging, treasury management, and peer-to-peer settlement. He closed by posing policy questions for the commission about the use cases for stablecoins versus tokenized money market funds in New Hampshire and whether the state could issue or administer a security-based program with appropriate compliance controls.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy (05/13/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- state's response to the COVID-19 state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic<00:11:05.240>
and< - And we have new COVID-19 vaccine.
- And we have new COVID-19<00:29:20.400>
vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine. - specifically developed for COVID-19 specifically developed for COVID-19 vaccine<00:29:39.600>
- Hampshire who died from COVID-19. Hampshire who died from COVID-19.
Summary:
The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations.
Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses.
In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (05/13/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- . house. house.
- . house. house.
- Maine,<00:19:13.240>
and <00:19:13.360>Pennsylvania, <00:19:14.760>a <00:19:14.800 - The<00:19:23.520>
federal <00:19:23.880>minimum <00:19:24.240>wage <00:19:24.480> - first established<00:19:25.240>
in <00:19:25.360>1938 <00:19:26.320>under <00:19
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the two that we're capping, the low-income housing tax credit, the historic preservation tax
- And then the two that we're capping, the low-income housing tax credit, the historic preservation tax
- And so this is something that the House Budget Committee does every year regarding this tax credit motion
- This will conclude the hearing for the House Budget Committee, and I will ask, after adjournment, that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 13th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- The same families now fighting to stay housed.
- First, demand that Edison advance urgent housing relief.
- First, demand that Edison advanced urgent housing relief.
- Emergency housing relief now that they've been protected.
- In 2012, I helped my son buy a house.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the California Earthquake Authority’s SB 254 report and possible reforms to California’s utility wildfire recovery system. The chair framed the discussion around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the high and growing wildfire-related costs on utility bills, and the need to weigh tradeoffs among survivors, ratepayers, utilities, insurers, and taxpayers. The chair emphasized that the SB 254 report is an inventory of policy pathways rather than recommendations, and that the Legislature’s role is to evaluate the options publicly.
The first panel featured wildfire survivors William Abrams and Joy Chen, who described severe ongoing displacement, housing insecurity, delayed compensation, and frustration with what they characterized as opaque and unfair compensation structures. They argued for greater transparency, clearer accountability for utilities, stronger oversight of wildfire mitigation spending, and incentives tied to safety performance. They also urged faster survivor payments, but only if they are full, fair, and not financed by shifting more costs to taxpayers or ratepayers. Committee members asked about gaps in the SB 254 report, the meaning of “full” compensation, and how a fast-pay facility might work.
The second panel included the California Earthquake Authority, RAND, PG&E, LADWP, Consumer Attorneys of California, and the Public Advocates Office. Tom Welsh of CEA explained the report’s process and the current wildfire fund structure, including that utilities remain liable, the fund reimburses eligible claims, and prudency reviews can require reimbursement to the fund. RAND’s Lloyd Dixon outlined how roughly $38 billion has been paid to survivors, insurers, and public entities since 2017, and noted substantial litigation costs and cost-shifting among stakeholders. Utility representatives supported reforms that preserve financial stability and reduce risk, while consumer and public-interest advocates opposed shifting more costs to ratepayers and stressed accountability, audits, and safety-linked recovery. No votes or formal actions were taken in the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 13th, 2026
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is the Student Faculty Housing Opportunity Act.
- housing for Californians.
- bonus law, which would create more housing, are not using the program.
- , 24-19, 24-19, 25-16, 25-35, 25-55, 25-65, 25-52, 25-75-75-75-79, 25-85, 25-89, 25-81, 26-0-0-0-8, 22
- Abundant Housing Los Angeles, Fieldstead, and San Diego Housing Commission support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, with a large agenda of 196 bills. After establishing quorum, the committee first approved two consent calendars covering numerous bills, then heard a series of author presentations and public testimony. Most measures discussed were housing, public safety, health care, and local government bills, with many authors and sponsors emphasizing that the proposals had minor, absorbable, or no state costs.
Among the bills heard were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions; AB 2525 to create a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park in San Diego; AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the density bonus law; AB 2055 updating boating safety and enforcement laws; AB 1579 expanding children’s crisis residential options; AB 2139 for an Inland Empire sports-related Surplus Lands Act exemption; AB 2041 on EMS reporting compliance; AB 1973 expanding advanced practice clinicians’ authority for reproductive care; AB 1929 requiring health plan investment disclosures; AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation; AB 1809 removing the sunset on school job order contracting; SB 73 strengthening election security; AB 2418 streamlining commercial building permits; AB 1970 limiting step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use treatment; AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability; AB 1976 streamlining bike and pedestrian project approvals; AB 2110 authorizing local tax increment financing for workforce housing; and AB 2146 easing documentation for supportive housing placements.
Testimony was largely in support, often from sponsoring organizations, local governments, housing advocates, health groups, law enforcement, and wildfire survivors. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public support from Camp Fire and Tubbs Fire survivors and local officials, who urged stronger compensation for wildfire victims and relief from utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were mentioned during public comment as bills with opposition from industry groups, while AB 1903 and SB 417 also drew comment. Several bills were amended or noted as being subject to future amendments, including AB 1732, AB 2041, and AB 2418.
The committee took action on the bills as they were heard, generally voting them out on due pass motions, many by roll call and several with members not voting on particular measures. The suspense calendar was then read and deemed approved, and the hearing concluded after public comment on bills not heard that day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee May 13th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Adults who rely on pseudonymity for safety, housing-insecure or homeless youth, and youth using shared
- devices—these are several... ...housing-insecure or homeless youth, youth using shared devices.
- social norms that are built on Trevor Space are geared towards emotional regulation and conflict resolution
Summary:
The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ-plus youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair Bauer-Kahan and Assembly Member Ward opened by noting that social media can be a lifeline for LGBTQ-plus youth seeking identity, community, and support, but also exposes them to cyberbullying, hate speech, exploitation, misinformation, and addictive design. They framed the hearing as a way to inform future policy without relitigating prior bills, and emphasized the need for a balanced approach that reduces harm while preserving access to affirming resources.
The first panel featured lived-experience testimony from Madi Roby of the Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described how social media helped her understand her trans identity, find community, learn safety information, and access crisis support through the Trevor Project, while also exposing her to harassment and threats. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad access restrictions, warning that age-gating and account bans could exclude vulnerable youth and adults who rely on pseudonymity, while supporting privacy-preserving protections, targeted platform accountability, and digital literacy. Pick testified that LGBTQ-plus youth are more than three times as likely to attempt suicide as peers, cited Trevor Project research showing social media is both positive and negative for most youth, and said supportive online spaces can lower suicide risk and anxiety; she also described Trevor Space as a moderated, non-addictive platform with forums, direct messaging, and strong community norms.
Committee members then questioned the panel about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to provide safer defaults and better moderation. Several members distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive or incendiary engagement loops, and discussed the risk that age-verification systems could require sensitive data or restrict access to helpful content. Witnesses repeatedly said the problem is not online community itself but platform design choices and weak enforcement, and they urged more precise regulation of harmful features rather than exclusionary bans. The committee then moved on to panel two, which was introduced as a discussion of LGBTQ-plus-specific online resources and research on LGBTQ-plus youth and social media.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, we have a motion to move House Concurrent Resolution 89 favorably.
- Okay, Representative Marcel, House Resolution 179.
- House Resolution 179 by Representative Marcel requests the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
- Eccles asked me to carry his House Resolution 225.
- Meanwhile, the committee had a motion to move House Resolution 225 forward.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection.
Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor.
The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 13th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Sarah Myers, welcome to House Labor.
- After 19 chiropractors had an amendment...
- If you look further on, Amendment 19.
- From what we passed over the House floor to the two bills that we pass over the House floor, what's different
- The House has passed them out.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a workers’ compensation overhaul creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and setting up confidentiality, rulemaking, and penalties. Senator Myers said the bill was meant to modernize a paper-based system, speed injured workers back to care and work, reduce disputes through a more predictable fee schedule, address outliers and abuse, and generate reliable data for future fee-schedule decisions. Representative Melarine then offered a large amendment package combining portions of House Bills 780 and 1101 into SB 408, adding preliminary-determination procedures, changes to benefit durations, fraud language, and a deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached. Supporters said the package would create a more complete reform; opponents argued the additions were rushed, not germane, and would harm injured workers, especially those without lawyers, by adding technical filing burdens and stricter fraud consequences. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment package, then adopted a follow-up amendment removing the word “potential” from a fines provision and deleting the fraud section, and finally reported SB 408 with amendments on a divided vote.
Testimony on SB 408 was sharply split. Proponents, including Alton Ashy and Trey Mustian, argued the bill’s transparency and data-collection provisions were the most important part, that the system needs a modern fee schedule, and that the added reforms would help control costs and speed payment. Opponents, including Shannon Lindsay and another injured-worker advocate, said the original bill was a good compromise but the added provisions changed its character and would disadvantage pro se claimants, remove materiality from fraud law, and reduce benefits for seriously injured workers. Committee members also questioned the timeline for the database and fee schedule, the effect of historical data gaps, and whether the reforms would help employers and injured workers alike. The committee ultimately agreed the bill still contained its core goals of faster care, predictable fees, anti-abuse measures, and modernization.
The committee then moved to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, a workplace-violence/safety measure for small-box discount retailers. Chasson explained that the bill had been narrowed to require retailers to submit an existing written workforce safety plan, or develop one if they do not already have one, with no penalties attached. The committee adopted a substitute bill incorporating prior amendments. Representative Glorioso noted continuing concerns about civil-liability implications and the duty to protect against third-party criminal acts, but the bill was advanced from committee after the substitute was adopted.