Transcript Highlights:

• one was Airbnb providing evacuation housing credits for more than 25,000 people, including school employees
• and local government employees, totaling over $26 million in credits.
• between necessary certifications and classes, represented thousands of dollars invested in each employee
• ...and when contracting is appropriate, workers must meet the same rigorous standards as public employees
• And when contracting is appropriate, workers must meet the same rigorous standards as public employees

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Select Committee hearing focused on the nonprofit sector’s mounting challenges in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance in California, the impact of federal funding disruptions and new federal tax policy, and the need for stronger public-private coordination, especially during disasters. Witnesses and members repeatedly pointed to nonprofits as essential providers of food, housing, health, education, environmental, and emergency services, while warning that sudden funding losses are forcing layoffs, service cuts, and operational instability. Testimony from community foundations and food bank leaders described how federal cuts, delayed reimbursements, and disaster-related demand are straining nonprofits. Monica White of Food Share Ventura County said H.R. 1 and USDA food cancellations are worsening hunger needs, while immigration enforcement fears are keeping some families from seeking help. Abby Browning of Cal OES outlined how the state coordinates with nonprofits, philanthropy, and businesses through VOADs and long-term recovery groups in wildfire response. Bruce Yerman of the Camp Fire Collaborative said recovery groups are effective but lack dedicated funding, and urged flexible spending, sustainable support, and streamlined partnerships. The second half of the hearing focused on institutional reforms, including a proposed Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, advance payments, prompt payment, and higher indirect cost coverage. Jeff Green of CalNonprofits argued for a central state office to coordinate policy, technical assistance, and interagency alignment. Annie Chang of Nonprofit Finance Fund cited survey data showing widespread late payments, low cash reserves, and indirect cost rates below federal guidance. Alfredo Cruz Jr. of Community Resource Project described how reimbursement-only contracts, delayed payments, and underfunded overhead create cash-flow crises and staffing problems. Members discussed possible interim steps, including expanding advance pay, improving payment timeliness, modeling best practices, and using state leadership to spotlight nonprofit needs. The hearing ended with public comment from nonprofit, labor, and advocacy representatives, and no votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are all employees of the University of New Mexico.
• We have also seen rises in the number of employees and in the number of students graduating.
• Coughlin, myself, Ryan, who's an employee, and Prisca, who works in Los Alamos in economic development
• they're young, they're scrappy, they're ready to learn, and then you're able to mold them into the employee
• I know that's hard for startups, but you know, 6,000 to get a great employee, and that would be probably

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Coalition of Utility Employees, California State Pipe Trades Council, and the Western States Council
• bill provides is essential for the future viability of this critical industry and the thousands of employees
• Chairman and members, Scott Wetsch on behalf of the California Coalition of Utility Employees, the Western
• permit under this new rule, would some consultant or some employee have to go through to understand the
• The consultant or the employee or would you have to have someone a full time employee monitor this after

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a representative Schatzline relating to a policy prohibiting public school employees from assisting
• HB 1655 ensures that public school employees are prohibited from assisting or facilitating the social
• Well, but your bill says prohibiting school employees from assisting a student.
• Does that mean school employees would be obligated to treat her differently to discredit her?
• Any school employee from affirming a student's gender identity.

Bills: HB1325 , HB1655 , HB3312 , HB5526 , SB13 , SB57 , SB207 , HB441 , HB591 , HB5019 , SB27 , SB843 , SB 13 , SB 27 , SB 57

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it also disallows entities that share employees or board members. partners with abortion service
• This bill was brought at the request of the Texas- the State Employees Union that I'm a proud member
• Our testimony chair calls Tyler Sheldon, testifying on behalf of the Texas State Employees Union.
• I'm the political director for the Texas State Employees Union, and I'm here to speak favorably about
• This is just a small thing that we can do to really promote the mental health of these employees.

Bills: SB670 , SB1388 , SB627 , SB912 , SB269 , SB528 , HB2711 , HB4819 , HB5248 , HB4175

Committee: House Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• during the period in which the employee is precluded from taking competing employment.
• The bill ensures employees are protected by mandating the agreement is in writing, the employee is afforded
• adequate notice, and the employee is advised in writing of the opportunity to seek counsel.
• The bill narrowly applies to those employees most likely to have access to sensitive information, those
• making at least twice the annual mean wage of employees in Florida, or workers who receive confidential

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's important to us that we're able to keep those employees safe.
• Thank you. ...and the great work that employees provide to our community.
• The motion is due pass to the Assembly Committee on Public Employees and Retirement. Rubio? Aye.
• The motion is due pass to the Assembly Committee on Public Employees and Retirement.
• Rubio. is due pass to the Assembly Committee on Public Employees and Retirement. Rubio. Aye.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills on holidays, procurement, public safety, and business regulation. AB 268 would add Diwali as an official state holiday and allow schools and state workers limited flexibility to observe it; supporters described it as a recognition of California’s large South Asian and Hindu communities, and there was no opposition. AB 770 would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays to clarify what repairs and reinforcements are allowed; the bill was presented as a safety and consistency measure for the billboard industry. AB 783 would authorize the Department of General Services to negotiate bulk pricing for construction materials to help disaster-affected communities rebuild more affordably, with supporters from the housing and building sectors and some members raising concerns about state contracting, storage, and implementation. AB 381 would update state procurement rules to better prevent human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, aligning state policy with federal standards and drawing support from anti-trafficking advocates, labor, and local government representatives. AB 668 would extend drink-spiking prevention measures to music festivals by requiring test strips, drink lids, and reporting procedures; supporters emphasized victim safety and underreporting, while venue operators opposed the bill unless amended, citing feasibility and cost concerns. AB 880 would require prompt payment and indirect cost coverage for nonprofits contracting with the state, with broad nonprofit support and no opposition. AB 989 would make California Native American Day a paid holiday, with tribal and allied support. AB 592 would extend and expand temporary outdoor dining and alcohol service flexibilities for restaurants, with strong support from restaurant and business groups and opposition from alcohol policy advocates who preferred a narrower or permanent grandfathering approach. Most bills advanced on committee votes, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan support. AB 770 was moved to Appropriations, AB 783 was passed as amended to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, AB 381 was sent to Labor, AB 668 and AB 880 were sent to Appropriations, AB 989 was sent to Public Employees and Retirement, and AB 592 was sent to Health. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing several additional bills, which was approved. The hearing ended with the roll left open for additional votes and adjournment at 3:17 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be a member of the Employees Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees. Patrick B.
• , and I apologize, I don't want to get off into the weeds of budget deficits and fire. 80,000 VA employees
• Senate Bill 1417 by West, relaying the and story time and vacation leave, accrued by an employee of the
• a prohibition on the use of public money by a school district to transport district students or employees
• Senate Bill 1526 by West relating to reimbursing certain Department of Family Protective Service employees

Bills: SJR34 , SB10 , SB18 , SB19 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB480 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB767 , SB790

Transcript Highlights:

• the county are delegated to the county manager, who oversees a staff of more than 3,000 full-time employees
• Commissioner Frank Baca, who is with us as well, a long-time state employee and attorney—beyond recognition
• that inspire and support the next generation of scientists and engineers, including volunteering employee
• Senate Bill 256, adding school employees licensed and appointed to carry handguns on school premises
• Clarifying when drug testing for cannabis is allowed for employees who are qualified patients, pursuant

Transcript Highlights:

• would do the work, or which employees would do the work, or how<01:21:52.199><c> quickly.
• It can't obviously delay payments to its employees.
• </c><01:59:46.800><c> or</c> the burden of the other 72 employees or the burden of the other 72 employees
• </c><02:01:18.800><c> And</c> new employee on the requirements.
• And new employee on the requirements.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• less than the highest applicable minimum wage rate by August 1st, 2026, and prohibits paying an employee
• </c><00:03:40.680><c> less</c> and prohibits paying an employee less and prohibits paying an employee
• </c><00:04:15.320><c> by</c> damage may be done to the employee by damage may be done to the employee
• Stories of amazing employees in our community.
• Stories of amazing employees in our community.

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• trained on grants policy employees trained on grants policy requirements<00:22:14.279><c> aiming</c>
• You mentioned that you have trained about 300 state employees.
• </c> trained about 300 state employees trained about 300 state employees Minnesota<00:41:54.839><c> has
• <00:42:00.640><c> so</c><00:42:01.640><c> of</c><00:42:02.319><c> the</c> employees so of the employees
• </c><00:45:42.400><c> to</c> to allow you to go from one employee to to allow you to go from one employee

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, an employee of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, an employee of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth
• town manager of the town of Dalton, and an act establishing a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, an employee

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating John Leonard on his retirement from the Town of Milton Board of Appeals. The chamber then took up several local and individual bills, including an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway of the Trial Court, which was adopted by standing vote. The Senate passed to be engrossed a bill waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officer Cheryl Mullace, a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and a bill authorizing Milford to convert a wine and malt beverage license to an all-alcohol license for off-premises consumption. On the Milford bill, Senator Rausch offered and the Senate adopted a substitute amendment before passing the bill. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a House petition concerning school choice and referred it to the Committee on Education. Later, the Senate enacted S. 2625 on revenue bonds for Quincy telecommunications facilities, H. 4210 removing the residency requirement for Dalton’s town manager, and H. 4647 establishing the sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, sending them to the Governor. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That puts their pay at 200 to 300 times higher than the average pay of a typical employee.
• While his median employee salary is $55,245.
• ><c> salary</c><01:20:07.560><c> is</c> While his median employee salary is While his median employee
• </c> in uh companies with the most employees in uh companies with the most employees that<01:41:51.520
• </c> or have their employees on Medicaid. or have their employees on Medicaid.

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• only, where it can deliver it, employees only, where it can be<00:28:48.960><c> delivered</c><00:28:
• We felt that a W-2 employee of that establishment is a branch of that establishment.
• We felt that a W2 uh employee of Lency.
• </c><00:37:18.800><c> Um</c><00:37:19.440><c> we</c> uh employee as the uh deliverer.
• Um we uh employee as the uh deliverer.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• I've never paid our employees for not showing up to work.
• </c><00:17:58.480><c> So</c> employees for not showing up to work.
• So employees for not showing up to work.
• At our agency, with over 70 employees, 65% are people with disabilities.
• </c> independent living, 50% of our employees independent living, 50% of our employees uh<01:03:06.000

Bills: HF2435

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• like anyone else with a state employee like anyone else with the<00:28:55.360><c> standard</c><00:28
• gets so I so although in state employee gets so I so although in the<00:29:01.200><c> original</c><00
• Those employees have relatively limited rights. It's more like you're at will.
• Unclassified employees do not have that benefit.
• have uh relatively limited employees have uh relatively limited rights<01:21:06.560><c> it's</c><01:

Summary: The committee first recessed briefly, then took up HB 570, the prescription drug affordability board (PDAB). The chair and several members discussed the House amendment to repeal the board, which removed the fiscal note. The main concern raised was that the PDAB had not yet produced a clear business case showing value for the taxpayer investment, despite several years of work and four annual reports. Supporters of the repeal said the board’s recent report was largely redundant and that the board should either demonstrate a strong return on investment or be shut down; others cautioned against discarding the program too quickly and urged more time to refine the mission and legislative language. No vote was taken, and the committee appeared to agree to retain the bill for further work, with the possibility of revisiting it in a formal executive session on Tuesday. Members also shifted into discussion of HB 2, beginning with Section 85 on opioid abatement trust fund dollars for shelter programs. Department of Health and Human Services officials explained that the provision would provide $10 million from the opioid abatement trust fund, replacing general funds in the governor’s budget, while also noting an additional $2.5 million prioritized needs request for shelter care that was already fully funded. Committee members asked about shelter bed capacity, job placement efforts, and the remaining balance in the opioid fund; DHHS said there are 934 contracted beds and that case management includes help with housing and employment. Officials also said the current proposed budget includes another $1 million later in HB 2 from the opioid fund. The committee then began discussion of Sections 86 through 87, which would preserve the department’s ability to transfer funds between personnel lines. DHHS said the provision is operationally critical and that losing it would make it extremely difficult to manage the department, though it would not have a direct fiscal impact. The next item introduced was Section 88, extending a suspension related to eligibility for services until July 1, 2027; DHHS indicated that if the suspension were not continued, it would likely increase expenditures for Community Mental Health Centers and potentially others. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our ask is that we need a grandfather clause for existing employees that can pass our approved testing
• a Full Construction season to employees a Full Construction season to get<00:31:09.960><c> the</c><00
• </c><00:31:20.000><c> and</c><00:31:20.159><c> employers</c> work for the uh employees and employers
• We have a lot of employees in this industry that come to work, maybe for a week, they quit.
• We have a lot of employees in this industry that come to work, maybe for a week, they quit.

Bills: HF47 , HF335

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• You also see an estimate of the impact on full-time equivalent employees, so how much time does it take
• </c> impact on full-time equivalent employees impact on full-time equivalent employees so<00:07:07.440
• that number will be Point employee that number will be included<00:07:17.520><c> on</c><00:07:17.599
• equiv employees then you're going<00:07:49.840><c> to</c><00:07:49.919><c> have</c><00:07:50.000><c>
• When I say them, it's both the county and the employees that will be paying this tax.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• type of notice with an employer or intent within 72 hours to conduct a review of I-9 filings of employees
• , we're requesting, requiring that employers notify their employees within 48 hours of that impending
• And it protects the employer who may be in fear of notifying their employees as well and it protects
• the employer who may be in fear of notifying their employees in advance because we require it under state
• No law enforcement officer or other employee or representative of a law enforcement agency.

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority. Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.