Transcript Highlights:

• I can tell you going back 20 years, it's always been rather efficient.
• It may have gone from a week or so down to a couple of days, but it's always been efficient.
• rather efficient. rather efficient.
• Never been a problem been efficient. Never been a problem there. there. there.
• , streamlined and made more efficient, streamlined and made more efficient, more<05:07:03.520>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• remind everyone that the Assembly has rules to ensure that we maintain order and run a fair and efficient
• If they think that that makes economic sense and that they can operate the jail as efficiently or more
• efficiently, they would have that option.
• Rather than keeping us safe, removing opportunities for education, treatment, and rehabilitation Rather
• than keeping us safe, removing opportunities for education, treatment, and rehabilitation will worsen

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 1650, AB 2014, AB 1886, AB 2126, AB 2624, and AB 2257. AB 1650 would require decals on privately owned vehicles rented or leased to government agencies for enforcement purposes, with an exemption for undercover operations; supporters said it would improve transparency and community safety in response to ICE operations using unmarked rental vehicles, and there was no opposition testimony. AB 2014 would allow habeas corpus challenges where gender bias affected a criminal trial; supporters described cases involving gender stereotypes used against women and LGBTQ defendants, while the District Attorneys Association opposed the bill as overbroad and likely to restrict relevant evidence, though the author said recent amendments removed the evidence-code provisions and left only post-conviction habeas relief. AB 1886 would extend juvenile probation presumptions to youth in out-of-home placements and those leaving secure youth treatment facilities; supporters argued it would prevent unnecessarily long supervision and help youth transition out of the system, while judges, probation officers, and district attorneys opposed it as undoing a recent compromise and limiting individualized decisions. AB 2126 would streamline background-check exemptions for current and former foster youth hired as peer partners in child welfare settings; supporters said it would remove long delays that block qualified applicants, and there was no opposition. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters cited doxing, threats, and harassment against immigration advocates, while one opponent raised concerns about possible effects on journalism, and the bill later received a do-pass recommendation and a roll-call vote with several ayes and one not voting, remaining on call. AB 2257 would restore county authority to create a separate county corrections department instead of sheriff-run jails; supporters said it would improve accountability and address jail deaths and fiscal problems, while sheriffs opposed it as unnecessary and argued sheriffs are better suited to run jails. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of several unrelated measures, and multiple bills were held on call pending final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education and healthcare continue to be our largest drivers of the budget.
• Education is right over 27%.
• Education and healthcare continue to be our largest drivers of the budget.
• K-12 education. This is kind of historical totals.
• Um, K-12 education. This is kind of historical totals.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our state board is made up of leaders in business, government, education, labor, economic, and community
• We also work closely with the Governor's Reach Office, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida
• This, of course, includes efforts like the Master Credential List, but it also includes education and
• Some of the non-traditional sectors include information technology, law enforcement, education, trade
• We have more than 118 different education programs with 18 different providers on our list.

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, we support well-designed, efficient collection systems.
• We, the industry, I can say, are willing to pay their fair share to support an efficient, effective system
• If we can improve that infrastructure, we could use some messaging, and we should use some education
• And if we can improve those systems with education and with promotion, we think Massachusetts can do
• We've held press conferences, hearings, guerrilla theater, whatever we could do, educational programs

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions. The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• make sure everyone understands that the Assembly has rules to ensure we maintain order and run an efficient
• My work centers around food production, farmer education, and community stewardship within the neighborhoods
• Yeah, I'm being efficient. Great bill, Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with two bills on the agenda. The chair opened the hearing with procedural reminders and a brief welcome back for the new year, then moved to AB 52 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the California Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee in statute. The author and a supporting witness said the committees are important to implementing the Farmer Equity Act and ensuring farmers and ranchers of color and small-scale producers have a meaningful role in CDFA policymaking; several organizations testified in support, and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard AB 230 by Assemblywoman Ransom, which extends the sunset of the Pierce’s disease control program and the Pierce’s disease glassy-wing sharpshooter board to 2037. The author and a representative of the wine grape industry described the program as essential to controlling a disease that threatens grapevines and to supporting research and field efforts funded by federal, industry, and grower assessments. Testimony from the Wine Institute, Family Winemakers of California, California Fresh Fruit Association, and the California Farm Bureau was in support, with no opposition. Both bills were moved on due pass motions to the Appropriations Committee and approved by the committee. AB 230 received eight aye votes and AB 52 later received seven aye votes after the roll was held open for absent members. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• acting chair of the Elections Committee, my job is to make sure our committee runs smoothly and efficiently
• Our goal is to conduct these proceedings efficiently while ensuring everyone the opportunity to observe
• while ensuring everyone the efficiently while ensuring everyone the opportunity<00:02:08.240> to<
• Nonprofit organizations play a major and lawful role in registering voters, educating them about the
• Nonprofit organizations play a major and lawful role in registering voters, educating them about the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then section 211B.08 that precludes a religious, charitable, or education organization from requesting
• <00:01:41.119> organization charitable or education organization charitable or education organization
• We work constantly to enhance the efficiency, administration, and security of elections statewide.
• In education Monday? That correct in education Monday? Oh, we were in education on Monday.
• <00:47:39.520> advocating<00:47:40.040> their Education advocating their Education advocating

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My organization is a research and education organization that has been advising policymakers on transportation
• transparency when it comes to public bid law and ensure that the public's tax dollars are spent efficiently
• transparency when it comes to public bid law and ensure that the public's tax dollars are spent efficient
• . bid law and ensure that the public's tax dollars are spent efficiently.

Bills: HR275, HR282, HCR112, SCR62, SCR64, SB513

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments. The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, members, moving on to business on the daily file, we're going to try to have a quick and efficient
• Faculty, including part-time faculty, play a critical role in educating and enriching our communities
• These individuals may be less familiar with retirement options available to them as educators, including
• Assembly Bill 1552 by Assembly Member Jackson, relating to public post-secondary education. Dr.
• AB 1552 requires the public higher education segments to report recommendations to the Legislature on

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, then completed the roll call and prayer, adopted routine procedural motions, and moved through the daily file with many bills passed and retained or passed outright. Early measures included AB 2417 on community college faculty retirement information, AB 1579 expanding the Children’s Crisis Pilot Program, AB 2041 on emergency medical services reporting, AB 1547 on a UC medical school feasibility study in Kern County, and AB 1552 directing higher education segments to report on civic engagement and democracy education. The body also took up SB 73, an urgency elections-security bill, where supporters argued it would protect ballots, voting systems, and election workers from interference, while opponents said it could be unconstitutional, partisan, and overly restrictive of local and federal investigations. SB 73 passed with urgency and immediate transmittal to the Senate. The Assembly then approved a long series of policy bills, many with unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including AB 1554 on California Earthquake Authority transparency, AB 1584 on civil rights duties at the Air Resources Board, AB 1592 on the California Indian Cultural Center, AB 1629 on direct payment to dentists, AB 1645 on prison visitation physical-contact rules, AB 1688 on foster care notice and accountability, AB 1699 on prescribed and cultural burns, AB 1738 on virtual final inspections for single-family homes, AB 1741 on charging sexual battery during a residential break-in as a wobbler, AB 1802 on mitigation lands endowments, AB 1813 on community renewable energy program changes, AB 1899 creating a youth homelessness prevention office, AB 1904 on a credentialing apprenticeship program, AB 1941 on organized metal theft, AB 2043 on drone-attack prevention for mass gatherings and critical infrastructure, AB 2054 on paid family leave for military relatives, AB 2081 on home-based Medi-Cal care, AB 2116 on predatory lending, AB 2122 limiting bench warrants for vehicle-code infractions, AB 2176 on student housing coordination, AB 2187 on tribal public-contract exemptions, AB 2221 on charitable fundraising processing deadlines, AB 2232 on advance parole hearing reporting, AB 2235 on confidentiality of judges’ home addresses, AB 2250 on cannabis/hemp enforcement cleanup, and AB 2266 on electricity. Most measures were described as support or bipartisan bills and passed with little or no opposition. A few bills drew notable debate or recorded opposition, including AB 1813, AB 2122, and SB 73, though all ultimately passed. After finishing 35 items, the Assembly announced it would return the following week with a much larger file, noted upcoming floor amendment deadlines, and adjourned until Tuesday, May 26 at 1 p.m. A post-adjournment vote change was also recorded, changing Assembly Member Dixon’s vote on AB 2041 from aye to no.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's reaching out to communities in our educational programs and making sure that people feel
• in my first seven months on the job is going to Antri Plaza State Park, and these environmental educators
• So if we get $200 million, you know, there's money for vehicles and there's money for energy efficiency
• and so if we get a 200 million you know there's money for vehicle and there's money for energy efficiency
• consolidate in some instances, to ensure the public has that opportunity not only to visit and to be educated

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance Committee and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation considered Governor Hochul’s nomination of Kathleen “Kathy” Moser to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Moser described her background in conservation and public lands, and said her priorities would include improving access and belonging for all New Yorkers, maintaining health and safety, modernizing infrastructure, addressing climate change and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with local governments, community groups, and the Legislature. Members questioned her on a range of park issues, including visitor fees, safety at swimming areas such as Lake Welch, security measures at parks, access for urban residents through nature buses and school transportation grants, maintenance and capital needs, event permitting, workforce recruitment and retention, and coordination around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Moser said the department has targeted capital and safety investments at popular parks, is installing fencing, lighting, cameras, and license plate readers at entrances at selected sites, and is planning extensive 250th commemoration programming and historic-site renovations. She also discussed efforts to expand community stewardship, including partner groups, culturally specific amenities like cricket fields, and outreach through traveling exhibits and social media. Senators raised concerns and suggestions about renewable energy siting, cell service in rural areas, invasive species prevention, and local infrastructure needs. After questioning concluded, the committees voted to advance the nomination, and the motion was reported to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• request to add eight projects to the approved list of projects eligible for funding through the Higher Education
• streamline project management, optimize resources, and ensure that enhancements are delivered more efficiently
• streamline project management, optimize resources, and ensure that enhancements are delivered more efficiently
• members, final item is item six: review of a contract amendment between the Louisiana Department of Education
• Cade Bromley, State Superintendent, Department of Education, joined by Bess C&O, Deputy Superintendent

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement. The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment. A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections. Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• request to add eight projects to the approved list of projects eligible for funding through the Higher Education
• streamline project management, optimize resources, and ensure that enhancements are delivered more efficiently
• streamline project management, optimize resources, and ensure that enhancements are delivered more efficiently
• members, final item is Item 6: review of a contract amendment between the Louisiana Department of Education
• Cade Bromley, State Superintendent, Department of Education, joined by Bess C&O, Deputy Superintendent

Summary: The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted. The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month. Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.

Transcript Highlights:

• professionals or para educators, or commonly referred to as par educators, it will be raised to at least
• About a quarter of pair educators earn less than $25,000 a year, and only about 30% of para educators
• It often requires educators to increasing educator pay, and their work is deeply admirable.
• Not for the general education.
• And not for the other special educators and the early childhood educators.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution. The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're an educational nonprofit focused on the thoughtful advancement of renewable hydrogen for our energy
• one of the most protective states in the nation, with the strictest emissions, climate, energy efficiency
• bill would preclude them from taking advantage of the exemption for, again, upgrades for energy efficiency
• In fact, many of our member companies are helping to pioneer the next generation of more efficient and
• Sierra Nevada foothills and the Coast Range, provides essential local opportunities for wildlife education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're an educational nonprofit focused on the thoughtful advancement of renewable hydrogen for our energy
• one of the most protective states in the nation, with the strictest emissions, climate, energy efficiency
• know, I think that also raises some concerns and could be at odds with our broader kind of energy efficiency
• preclude them from taking advantage of the exemption for, again, you know, upgrades for energy efficiency
• In fact, many of our member companies are helping to pioneer the next generation of more efficient and

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with SB 1350 by Senator McNerney presented first. The measure would expand California’s use of renewable hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with supporters emphasizing grid reliability, clean-energy goals, in-state investment, and construction jobs. Support came from labor, clean-energy, municipal utility, and local government representatives; NRDC Action Fund withdrew opposition after amendments, while a few groups remained opposed or neutral. The committee later took a roll call and SB 1350 passed out on a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1180 by Senator Allen, which would set operational rules for the Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund created under SB 54, including clearer eligible uses, transparency, technical assistance, and access for tribes and smaller community groups. Environmental justice, ocean, conservation, and local government groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would ensure the fund addresses plastic pollution’s public health and environmental harms. Industry and manufacturing groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill should stay tightly tied to plastic waste reduction and not broaden into source-reduction policy. After quorum was established, the committee approved SB 1180 on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. SB 1326 by Senator Wahab was then heard to strengthen tribal consultation and tribal cultural resource protections under CEQA by recognizing tribal registers and requiring feasible avoidance or mitigation measures when tribes identify resources. Tribal representatives and supporters said the bill would better protect sacred sites and tribal knowledge, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and rural county groups opposed unless amended, citing implementation concerns, possible litigation, and uncertainty for infrastructure and housing projects. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. Finally, SB 954 by Senator Blakespear was presented as a cleanup of last year’s SB 131 advanced-manufacturing CEQA exemption, narrowing eligible projects and adding guardrails such as setbacks, air-quality limits, tribal consultation, labor standards, and habitat protections. Environmental and labor groups supported the bill as a needed correction to an overly broad exemption, while business, manufacturing, housing, and local-government groups opposed, warning it could make the exemption unusable and slow investment. Members debated the balance between environmental protection and manufacturing competitiveness, and the committee voted SB 954 out on a due pass recommendation to the Labor and Employment Committee; the transcript then moved on to SB 1031 on compostable plastics, which was introduced but not acted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:08:31.840> reduce plants to improve efficiency, reduce plants to improve efficiency,
• It improves energy efficiency and resilience by reducing long-term operating risks, and it shifts the
• Uh, so, you kept speaking of being more efficient.
• Is this plan to replace any of the units that are there today so that they are more efficient?
• I know if you build them today, they should be more efficient than they are currently. >> Plan is, we

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:54 Approval of Minutes 0:01:08 Information Items 0:03:18 Postsecondary Institutions - UK 0:18:10 Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:30:13 KY Infrastructure Authority 0:37:30 Cabinet for Economic Development 0:52:11 Office of Financial Management 0:59:20 Remaining 2026 Mtg Dates 1:00:49 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 27 minutes and then received several informational reports, including University of Kentucky medical equipment purchases, UK’s use of $200 million in Ever funds for a public-private partnership, school district debt issuances, UK’s planned use of construction manager-at-risk delivery on five projects, Kentucky Communications Network Authority capital projects under House Bill 6, and 14 UK lease improvements. Members were told the House Bill 6 item was also being discussed in the Information Technology Oversight Committee and could return later if needed. The main action item was University of Kentucky’s request to approve a $600 million public-private partnership for central plants and utility infrastructure tied to the Chandler expansion. UK said it would shift $200 million from previously authorized restricted funds into the P3, leaving the project financed through private equity and nonprofit debt with no UK or Commonwealth debt. UK representatives said the project is necessary to support 24/7 hospital operations, expand and modernize utility systems, improve redundancy and efficiency, and reduce long-term operating risk. Members asked about the source of the availability payments, which UK said would come from UK Healthcare revenues, and the committee approved the P3 agreement unanimously. The committee also approved a UK lease renewal for a 20,000-square-foot College of Medicine annex near the Bowling Green Medical Center. UK said the lease costs $38 per square foot, or $912,000 annually, and supports medical education expansion in the region, including growth from 120 to 160 students over four years. Members voiced support for the local impact, and the lease passed unanimously. Later, the committee approved a Transportation Cabinet aviation project for two medium box hangars at Capital City Airport, funded by $1,153,000 in federal money and $950,000 from the Aviation Economic Development Fund, which is supported by a 6% jet fuel tax with a $1 million annual cap per company. Members asked about the fund balance, the cap, and airport revenue sources, and staff said the airport also receives entitlement and federal infrastructure funds and earns revenue from hangar rent and fuel sales. The committee then approved two Finance and Administration Cabinet pool projects: a roof and skylight replacement at the Libraries and Archives building and exterior repairs at several state buildings. Finally, the committee approved six Kentucky Infrastructure Authority action items after hearing about one loan increase for the Springfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and five grant reallocations tied to Cleaner Water Program and county allocation pool funds. Members asked why one project approved in 2024 was only now increasing, and KIA explained that design, water division review, environmental review, and bidding can take one to two years. KIA also reported additional no-action items, including a Brandenburg water grant split among two projects and 17 Kentucky Waters projects provided for information. The meeting ended with approval of the action items and no further action on the informational grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• This highlights the urgent need for better driver education about dangerous work zones.
• That is why proper training and education for elevator personnel is so critical.
• This doesn't, this does absolutely nothing, uh, to improve safety or promote efficiency.
• Providing a safe and efficient delivery of all legal forms of alcohol to Texas consumers.
• Uh, seems like we get a better quality or a more educated or.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tristan Brown of CFT, Union of Educators and Classified Professionals, here in support. Thank you.
• , especially, implementing cost efficiencies, there's a whole lobby, a whole interest, special interest
• Let alone the funds that are being taken away for education—so many issues that are being attacked.
• You may hear the opposition share that firms can perform this more efficiently than counties, and that
• You may hear the opposition share that firms can perform this more efficiently than counties, and that

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills, with the chair explaining that measures with significant revenue impacts would be sent to the suspense file. AB 1726, which would create a catastrophe savings account for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs, drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the effect on the General Fund and Prop. 98. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768, authorizing Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve a local transaction and use tax to offset federal funding cuts to health and social services, received broad support from county, health care, labor, and community groups. Opposition focused on the bill as a tax increase and on concerns about local spending priorities, while supporters argued it would preserve access to care and essential services. The committee approved the bill on a 5-2 vote and sent it to the Assembly Local Government Committee. AB 1790, which would repeal California’s water’s-edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations, generated extensive testimony. Supporters argued it would close a major corporate tax loophole, raise billions in revenue, and make the tax system fairer; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After lengthy debate, the committee referred the bill to suspense. The committee also heard AB 2020, providing a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069, creating a sales and use tax exemption to spur development on fairgrounds; both drew support but were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705, which would cap fees and require disclosures for third parties assisting with claims to excess proceeds from tax sales, was presented as a consumer protection measure and drew support from county officials, while asset-finder companies opposed it as too restrictive and harmful to claimants; the transcript ends during that item’s testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the proposed size for you, the square footage, ways that we can construct that efficiently and
• and ways that several um efficiently and ways that several different<00:18:38.480> organizations<
• Of course, public education and awareness.
• They're going to educate<00:54:16.160> us<00:54:16.400> on<00:54:16.559> this<00
• So he thinks this committee has been very educational and wants to say thank you for allowing him to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force opened its sixth meeting by approving the minutes and then taking up a presentation from University of Pikeville representatives and local leaders on an Eastern Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Speakers included Greg May, Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty, Lori Worth, and Laura Damron. They described repeated flooding and other disasters in eastern Kentucky, the lack of a single prepared relief location, and the need for a centralized, elevated site that could serve as a flood and broader natural-disaster hub. The presenters said the Bear Mountain property, about 530 acres and well above flood levels, could support a multi-use facility combining disaster response functions with university and community uses. Proposed features included a command and communications center, distribution space, emergency shelter, medical and clinic support, food service, restroom facilities, RV hookups, and an indoor track/distribution building. They emphasized that the project would help avoid disrupting existing venues such as the Pikeville Expo Center and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, while also supporting tourism and economic recovery. Committee members asked about community and emergency-management support, annual operating costs, and resilience standards such as tornado-related building codes. In response, the presenters said local stakeholders, including Appalachian Wireless, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, the city of Pikeville, and emergency management officials, had expressed support. They said the university planned to absorb some operating costs through multiple uses of the facility, community camps, and budgeted maintenance, and that construction documents were nearly complete with plans to begin building within months. After the presentation, the chair thanked the presenters and moved the committee into its recommendations discussion, noting the broader fiscal and humanitarian importance of disaster preparedness and resiliency and indicating that future legislation would likely follow from the task force’s work.