Transcript Highlights:

• It protects workers, and it will help all of us plan wisely for California's energy future.
• For example, last year we submitted a proposal called Rule 30, which would create a new agreement for
• So I don't see that as a real issue in terms of the proposed rule or the proposed decision on the rule
• So I don't see that as a real issue in terms of the proposed rule or the proposed decision on the rule
• These are farm workers, our teachers, small business employees, caregivers.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Children being able to pay attention, follow rules, and manage emotions.
• This is the first year in which the administrative rule becomes effective.
• We hire at least 25 certified peer support workers.
• Also, the process to get peer support workers trained has become more limiting.
• Is that a rule, a policy, or regulation? Why is that? Because you have to...

Transcript Highlights:

• chapter, Minnesota Social Workers Association, Society of Clinical Social Work, Minnesota Social Workers
• Coalition, Association of Black Social Workers, Nursing Home Social Workers Association—I hope I got
• black social workers nursing home social black social workers nursing home social workers<00:00:
• all of the um the mental health workers all of the um the mental health workers in<00:02:50.040>
• <00:35:39.520> this States and state laws and rules this States and state laws and rules this

Bills: HF957, HF877

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They're talking to CYFD workers. They know what is happening in this state.
• so that you have workers with the expertise.
• Um, I heard a couple of weeks ago that 4 workers in the Albuquerque office had quit and that the Santa
• So what that means is this unfunded rule coming from the New Mexico Supreme Court is going to result
• The rule has very few limited opportunities for extension of deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assemblymembers Soria and Bonta to speak on an adjournment in memory today
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A.
• AB will safeguard California's workers and their rights by promoting fair and consistent application
• Look at their judgments and rulings.
• And these public works workers are going to become even more essential.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those times where workers don't get that chance to take a break.
• Those times where workers don't get that chance to take a break.
• If we're not doing that, we're in violation of CMS rules.
• <01:02:52.320> And<01:02:52.400> if we're in violation of CMS rules.
• And if we're in violation of CMS rules.

Bills: HF4110, HF4101, HF4144, HF3546

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the rates were done through rules.
• That was done through rules. And the rates were done through rules.
• These are, I'm gathering, these are not directly for the personal care services worker.
• For the recipients themselves, for the workers themselves, are these funds taxable?
• It's coming at the expense of the worker wage. So I do appreciate what you're saying.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the workers do not.
• <01:20:48.880> Um advantage of our workers. Um advantage of our workers.
• cameras that actually spy on workers. cameras that actually spy on workers.
• ><01:27:53.320> and<01:27:53.520> workers<01:27:54.000> do employers know the rules
• and workers do employers know the rules and workers do not.<01:27:54.920> And<01:27:55.080>

Bills: HF3878, HF4131, HF3796, HF4097

Keywords: airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, consumer rights, automated decision systems, Minnesota Statutes, suitable seating, employee seating, workplace seating, occupational safety, workplace safety, labor standards, employer requirements, chair, stool

Transcript Highlights:

• Rule F is the rule for continuous glucose monitors.
• This rule is reviewed.
• This rule is another... ” “Item P? Yes, ma’am. This rule is another new rule.
• “These rules are the rules for massage therapy in Arkansas.
• The next rules are the rules pertaining to lead-based paint activities.

Summary: The committee reviewed a series of Arkansas Medicaid and Department of Health rules, many implementing 2025 acts. Early items covered presumptive eligibility and Medicaid policy updates, including adding a definition of fictive kin for foster children and changing the disability onset age for ABLE accounts from 26 to 46. Another rule clarified that continuous glucose monitors may be billed by both pharmacies and durable medical equipment providers, with committee members questioning prior authorization timing, system lag, and a fiscal impact estimate of about $3 million over two years; the rule was reviewed, but members requested additional cost breakdowns. Other Medicaid-related rules addressed an RSV vaccine administration fee increase, an ET3 telemedicine exemption for ambulance treat-triage-transport services, a dental rate increase under Act 1025, expanded physical therapy access, and the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies package covering doulas, lactation consultants, remote monitoring, and expanded prenatal testing. Most were reviewed without objection after brief discussion or no questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ordered all federal workers to return to the office.
• Meanwhile, we have hundreds of thousands of federal workers who have not been showing up to work.
• It's very simple, and the days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over.
• <01:23:02.280> by very simple and the days of rule by very simple and the days of rule by
• Thirty-eight thousand workers died building the Panama Canal.

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I wanted to pivot to the rules. Okay. Um, any questions?
• And here it is seven years later and we don't have rules.
• years right then since then the rules years right then since then the rules have<00:23:01.400>
• I love rules myself, so I was really excited when the feds came out with their rules.
• rules do provide that guidance rules rules do provide that guidance rules really<00:26:51.799>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.

Transcript Highlights:

• But sometimes employers lose bids to bad actors who don't play by the rules.
• But sometimes employers lose bids to bad actors who don't play by the rules.
• actors who don't play by the rules. actors who don't play by the rules.
• their labor broker cheated 26 workers their labor broker cheated 26 workers out<00:15:42.680>
• These are licensed workers and workers of other non-licensed trades such as laborers, equipment operators

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Calendar 194, Senate Print 4479, Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Workers Compensation Law. >>
• >> CALENDAR 194, SENATE PRINT 4479 SENATOR RAMOS, AN ACT TO AMEND THE WORKERS COMPENSATION LAW.
• record we're creating, if there will be something since we're asking a different agency to create Rules
• Here in New York, their state, their rules, they will enforce their laws as they see fit.
• Senator Myrie, an act to amend the Civil Practice Law and Rules. Senator Murray, why do you rise?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions. The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition. The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.

Transcript Highlights:

• That also assumes this administration adheres to the bill's own rules, something we know we cannot be
• But the ripple effects that we're seeing, and in my training as a social worker, you are taught that
• We're talking about farm workers not having loads to pick. Food insecurity.
• We're talking about farm workers not having loads to pick and loads to put on trucks.
• And workers need to be trained on the new policy and the new rule.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held its fifth hearing of the year to examine the newly enacted federal H.R. 1 and its effects on California. Members and the chair described the law as a major threat to state health, food, education, and climate programs, and emphasized that California would not be able to fully backfill the federal cuts. Several members also highlighted the bill’s tax provisions, including temporary deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, while warning that the largest benefits flow to higher-income taxpayers and that major cuts to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and clean-energy incentives are delayed or phased in over time. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance presented detailed overviews of the bill’s likely impacts and implementation timelines. They identified the main affected areas as health care coverage and financing, food assistance, higher education, personal income taxes, and clean-energy/electric-vehicle credits. They explained that H.R. 1 limits provider taxes used to finance Medi-Cal, adds work and redetermination requirements, restricts CalFresh eligibility and increases state costs, changes student loan and Pell Grant rules, extends and modifies federal tax provisions, and phases out many clean-energy credits. Finance also noted major rescissions of Inflation Reduction Act funds, new border and immigration enforcement spending, and the possibility of PAYGO sequestration if Congress does not act to offset the deficit increase. During member questions, the committee focused on likely enrollment losses, administrative burdens, and fiscal exposure for the state and counties. Witnesses said many details still depend on federal guidance, but they estimated significant impacts on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and graduate/professional student borrowing, and noted that California’s high CalFresh error rate could increase state costs. UC testified that the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans would affect thousands of professional students, especially in health, law, and other high-cost programs. Members asked for follow-up data on county, health, and tax impacts, and staff agreed to provide additional tables and estimates as implementation guidance becomes clearer. Public commenters from counties, early childhood advocates, health coalitions, disability rights groups, immigrant-rights organizations, and other stakeholders urged the Legislature to mitigate the law’s effects. They warned of higher county costs, reduced access to health care and food assistance, increased administrative burdens, and harm to children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Several urged new state revenue solutions and stronger protections for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child care, and home- and community-based services. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with a commitment to continue monitoring federal guidance and to work on state responses in the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that willing workers in Texas, willing workers abroad, will be...
• We need the workers. We need the workers.
• (1) of the rules.
• I raise a point of order against further consideration of SB 12 under Rule 4, Section 18(b), and Rule
• , the overall general rule of the bill.”

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Already do this by rule.
• Uh, can you tell me what chapter of your rules to find these rules in?
• rules is, again, through the rules.
• <00:44:02.559> in<00:44:03.160> so rules to find this these rules in so rules to find
• the way we have done this is by rule the way we have done this is by rule we're<00:44:22.839>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would establish what is known as the DNA exception rule.
• I'm a social worker with the Adelante Project at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
• On to an act to establish a DNA exception rule for victims of rape.
• Judges, DCF workers, especially those I've come across in Worcester County and Lowell, DCF workers, especially
• I'm testifying today as a co-founder of the Boston Sex Workers and Allies Collective.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on a wide range of bills involving domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, trafficking, victim compensation, and related criminal justice reforms. Testimony focused on measures to support survivors and close perceived legal gaps, including bills to protect domestic violence survivors in child welfare proceedings, expand victim compensation for homicide families and trafficking survivors, create a DNA exception to the rape statute of limitations, eliminate or extend statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse, and strengthen laws on upskirting, sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority, and sexual assault by rideshare drivers. Several speakers also addressed bills concerning vulnerable adults, harassment and custody-related abuse, and early evidence kits. Witnesses included legislators, prosecutors, advocates, and many survivors who described personal experiences with abuse and barriers to justice. Supporters argued that current laws often leave survivors without meaningful remedies, especially where consent, reporting requirements, evidentiary rules, or statutes of limitations prevent prosecution or compensation. Prosecutors and advocates said the bills would clarify vague statutes, increase penalties in some cases, and better reflect the realities of coercion, grooming, trafficking, and delayed reporting. Some testimony also urged amendments, including changes to victim compensation reporting rules and clarifications to avoid unintended conflicts with other wage-recovery laws. No committee votes or final actions were taken in the hearing itself. The chairs emphasized strict time limits, respectful conduct, and the submission of written testimony, and several witnesses were called out of order to accommodate the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Workers are forced to live on site.
• That is set in rule. >> Okay.
• That is set in rule. meeting. That is set in rule.
• They often times will use an LLC. have to have licensed uh workers uh have to have licensed uh workers
• Um... ...the courts will rule.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . and aid local agency workers.
• There's supplementary rules tied to the federal requirements that we have to do.
• So currently the rule and the change.
• and understanding from a health perspective why some of the rules are what they are.
• And we're responsible for a lot of things according to Minnesota rules.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:58.960> but only as a child care um uh worker but only as a child care um uh worker
• <01:14:12.239> you and Workforce for childcare workers you and Workforce for childcare workers
• <01:27:46.040> are important that childcare workers are important that childcare workers are
• I get very irritable when people don't follow background study rules.
• I think everyone should have to follow background study rules. I think it's good business practice.

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension