Transcript Highlights:

• Agriculture Affairs is tasked with expanding access for U.S. agricultural products into foreign markets
• Lindberg will be tasked with representing USDA in trade. including collaborating with USTR, the Department
• Westhill will be tasked with ensuring all USDA employees are treated with respect, that their civil rights
• This is a critically important position where you'll be tasked with ensuring that every farmer and every
• Trade Representative solicited public comment on unfair trade practices forced upon our great American

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Chair Garcia: HONESTLY SENATOR, I TOOK THIS TASK UPON MYSELF BECAUSE OF THE CONCERNS I HAD WITH
• FLORIDA LAW PROVIDES A PERSON MAY NOT LAWFULLY USE FORCE OR VIOLENCE TO RESIST THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
• AN OFFICER'S EXECUTION OF LEGAL DUTIES HAVE CLAIMED UNLAWFUL DEFENSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY USING FORCE
• PAGE OF THE BILL IT SAYS THE CURRENT LOSSES LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THE USE OF FORCE
• A LAW THAT TELLS OFFICERS WHO KNOW THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING UNLAWFUL THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE FORCE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:53.520> force<00:20:54.000> to create an implementation task force to create
• an implementation task force to advise.<00:20:55.840> This<00:20:56.080> is<00:20:56.559
• On line 997 is the House-only item on the priority admissions task force recommendations.
• So this would extend the mentally ill and dangerous commitment reform task force and require a report
• In addition, the Senate also cancels the legislative task force on guardianship, and that is a reduction

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• force um group that is made up of task force um group that is made up of our<01:11:56.159> Wyomingites
• Would he be interested in having people like that on such a task force?
• Would he be interested in having people like that on such a task force?
• like that on such a task force? like that on such a task force?
• force or an council to put to a task force or an interim<01:57:35.520> committee.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our cities will be forced to make painful cuts in addition to this, including cutting services
• By withholding these funds, you will force our communities to pull from much-needed programs to fill
• This is really going to force higher education... Manufacturing, robotics, as well as AI itself.
• The council is tasked with improving coordination and workforce development across the segments.
• They have domains set up; we're ready to go on the website and other administrative tasks.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as a member of the Hawaii Trauma and Informed Care Task Force.
• Over the last three years, this task force has developed a plan and strategies that will incorporate
• <01:32:17.040> Over<01:32:17.360> the and Informed Care Task Force.
• Over the and Informed Care Task Force.
• <01:32:19.280> force<01:32:19.679> has last three years, this task force has last three

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like the Department of Energy had—I don't even know now, I forgot—like an order of 30 taskings out of
• And we have three fire stations, a security force of about 400 people.
• And this is the driving force. That's where nuclear is playing a very pivotal role right now.
• And this is the driving force. That's where the nuclear is playing a very pivotal role right now.
• So you don't need a forced system.

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're<01:11:14.440> forcing You're forcing You're forcing this,<01:11:15.960> but this
• I do also want to thank the SPEED Task Force for bringing forth this measure. It's very important.
• Um, so because this desire from the SPEED Task Force to provide additional disclosure was brought to
• The language that you're using is from the original SPEED Task Force bill, but if that changes by the
• using is from the original speed task using is from the original speed task force<01:34:08.840><

Bills: HB2614, HB1660, HB1704, HB1563, HB1573, HB1777, HB1749

Keywords: cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported. Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we are forcing the investment properties to contribute more.
• <00:18:37.640> the exemptions but we are forcing the exemptions but we are forcing the investment
• So after a year study task force, whatever we announced last year, that yes, in fact, we were going to
• > announced study task force whatever we announced study task force whatever we announced last<00
• <01:15:00.320> to exemption so we actually are forced to exemption so we actually are forced

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Air Force for four years in the early 1950s.
• Air Force for four years in the early 1950s.
• Some of the last tasks that Tom had while he was deputy director was to transition that office from being
• Some of the last tasks that Tom had while he was, as the deputy director, was to transition that office
• While it's technically accurate that the Rice units are not specifically forced to close down by the

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading. On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it creates a joint task force made up of state police, sheriffs, and municipal chiefs of police.
• So I will welcome the opportunity to work in coordination with the task force. ...or whatever the body
• Maybe that will force them to attend. Right now there's no... “Force them to attend.

Summary: The Louisiana Advanced Aviation and Drones Advisory Committee met with a quorum and opened by noting that, under current law, the committee will sunset after the 2026 regular session unless legislation is passed to reconstitute it. Members discussed the need for a smaller, more workable committee structure in the future so quorum requirements would be easier to meet, and they added an agenda item to consider reconstitution and another for a legislative briefing. The June 2025 minutes were approved. Subcommittee reports focused heavily on counter-drone policy and advanced air mobility. Mr. Muley described the new counter-UAS effort, referred to as the “Let’s Go Act,” which would create a joint task force of state police, sheriffs, and municipal police chiefs to develop training standards and equipment standards for counter-drone operations. Members also discussed federal developments in the NDAA and DOJ’s role in authorizing mitigation capabilities for states with laws and training plans. Public safety members reported that training on recently enacted drone laws is underway in north Louisiana. The committee also heard a major update from Josh Deplanis, newly named Louisiana’s first advanced aeronautics director. He outlined Louisiana’s selection for the FAA’s Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing/Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program, branded “Lift Off Louisiana,” and described plans for real-world operations beginning as early as August, centered on Houma-Terrebonne Airport. He also reviewed the state’s broader advanced air mobility strategic plan, including vertiport readiness, charging infrastructure, logistics, workforce training, and community engagement. Members emphasized Louisiana’s opportunity to influence FAA policy and international airspace issues related to operations over the Gulf and beyond 12 nautical miles. In final action, the committee adopted a resolution supporting reconstitution of LADAC, with revised proposed membership language reducing the committee from 15 members to 11 and setting a simple majority of six for quorum, with new appointments effective July 1, 2027. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned after the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• force that there will be other bills that the blind community will be interested in.
• <00:03:32.319> force<00:03:33.120> that<00:03:33.440> there<00:03:33.599>
• will<00:03:33.840> be deaf blind task force that there will be deaf blind task force that
• force of public health and public safety professionals that know much better than I.
• um by maybe perhaps creating a task um by maybe perhaps creating a task force<00:54:18.480> of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Vermont with authority, force, Vermont with authority, force, longevity,<00:25:53.840> and
• It provides guidance as to the General Assembly's intent, but does not hold the same force and effect
• intent, but does not hold the same force intent, but does not hold the same force and<00:30:18.080
• Many local governments were tasked<00:53:29.760> with<00:53:29.920> how<00:53:30.079>
• how to break down barriers, tasked with how to break down barriers, and<00:53:31.920> many<00

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional for Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on the fragility and renewability of mental health and the importance of human connection, kindness, and reaching out to people who are struggling. The chamber then handled several referral items, including first reading and referral of Senate Bill 329, an act relating to criminal procedures involving firearms, to the Judiciary Committee. It also referred Senate Bills 323 and 326 to the Committee on Appropriations because they carry appropriations, and noted that Senate Bill 278, relating to cannabis and state revenue, had been reported favorably with amendment and was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. The House took up Joint Senate Resolution 53 on weekend adjournment for May 15, 2026, and adopted it in concurrence by voice vote. The chamber also read House Concurrent Resolution 284 honoring former Senate Majority Leader and Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs’ Executive Director John F. Campbell for his public service, including his work on marriage equality and gun control, and members gave remarks recognizing his leadership, humor, and impact on the institution. Several guests were welcomed and recognized during announcements, including a representative involved in a diaper drive, local officials, and Norma Malone, who was honored for decades of public service in Barry Town and related local boards. The main floor action was on Proposal 4, a proposed constitutional amendment on equality of rights. The Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence, and the member from Burlington explained the amendment’s purpose and process, emphasizing that it would add an equal protection guarantee to the Vermont Constitution covering race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and national origin, while preserving other constitutional protections. The member also reviewed the proposal’s prior passage in both chambers in the previous biennium and its current path toward appearing on the November 2026 ballot if approved again by the House and Senate. The transcript ends while the House is still hearing extended remarks on Proposal 4, with no final vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's talking about a task force that's put together by the community college system to look at cosmetology
• Do we have to have a task force every time the university system or the community college systems are
• Do we have to have a task force every time the university system or the community college systems are
• We will be doing 580 and 586. talking about a task force that's put talking about a task force that's
• a Have to have a task force every time a university system or the community college systems are

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force in support.
• My name is Hannah LEC, and I'm here on behalf of the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force in strong support
• task force in strong ocean legislative task force in strong support<00:21:53.520> of<00:21:53.720
• Next up, we have the Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force in support.
• You have our written testimony, but I just briefly wanted to highlight that our task force is comprised

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then our QR is a quick reaction force.
• Of course, we have regional domestic security task forces.
• Yet we get forced in order to be able to get this money.
• We get forced to spend those money on projects that would normally be at the bottom of the list.
• Force of the vehicle of choice for Cerberus is probably the Chevy Tahoe.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It applies in the excessive force context and the free speech context and the Second Amendment context
• It applies in the excessive force context and the free speech context and the Second Amendment context
• It applies in the excessive force context and the free speech context and the Second Amendment context
• force, joint terrorism task force, all those agencies?
• with and one of those is tasked with and one of those is immigration<00:35:35.520> enforcement.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3477, Representative Long’s “Universal Constitutional Remedies Act,” which would create a civil damages remedy for constitutional violations by government actors, including federal officials. Long and supporting testifiers argued the bill fills a gap in current law, noting that people can sue state and local officials under Section 1983 but generally lack a meaningful damages remedy against federal actors. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, make harmed individuals whole, and is consistent with the Supremacy Clause and federal law. Public testimony included Dr. Roger Day, who said the bill was important to people harmed by “color of law” abuses and urged broad, inclusive language. Members then considered amendments. The A1 amendment, offered by Representative Duran, removed subdivision 2, which had required federal law enforcement partners entering agreements with Minnesota to agree to abide by the state and federal constitutions; the amendment was adopted. The A2 amendment, which would have added a six-year lookback and limited the bill to future causes of action, was debated at length and rejected. The A3 amendment, which would have required state agencies to absorb litigation costs, was also debated; House fiscal staff said a fiscal note was not complete and costs were uncertain, and the amendment was not adopted. In discussion after amendments, opponents argued the bill would conflict with federal supremacy, duplicate or interfere with existing federal remedies, and could create fiscal and operational burdens. Supporters responded that the bill is modeled on existing remedies for state and local officials and that federal accountability is currently inadequate. The bill, as amended by A1, was then moved toward the general register, with a roll call requested on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So following that, there was a Petroleum Strategy Task Force that was created with every single agency
• So following that, there was a Petroleum Strategy Task Force that was created with every single agency
• force to really dig into.
• About the interconnectedness and how to think about them, we put together a task force to really dig
• We now have a task force meeting that we regularly meet.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he said at our last hearing, we keep coming to deadly force encounters with felons who have not spent
• is that some of the lobbyists have shared concerns that they wish they would have reached out to a task
• force, if you will, a small task force, to say, what can you accept?
• is that some of the lobbyists have shared concerns that they wish they would have reached out to a task
• force, if you will, small task force to say, what can you accept?

Bills: HB99, HB49, HB164, SB30, SB43, SB50, SB136

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I need a task force, or is that something we could have a conversation?
• c> Do<00:30:32.000> I<00:30:32.159> need<00:30:32.240> a<00:30:32.480> task
• <00:30:32.799> force the department?
• Do I need a task force the department?
• Do I need a task force or<00:30:33.440> is<00:30:33.600> that<00:30:33.760> something

Keywords: 1191, senate, all