Transcript Highlights:

• The discussion noted that if there is any doubt, parents should seek legal counsel and rely on a DNA test
• could still file a petition where, if they decide, ‘Wait a minute, I was mistaken,’ or ‘I’ve got wrong tests
• think—I don’t know if they have to prove by clear and convincing evidence, but probably with some DNA tests—to
• “By clear and convincing evidence that such an act was induced by fraud, duress, or material mistake
• This is a simple study resolution for the Law Institute to review and study in test states a session.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary A Committee met on May 5, 2026, with five members present and adopted the April 28 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several measures, including HCR 31, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to study replacing or clarifying the term “foreign” in state law; HB 263, allowing the 14th JDC magistrate judge to handle certain specialty court felony matters; HB 299, clarifying paper filing rules for jury bonds and related payment issues; HB 535, simplifying hospital-based acknowledgments of paternity by removing the two-witness requirement while keeping notarization; HB 571, codifying the 19th JDC’s complex litigation section program; and HB 538, increasing the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court fee cap from $15 to $75 to help offset court costs. The committee also reported HB 215, raising the small succession affidavit threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, and HB 226, adding a 10.1 conference requirement before requests for admissions are deemed admitted, with discussion about discovery fairness and default judgment exceptions. The committee also took up HB 324, which makes judicial stipend increases permanent and adds a 2.7% salary increase for judges effective July 1, 2027; an amendment restoring the second year of the COLA was adopted, and the bill was reported with amendments. HB 1043, raising the jurisdictional amount in Jefferson Parish first and second parish courts, was amended to increase the amount from $35,000 to $50,000 and then reported with amendments. HCR 6, directing the Law Institute to study forced heirship and disinherison issues, was amended to add reporting language and related Civil Code references and then reported with amendments. HB 1006, changing summary judgment deadlines to give opponents more time to respond, was amended and reported by a 3-2 vote after roll call. Two more substantive bills drew extended debate. HB 1239 would strengthen the presumption that parents share physical custody equally unless a court finds that arrangement infeasible or not in the child’s best interest; supporters framed it as a parental-rights measure, while an attorney in opposition warned it would increase litigation, reduce stability for children, and be used as leverage in child support disputes. Despite the opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 190, as amended, would create a duty of reasonable care for certain software/app providers toward minors and require expert testimony, while excluding manufacturers; supporters said it was aimed at protecting children from harmful platform design, but opponents argued the proposal was unnecessary because existing tort law already covers negligence and warned it could create new causes of action and uncertainty over whether software is a “product.” The committee heard testimony from the Louisiana State Law Institute, the sponsor, and outside witnesses, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 190 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, its meetings and materials are listed on the Utah Public Notice website.
• It allows individuals with a disability to have a specific account that is exempt from the asset tests
• With a lot of programs having asset tests, unfortunately it puts individuals with disabilities in a position
• students are really impacting not only the students' knowledge and demonstration of that knowledge on testing
• , but also their confidence in math skills. ...knowledge and demonstration of that knowledge on testing

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funds into the agency operating budget, this gives us a chance to take a look at new programs in a test
• I wasn't here during the interim to hear those tests.
• But as we onboard them into more critical services such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
• Basically, what we're trying to do is set up a laboratory where we can test all new technology.
• orders, invoices, or requisitions, or not approving budget authority if revenues are unlikely to materialize

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to belabor the material that's already in my written testimony.
• , and when they tested her, they found out she was XY.
• protect constituents from real material protect constituents from real material harm.<01:40:28.480
• could test me and say, "Am I am I not?" could test me and say, "Am I am I not?"
• I know you know your material wicked good.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a balancing test that the court engages in if a government entity does not want to provide that
• There's a balancing test that the court engages in if a government entity does not want to provide that
• <00:13:15.600> about then conduct a balancing test about then conduct a balancing test about
• if someone were to challenge it, it test if someone were to challenge it, it would<00:15:05.040>
• This portion of the bill relates to AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee took testimony on Senate File 3051, which would allow law enforcement to release unredacted collision crash investigation video and related data to certain requesters, rather than requiring redaction first. Joel Carlson, speaking for the Minnesota Association for Justice, said the bill is intended to save local governments time and money because redacted video is often later released unredacted through court motions anyway. He emphasized that the proposal is limited to people already entitled to crash reports, requires a written request and accident report, does not create an affirmative duty to release data, and preserves law enforcement’s ability to withhold data for active investigations or other protected information. He also cited the Burks decision as support for the view that a subject of data is entitled to the full data even if it includes other subjects. Colonel Christina Bogavich of the Minnesota State Patrol raised concerns that the bill would still require staff to review videos for exceptions, including private data involving bystanders, juveniles, undercover officers, CAD information, and other protected material, so it would not create the claimed time savings. She also said the bill expands the number of potential requesters and lacks a liability provision if released data is improperly disseminated. Committee members and staff discussed the current Data Practices Act, including that private data can still be discoverable in litigation through a court balancing test and that protective orders may apply. A preliminary fiscal note estimated a Department of Public Safety cost of $4,026,334 annually, and members requested copies of the note. Members questioned whether the bill would actually reduce work or simply shift when the work occurs, and whether a litigation-specific exception to redaction should be added. Carlson said he was open to changes, including making release permissive rather than mandatory and strengthening the use restrictions, while members noted the proposal had not yet been heard in the House and would need more vetting. No vote or final action was taken on the provision during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also remember, I would say that special assessments, they have to satisfy that two-prong test, correct
• the governor's team cobbled together over the last few weeks without any research does not pass the test
• and promotional materials.
• that would have to be included with the TRIM notice, not that there couldn't still be a website or materials
• . ...have to be included with the TRIM notice, not that there couldn't still be a website or materials

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account. Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the AP side, it's a test they have to take for the AP.
• as recommended by the... ...screening test as recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force.
• a more expensive test.
• So we believe that... a more expensive test.
• Has that been materially changed in this version? No, okay.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess, since they're different jobs, how relevant is the material on the licensed social work exam
• , okay, the licensed social worker test is too high a bar?
• <00:10:57.279> okay worker uh professional test okay worker uh professional test okay licensed
• whether it's an academic test or practical skills test, that would actually just be more relevant to
• academic test or practical skills test academic test or practical skills test uh<00:22:09.919>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard House Bill 2712, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Members expressed concern that the exam requirement was only added in 2021 and has not been in place long enough to evaluate, but they also questioned whether licensure should be granted without a meaningful measure of competency. Testimony was split: supporters argued the exam is a barrier for applicants without formal social work education, while opponents said licensure should still require some standard of competency, especially because the title carries public expectations and insurance reimbursement implications. Karina Bonia, speaking for NASW New Hampshire, said there is very limited data because only one person in New Hampshire currently holds an LSWA. She explained that LSWA applicants may have degrees outside social work, unlike licensed social workers, and that the current exam is the same national social work exam used for higher levels of licensure. She argued that this creates a significant barrier for LSWA applicants and noted that LSWA holders are already required to complete 30 hours of training and substantial supervised hours. Members asked for data on pass/fail rates and whether a different exam or practical skills test would be more appropriate. Committee members and OPLC representatives discussed whether the current statute and board rules already provide enough authority for the board to set other criteria, and whether the exam requirement is tied to the social work compact. OPLC indicated that the current rule requires passage of a national proctored exam approved by the board, but that no national exam exists specifically for this level, and that the board may need legislative authority to develop different criteria. The discussion ended with interest in obtaining the existing rule language and possibly revisiting the issue through amendment or future legislation rather than immediately removing the exam requirement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testing, testing. Sorry, technical difficulties. Sorry, technical difficulties.
• Materials for each hearing will be made available to you in advance.
• Since 2013, we have been actively focused on making our materials available statewide.
• Since 2013, we have been actively focused on making our materials available statewide.
• Since 2013, we have been actively focused on making our materials available statewide.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with the change of generations, whatever initiatives they can use, the amendment reflects printed material
• The amendment was requested from Louisiana State Police to remove the published materials.
• cost would have come in because they can do PSAs and other things other than printing any kind of material
• reserve Louisiana POST basic instructor, Northwestern University certified standard field sobriety testing
• Reese's organized way of doing things is I'm usually disorganized, so there's no anticipated direct material

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many times, really a loss for our manufacturing entities, and whether it's the raw materials or the components
• friendly partners, strengthening supply chains, and fortifying export controls to keep critical materials
• We've got to reduce the regulatory burdens on your miners so that they can mine those critical materials
• very big case for why, in aerospace, one of our largest exports, if we don't climb the next hill on materials
• So you do want to test bed large-scale R&D that doesn't get done by the private sector because it can't

Transcript Highlights:

• She said the bill would also test for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
• The bill would simply add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening test.
• She said the bill would simply add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening test.
• And we have a really, We test. drop of blood that's taken from the heel of the child.
• This is a condition. also test for Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a statewide recycling strategy by 2026 with stakeholder input and a three-year implementation roadmap; the House bill was substituted and passed 38-0. Senators then approved CS/CS/SB 492 on mitigation banking and land development after adopting two McLean amendments, including one on out-of-service credits and another incorporating phosphate mining lands provisions; the bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional issues. CS/SB 494 on aggravated animal cruelty was also amended and substituted with the House companion to add a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers and a sentencing multiplier, with an agriculture-related exemption; it passed 37-0. The Senate next passed CS/CS/SB 500/HB 711 creating the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, including training and coordinated alert procedures, with a House amendment to align implementation timing and funding; it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 524/HB 1089 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening tests and passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 592/HB 393 revised the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by lowering approval thresholds, clarifying eligibility and ownership issues, and adding sliding-door wind-driven rain mitigation devices; it passed 37-0 after discussion about funding and insurance premium credits. CS/SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education allowed charter schools direct access to grant funding and expanded money-back guarantees for certain programs, and it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 822/HB 443 on charter schools generated extensive debate and multiple amendments, including a Jones amendment requiring parent acknowledgment of school rules; the bill would expand charter autonomy, reporting flexibility, enrollment capacity, and governance provisions, and it was placed on the calendar for third reading after the amendment process. Later, the Senate passed HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, which would examine job displacement, wages, vulnerable regions, and training needs, by a 35-0 vote. It also passed CS/CS/SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, CS/SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment and digitally forged intimate images, all unanimously. CS/CS/SB 1156 on a Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program was amended to clarify training requirements and passed 37-0 after supportive debate about helping parents care for medically fragile children. Finally, CS/CS/CS/SB 1240/HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care was amended to allow designated facilities to retain certain stabilized patients during the 72-hour involuntary examination period and passed 37-0. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, and the chamber also recognized guests and interns throughout the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• participate in the statewide assessment test, or they could submit a portfolio review.
• When submitting scores for the achievement tests, and that includes the statewide achievement tests and
• <00:11:02.720> tests<00:11:03.000> and<00:11:03.200> the<00:11:03.520> uh
• statewide achievement tests and the uh statewide achievement tests and the uh national<00:11:04.440
• uh achievement tests, CSF national uh achievement tests, CSF required<00:11:06.440> parents<00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting. The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access. Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her test scores are now up.
• There is no testing for admissions.
• Other data that we've been looking at: we go through a STAR testing program, which is St.
• Louisiana can compare apples to apples without forcing one test on every school.
• Louisiana can compare apples to apples without forcing one test on every school.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tennessee became a testing ground for some of the most dangerous radical ideas coming out of today’s
• Will we ask you to take a test under the First Amendment of the United States and the Bill of Rights
• HOW MUCH IS This test—what are the guidelines for this test administration?
• Results from these tests? Who archives these tests?
• I have to ask, since we live in such a polarized time, what questions will be on this test?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the insufficiency of carveout exceptions like the recently enacted laws to decriminalize fentanyl test
• So, you don't think it's going to materially change the workflow? It won't change operations.
• <01:26:19.440> interferes that the conduct materially interferes that the conduct materially
• <01:27:22.960> and<01:27:23.280> would<01:27:23.840> our constitutional tests
• and would our constitutional tests and would our office<01:27:24.400> would<01:27:24.560>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The one kind of the litmus test question that I keep pulling out every year just to gauge where we're
• The one kind of the litmus test question that I keep pulling out every year just to gauge where we're
• <00:08:23.400> question The one kind of the litmus test question The one kind of the litmus
• test question that<00:08:23.960> I<00:08:24.040> keep<00:08:24.280> pulling<00:
• could<02:47:21.760> that<02:47:21.920> be materials we have, could that be materials

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• intimate involvement in our lives and in your ultimate redemption of the many events that seem to test
• extterraneous material on HR 2189. extterraneous material on HR 2189.
• <00:21:43.600> ensuring instituting a five-part test ensuring instituting a five-part test
• But according to her father, Greta Thurberg was unhappy despite all her material wealth.
• And I think that's her material wealth.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good luck as you all study for your civic test today, and welcome to your House. Thank you.
• HB 2211, technical correction materials, resident preference, appropriations.
• HB 2211, technical correction materials, resident preference, appropriations.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day and several guests in the gallery. Members also adopted a death resolution honoring former lawmaker and University of Arizona administrator George Cunningham, with remarks from colleagues and a moment of respectful silence. The House then handled several procedural motions, including committee substitutions, bill withdrawals and referrals, and a motion to rescind a prior action on HB 2758 so it could be reconsidered. The bulk of the meeting consisted of Committee of the Whole action on multiple bills. The House advanced HB 2049, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2179, and HB 2228; HB 2111, HB 2114, HB 2256, HCM 2007, and HR 2003; HB 2098, HB 2265, HB 2663, HB 2666, and HB 2756; and HB 2192, HB 2476, HB 2693, and HB 2877, while retaining HB 2875 on the calendar. Several amendments were adopted, including water-related amendments to HB 2758 and HB 2756, a technical amendment to HB 2265, a felony-related amendment to HB 2666, and a memorial amendment to HCM 2007. HB 2758 drew the most debate, with supporters arguing it protected water transportation and opponents calling it unfair to rural groundwater users; it ultimately advanced from committee and later passed third reading by a 32-24 vote. On third reading, the House passed HB 2089, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, HB 2758, and HB 2825, with HB 2322 drawing comments about child safety system failures and the need to protect children in state custody. Members also explained votes on HB 2758, reflecting the same split over groundwater transfers and Colorado River shortages. The chamber then read Senate messages and first-read HB 2211, and several members made personal privilege announcements, including recognitions, birthday wishes, a Black History Month reflection, and an announcement that one member plans to resign next week to focus on a congressional campaign. The House adjourned until 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• establishing communications networks, availability of supplies such as food, water, construction materials
• Supplies such as food, water, construction materials, other critical goods, equipment such as transportation
• We are the responsive R&D arm of the public sector, a testing ground for new ideas as well as old wisdom

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.