Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Fred Wagger, W-A-G-A-R.

Committee: Assembly Education

Transcript Highlights:

• From the Committee on Rules: House Joint Resolution Number 70 celebrating and remembering the life of Fred

Bills: SJR 3 , SB 5 , SJR 36 , SJR 3 , SB 616 , SB 565 , SB 384 , SB 5 , SB 21 , SB 72 , SB 140 , SB 262 , SB 370 , SB 372 , SB 495 , SB 627 , SB 703 , SB 764 , SB 842 , SB 971 , SB 790 , SB 767 , SB 480 , SB 1066 , SR 44 , SR 135 , SR 171 , SR 180 , SR 185 , SR 187 , SR 188 , SR 191 , SR 197 , SR 198 , SR 199 , SR 200

Transcript Highlights:

• or do we need this working group maybe to look into avoiding the situation that happened with the Fred
• avoiding the situation that happened<01:53:00.000><c> with</c><01:53:00.159><c> the</c><01:53:00.320><c> Fred
• </c><01:53:00.719><c> Street</c><01:53:00.880><c> Apartments</c> happened with the Fred Street Apartments
• happened with the Fred Street Apartments in<01:53:01.440><c> Lahina</c><01:53:02.480><c> that</c><01

Bills: HB2611 , HB2102 , HB1710 , HB1868 , HB1920 , HB1812 , HB1733 , HB1715 , HB1723 , HB1724 , HB1727 , HB1711

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent. The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fred Quinn. We have testimony in support from Ms. Anella Young.
• </c><00:42:23.359><c> Fred</c><00:42:23.680><c> Quinn.</c> from uh Mr. Fred Quinn. from uh Mr.
• Fred Quinn.

Bills: HB1769

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, well, um, for example, in our recipient fraud unit, the special investigations unit, we have a FRED
• :16:06.880><c> a</c> special investigations unit, we have a special investigations unit, we have a FRED
• 08.000><c> So,</c><01:16:08.159><c> that's</c><01:16:08.400><c> a</c><01:16:08.640><c> front-end</c> FRED
• So, that's a front-end FRED program. So, that's a front-end detection<01:16:10.080><c> program.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 74, which would require state agencies, especially the Department of Environmental Services and other permitting agencies, to report more detailed data on permit applications, approvals, denials, pending applications, and permits taking longer than 90 days. The sponsor’s representative and a lawyer who helped draft the bill argued that the legislature needs comprehensive permitting data to evaluate whether current timelines are reasonable and whether regulatory delays are burdening property owners and economic activity. They said the information should already be tracked within existing budgets, despite a fiscal note claiming additional staff would be needed. A Business and Industry Association representative supported the bill, saying better data is needed to understand actual permitting timelines and to help streamline the process, especially in light of housing and development concerns. Members asked whether the bill was simply collecting data without a clear next step, and the response was that the data would allow lawmakers to judge whether existing deadlines, extensions, and exemptions are justified and whether changes to permit timelines are needed. Several members agreed the information would be useful and that agencies should already be tracking it. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 74 on a roll call, with the motion approved and the bill placed on consent for further consideration, with a note that it would go to finance for review of the fiscal note. The committee then took up Senate Bill 196, which would raise the threshold for certain in-house construction projects handled by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and two other departments from $500,000 to $1 million, described as an inflationary update. The sponsor said the department’s existing staff can handle these smaller renovation-type projects and that the bill should not require new positions; the deputy adjutant general later confirmed the department does not need additional staff and said the projects are typically roof, boiler, and similar repairs. Members asked about a fiscal note suggesting new positions and about revenue/expenditure impacts, and the sponsor explained that the fiscal note language appeared to reflect an earlier draft and that the budget effect is largely a shift in where the work is performed. The committee recessed briefly for the deputy adjutant general’s arrival, then continued discussion of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's replacing Representative Fred Ducet permanently. He's not just a sub today.
• He's replacing<01:43:53.360><c> uh</c><01:43:53.600><c> Representative</c><01:43:54.080><c> Fred</c><
• 01:43:54.400><c> Ducet</c> replacing uh Representative Fred Ducet replacing uh Representative Fred Ducet

Summary: The committee held a work session on HB 302, which would add precious metals and digital assets as potential investment options. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli said she took no position on the bill and did not see an immediate fiscal impact or operational problem, but explained that the state’s operating funds and rainy day fund require liquidity and stability, so they would not be suitable for volatile assets like precious metals or digital assets. She said the only funds that might potentially use such investments would be certain trust funds held in perpetuity, which are managed by an outside investment advisor under a contract and investment policy. Members asked about the treasurer’s current investment practices, including the types of funds managed, the role and discretion of the investment advisor, the state’s risk profile, and whether the bill would affect existing authority. Misipelli said the office follows RSA 11 and related statutes, with different objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive depending on the fund, and that the advisor meets with the office regularly, with formal performance reviews on a quarterly basis. She also said the office recently centralized management of about 40 trust accounts totaling roughly $60 million into five combined portfolios under a five-year contract with an RFP-selected vendor. When asked whether precious metals or digital assets are already indirectly available through mutual funds, she said that was possible for some mutual funds, but she was not certain about digital assets. Representative Ammon, the bill’s sponsor, said similar legislation had passed the Oklahoma House, the Texas House and Senate, and had advanced in Arizona. He argued the bill was intended to give the treasurer more tools to help balance portfolios and hedge inflation, noting concerns about federal debt and inflation. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair ended the questioning after thanking the treasurer and asking her to remain available in case further questions arose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Fred, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• through General funds<00:57:49.280><c> representative</c> funds representative funds representative Fred
• 00:57:51.799><c> Mr</c><00:57:52.000><c> chair</c><00:57:52.359><c> then</c><00:57:52.960><c> a</c> Fred
• uh thank you Mr chair then a Fred uh thank you Mr chair then a follow-up<00:57:53.520><c> question</

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• one side of the caucus aisle over there: Connie Lane, Representative Connie Lane, and Representative Fred
• Um, I was here when Fred Platt did submit that bill, and you did have a majority at the time. >> My correction
• Um I was here uh when Fred<03:04:50.800><c> Platt</c><03:04:51.120><c> did</c><03:04:51.520><c> uh</c
• 51.680><c> submit</c><03:04:51.920><c> that</c><03:04:52.160><c> bill</c><03:04:52.960><c> and</c> Fred
• Platt did uh submit that bill and Fred Platt did uh submit that bill and you<03:04:53.439><c> did</c

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have Fred Bernbaum. Welcome to committee. It's good to see you in person.
• Fred Bernbaum, Idaho Freedom Foundation. I stand here in strong opposition to Senate Bill 1419.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to have Fred Titus, secondary social studies.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Fred Jenkins. I am a board-certified emergency physician.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and heard a full agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and passed without objection after supportive testimony from banking and credit union groups. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program; the sponsor described it as a way to move emergency out-of-network payment disputes away from costly litigation and into an independent dispute resolution process modeled on the federal No Surprises Act. A proposed amendment drew significant questions from senators and concerns from the Florida Insurance Council about confusion over state versus federal eligibility and possible effects on contracted rates, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment. The underlying bill was then supported by health care and insurance stakeholders and reported favorably. SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels also passed, with Progressive Insurance waiving in support. The committee next approved CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which requires continuing education for agents, clearer consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; the amendment was technical and adopted. SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage was presented as expanding required coverage for mammograms and supplemental screenings for certain insurance products, and it passed with support from cancer and radiology groups. CS/SB 314 on digital asset issuers was amended to create a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act, allowing state-level regulation as an alternative to federal supervision, and was reported favorably. SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, including higher small-estate thresholds and clearer authority for personal representatives, also passed after a banking-related amendment requiring letters of administration for safe deposit box access was adopted. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance, which raises the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ comp policies from 10% to 20% and adjusts the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; a carrier representative testified that the change would help keep more high-risk accounts in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 on a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for DFS to create a Florida coin, limit the pilot to existing stablecoins with at least $1 billion market capitalization, and require qualified public deposit handling; it then passed. CS/SB 838 on electronic payments for retail installment contracts clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments are permissible while preserving a fee-free option, and it was reported favorably after questions about consumer access to free payment methods. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, made a wide range of administrative changes affecting My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, licensing, bail bonds, and other DFS functions; a late-filed amendment on title insurer appointments was adopted, and the bill passed. The committee also approved SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting condo hardening assistance to owner-occupied units meeting income and occupancy criteria, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which the sponsor and industry witnesses said would modernize Florida law and promote insurance competition and economic activity. The meeting ended with all bills on the agenda reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Fred Jenkins. I am a board-certified emergency physician.

Bills: S0158 , S0314 , S0618 , S0684 , S0838 , S0990 , S1000 , S1082 , S1452 , S1494 , S1500 , S1568 , S1706

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: pet insurance, consumer protection, insurance regulation, policy disclosure, agent training, payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, workers compensation, Florida statute, commercial insurance, insurance board, electronic signatures, vehicle titles, insurance regulations, auditing, total loss vehicles

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee considered a full agenda of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early action included SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest on attorneys’ trust accounts, which was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for out-of-network emergency claims. Senator Graal explained it as a way to reduce litigation and use a dispute-resolution process similar to the federal No Surprises Act. An amendment intended to require plan disclosure and prevent default by nonparticipation drew questions from members and concerns from insurers and providers about clarity and scope, especially whether it could affect contracted rates or shift claims between state and federal systems. Senator Graal withdrew the amendment, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from insurers and emergency physicians both supporting the underlying dispute-resolution concept while asking for further clarification. The committee also favorably reported SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels; CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which adds agent continuing education, stronger consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage, expanding required mammogram and supplemental screening coverage; and CS/SB 314, a strike-all bill creating a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act. CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings was also approved, with an amendment addressing access to safe deposit boxes by requiring letters of administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance raised the consent-to-rate cap from 10% to 20% for workers’ comp policies and adjusted the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; supporters said it would help keep high-risk employers in the voluntary market. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program within DFS to allow certain stablecoin payments for fees, after a substitute amendment removed authority for a Florida coin, limited eligible stablecoins, and required qualified public deposit handling. CS/SB 838 clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments on retail installment contracts are permissible, while preserving a fee-free payment option; members discussed consumer access and fee concerns. CS/SB 1452, a broad DFS agency bill covering My Safe Florida Home, insurance administration, unclaimed property, licensing, and other departmental changes, was reported favorably after a technical amendment. The committee also approved SB 1706 creating a My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program targeted to owner-occupied, lower-income condominiums, and SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies in Florida, with supporters arguing it would modernize law and promote competition. The meeting concluded with all bills on the agenda that were heard being reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And second class, it doesn't pass the Fred Meyer test.

Bills: HB2142 , HB2369 , HB2432

Committee: House Education

Keywords: remote learning, hybrid learning, education reform, alternative education, student engagement, local food, public schools, nutrition, sustainability, agriculture, technology access, educational resources, surplus hardware, student support

Transcript Highlights:

• And second class, it doesn't pass the Fred Meyer test.

Summary: The House Education Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2142 would replace statutory references to “alternative learning experience” with “remote and hybrid learning.” Committee staff and the prime sponsor said the change is intended to reduce stigma and more accurately describe programs that may be online, hybrid, or site-based. Several members raised concerns that the terminology could unintentionally affect fully in-person programs; the sponsor and a retired principal testified that the bill is meant as a name change and would not materially alter current programs. The bill drew 52 pro, 4 con, and 0 other sign-ins. House Bill 2369 would create a Washington Local Food for Schools program in OSPI to help schools procure and distribute Washington-grown foods through existing USDA food distribution systems. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce logistical barriers for farmers and districts, support local agriculture, and improve the quality and appeal of school meals. Testimony came from school nutrition advocates, farmers, a school superintendent, students, and OSPI, with broad support and discussion of how the program would work through catalogs, ordering windows, and existing warehouses. The bill drew 455 pro, 64 con, and 1 other sign-in. House Bill 2432 would allow school districts and ESDs to sell or grant surplus technology hardware, such as laptops and tablets, directly to public school students and recent graduates at depreciated value, with priority for students with greater need. The sponsor said the goal is to help students transition to work, college, and other postsecondary opportunities. Committee members asked about whether the bill should address assistive devices and whether devices could be reserved for future graduating classes; staff noted existing law already covers transfer of assistive devices for students with disabilities. Testimony from district technology and finance staff supported the bill as a practical way to extend the life of devices and benefit students. The bill drew 57 pro, 5 con, and 0 other sign-ins. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced amendment deadlines for several bills scheduled for executive session later in the week and then adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• When a major grocery store like Fred Meyer closes in my district or when federal disruptions occur, the

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee opened its first formal public hearing agenda of the session with House Bill 2238, which would direct the Department of Agriculture to coordinate statewide food security efforts and develop a food security strategy due to the Legislature by December 1, 2027. Staff explained the bill would add food security coordination and food system monitoring to the department’s duties and require collaboration with state agencies, nonprofits, experts, and tribes. Prime sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves described the bill as a way to codify and continue work the department had done under COVID emergency authority, while also addressing food insecurity, farm viability, food access, and supply chain resilience. She and several testifiers emphasized rising food costs, food deserts, and the need for a coordinated statewide approach. Testimony in support came from Second Harvest of Spokane, Northwest Harvest, Washington wheat, potato, onion, and cattle groups, the Washington State Farmers Market Association, Harvest Against Hunger, Pierce County Councilmember Brian Yambay, the Washington Food Industry Association, Food Lifeline, the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health, and small producers, many of whom stressed the importance of coordination, affordability, data, and including people with lived experience and small farmers in the process. No one testified in opposition during the hearing, though the sign-in record showed 137 pro and 166 con positions overall. The committee then moved into executive session on several 2025 bills, including measures on gray wolf management (HB 1311), farmed octopus (HB 1608), force-feeding birds and foie gras (HB 1735), grizzly bear management (HB 1825), invasive species education for pet sales (HB 1976), and maple syrup processing operations (HB 262). Staff briefed each bill, and members discussed proposed amendments on HB 1735 and HB 1976, but the committee deferred action on all bills except HB 1608. During caucus, members indicated HB 1608 was the only bill to be voted on that day. On HB 1608, which would ban knowingly possessing, transporting, or distributing farmed octopus and authorize a civil penalty, members debated animal welfare and the bill’s policy merits. Rep. Birnbaum supported the measure as a humane step, while Rep. Dent said he had concerns and was not ready to support it. The committee then voted 6-5 to report HB 1608 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after that vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• additional to his friends as Harry immigrated to Jacksonville in 1953, with his mother and brother, Fred

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope you're having some type of coordination with those entities, like Fred Shepard and some other

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members of the committee, Fred Drilling, today representing the Association of Water Districts

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee first took up Senate Bill 953, which was described as ensuring environmental protection funds remain dedicated to that purpose. The committee substitute added provisions from House Bill 1885, changing Clean Water Commission membership conflict rules, and Senate Bill 1397, giving certain reservoir water storage contract holders exclusive rights to return flows. Members discussed the conflict-of-interest language and the water-return provision, then adopted a House committee amendment and the amended substitute by voice vote. The committee then voted the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 953 do pass by a 6-5 roll call, with Representative Wellenkamp voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 3193, a proposal by Representative Wellenkamp to reduce single-use plastic waste in state parks and historic sites by phasing out plastic bags, plastic water bottles, and Styrofoam/styrene containers, while allowing exemptions where needed. Supporters, including conservation groups, a Missouri River Bird Observatory representative, and others, said plastics harm parks, waterways, wildlife, tourism, and human health, and urged alternatives and better waste practices. Some members raised concerns about accessibility and the need for practical substitutes for people with disabilities and for emergency or park operations. The Missouri Beverage Association opposed the bill, arguing its plastics are recyclable and that education and recycling are better approaches than bans. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3320, the Drinking Water Transparency and Accountability Act, which would assign Missouri public water systems A-F grades based on violations, finances, operations, and infrastructure, and would impose additional oversight and spending restrictions on systems graded D or F. The sponsor said the bill would make water-system problems easier for ratepayers to understand and help address chronic failures; supporters from Missouri American Water, Central States Water Resources, and the Missouri Chamber said it would improve transparency and support investment. Opponents from municipal utilities, the Missouri Municipal League, and the Missouri Water Association argued the bill oversimplifies a technical field, duplicates existing consumer confidence reports, could confuse customers, and may undermine trust in local systems. No vote was taken on HB 3193 or HB 3320 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fred Lehman, business agent, Local 343, in strong support, representing Napa and Solano counties and

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Summary: The committee heard several labor and workforce bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current training systems, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would codify refinery process safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire, including worker participation in safety proceedings, anonymous hazard reporting, access to safety information, and stop-work authority; labor supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it as conflicting with a 2024 settlement and potentially preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth, with job restoration and no requirement to use sick or vacation time first; firefighters and labor groups strongly supported it, and the committee discussed staffing and operational coverage concerns, but no opposition testified. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft enforcement by allowing Labor Commissioner liens to be renewed, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers actually collect wages after long delays and prevent employers from hiding records; it passed the committee on a 5-0 vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled and trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance, with supporters arguing these facilities require high precision to protect public health and supply chains; construction industry opponents said the bill was an unnecessary expansion of state mandates into private projects. SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into DIR enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner roles, to address staffing shortages and improve labor law enforcement; supporters emphasized vacancies and backlogs, and the bill was framed as a way to build a merit-based pipeline into state service. After hearing testimony, the committee took final votes on all six bills once the full membership returned. SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 were all reported out of committee, and SB 1316 was also passed and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The recorded final votes were unanimous or near-unanimous in favor, with the bills advancing on 4-1 or 5-0 votes depending on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fred Lehman, business agent, Local 343, in strong support, representing Napa and Solano counties and

Summary: The committee heard and later voted on six labor-related bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current workforce training practices, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would make permanent 2017 refinery process safety protections, including worker participation in safety reviews and stop-work authority; refinery workers and unions supported it as a safeguard against rollback, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it, arguing it conflicted with a settlement and could be preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth and require return to the prior position; supporters said it would improve retention and equity in a male-dominated profession, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft and workplace safety enforcement by allowing renewal of labor commissioner liens, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers collect judgments and address long backlogs; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 on call before the full committee vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled-and-trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance; supporters from the building trades said these projects require specialized precision to protect public health and supply chains, while contractors opposed the bill as an unnecessary expansion of public-work-style mandates into private projects. Finally, SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into Department of Industrial Relations enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner’s office, to address staffing shortages and backlogs. The author and supporters said apprenticeships could help fill vacancies while preserving the civil service merit principle and creating opportunities for displaced workers; there was no opposition. After discussion and roll calls, the committee reported all six bills out of committee, with SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 sent to Appropriations, and SB 1316 sent to Judiciary.