Transcript Highlights:

• Public Utilities Commission to provide a report to the legislature on the progress of the Hawaii Electric
• Public Utilities Commission to provide a report to the legislature on the progress of the Hawaii Electric
• 41.040><c> Hawaii</c> on the progress [snorts] of the Hawaii on the progress [snorts] of the Hawaii Electric
• The electric reliability administrator is all recommending that we pass that out as is.
• Thank you on SCR 96 the electric Thank you on SCR 96 the electric reliability<00:15:27.880><c> administrator

Bills: SCR142, SCR39, SCR40, SCR83, SCR168, SCR96, SCR166, SCR172

Keywords: dust monitoring, public health, environmental quality, Waimanalo Gulch, air quality, particulate matter, community engagement, health risks, pollution mitigation, mattress stewardship, environmental protection, recycling, producer responsibility, solid waste management, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection held its final hearing of the session on April 17, 2026, and took up a series of Senate concurrent resolutions focused on environmental protection, waste reduction, and energy policy. Measures discussed included SCR 142 on dust monitoring near Waimanalo Gulch, SCR 39 on a mattress stewardship program, SCR 40 on banning disposable bodyboards, SCR 83 on a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 168 on a demolition waste reduction working group, SCR 96 on reporting on the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, SCR 166 on PUC considerations for a generational energy commitment, and SCR 172 on a comprehensive analysis to reduce costs and financial risk while meeting state goals. Testimony was generally supportive of the environmental and waste-management measures. The Department of Health supported SCR 39 and provided comments on SCR 142; Climate Protectors Hawaii supported SCR 39, SCR 83, SCR 168, and SCR 172; the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Hawaii Reef and Ocean's Coalition submitted comments or support on SCR 168; and the Public Utilities Commission provided comments on SCR 96 and SCR 166. On SCR 166, Greenpeace Hawaii testified in opposition to LNG, arguing it would worsen pollution and climate impacts, while Earthjustice supported the intent but suggested amendments. Earthjustice also supported SCR 172 and offered friendly amendments to improve the study language. In decision-making, the chair recommended deferral of SCR 142 because an existing regulatory framework already addresses the issue. The committee then voted to pass SCR 39, SCR 40, SCR 83, SCR 96, and SCR 166 unamended. SCR 168 was passed with amendments to reflect OPSD's requested changes and to make the working group temporary, with a two-year term and annual reports due before session. SCR 172 was passed with amendments accepted from Earthjustice. Rep. Quinlan was noted as excused for the votes, and the committee adjourned after adopting the final recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we replace some of these transmitters, we're anticipating electricity savings, and I will tell
• you that so far this year, our electricity expenditure is $13,000 less than it was last year.
• Our electricity expenditure so far this year is $13,000 less than it was last year.
• were funding the transmitters, there was a discussion about the cost, the increased costs on your electric
• is these transmitters are far more efficient than what the ones were we had before, and so our electricity

Summary: The Senate Education Committee’s Appropriations Subcommittee met to hear budget presentations from OETA, the Commissioners of the Land Office, and the Oklahoma Educational Quality and Accountability Commission (OEQA). The chair asked witnesses to stay focused on budget requests and agency operations rather than policy, unless policy affected the numbers. OETA reported no request for additional funding. Director Sean Black highlighted the agency’s 70th year of continuous broadcasting, completion of transmitter replacements, conversion to fiber, and lower electricity costs from more efficient equipment. He said OETA would offset the loss of federal CPB funding through donations, events, and partnerships, and described its statewide reach, educational programming, and multiple broadcast and streaming channels. Members asked about energy use and were told the new transmitters had reduced power costs. The Commissioners of the Land Office discussed record distributions to schools, a flat budget, and planned spending on invasive woody species, implementation of SB 951, IT modernization, and possible changes to mineral management and staffing. The secretary requested funding for a revenue compliance director, field services manager, internal auditor support, and other adjustments, while explaining the agency’s use of stabilization funds and carryover. Senators questioned orphan and abandoned wells, AI use, and staffing efficiency; the secretary said the agency was trying to work more closely with operators, use AI and in-house software where possible, and manage wells and land in ways that protect school revenue. OEQA presented its priorities for teacher quality, including Teach Forward apprenticeship pilots, dashboard expansion, accreditation review, statutory cleanups, and continued monitoring of cell phone-free zones. The agency described a small, stable budget, five unfilled positions, and a proposed $100,000 reduction for FY 2027 based on efficiencies. Members asked about Teach Forward applications, multilingual testing, and the broader quality of teacher preparation programs; OEQA said it had received three Teach Forward applications and that translating certification tests would raise cost and validity concerns. Senators urged OEQA to play a stronger role in connecting teacher preparation programs with classroom needs, and the meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Ryan Pollack on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• I should restate that I'm not here for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, but for the
• Texas State Association of Electrical Workers.
• International Technical Workers Texas State Association of Electrical Workers. Thank you.
• Texas State Association of Electrical Workers and yourself testifying for the bill.

Bills: HB446, HB1609, HB4443, HB4464, HB4735, HB5476

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster

Transcript Highlights:

• Supply and demand are not dynamic forces at play here.
• included, would ensure these investments would have an impact across the housing ecosystem and support supply
• Because if your natural gas bill is rising, if your electric bill is rising, those are all contributing
• Because if your natural gas bill is rising, if your electric bill is rising, those are all contributing

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee on the housing omnibus bill began with member introductions and a staff walk-through comparing House and Senate provisions. House Research staff reviewed major policy differences affecting Minnesota Housing Finance Agency operations, including limits on how much the agency may retain from state appropriations for administrative costs, new reporting requirements, restrictions on transfers between appropriated accounts, and House-only language requiring annual expenditure of investment income from state appropriations. Senate provisions were also summarized, including tighter rules on when appropriations may be placed into Housing Development Fund bookkeeping accounts, updated operating-cost reporting, and Senate-only changes to how investment earnings may be used. Staff also described shared and differing provisions on program-money transfers, a lived-experience earnings exemption, and a long list of Senate-only policy changes, including manufactured home park tenant protections, low-income housing tax credit and bond-related changes, a task force on housing taxes and fees, and repealers affecting Housing Development Fund authority and certain older programs. Fiscal staff then reviewed the budget impacts. The House side included one-time appropriations for workforce housing development, family homeless prevention and assistance, a Minnesota Nice Home Share pilot, and homebuyer education, along with debt service for $100 million in housing infrastructure bonds and transfers/cancellations that produced a net zero general fund impact across the budget window. The Senate side noted a fiscal note for the housing taxes and fees task force and a smaller housing infrastructure bond authorization, with corresponding debt service costs and a total Senate budget-window impact of about $1 million in general fund debt service. After the staff presentations, the committee moved to public testimony. Commissioner Jennifer Ho of Minnesota Housing said the bill’s housing infrastructure bonds and continued support for family homeless prevention were important, and she supported the lived-experience earnings exemption, while noting concerns about the interest-earnings provisions. Testifiers from Greater Minnesota groups praised the workforce housing investments and Senate updates to the state housing tax credit and infrastructure grant program, though they suggested changes to the geographic distribution language. HOME Line urged funding for statewide tenant hotline services, citing rising demand and asking for $1 million if additional money becomes available. The Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers supported the bill’s investments and emphasized the need to pair housing development with supportive services. Housing First Minnesota praised housing infrastructure bonds and other investments but criticized the omission of the Minnesota Starter Homes Act. The Minnesota Multi Housing Association began testimony opposing certain rent-control-related provisions in the House bill. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll need to reestablish all of this infrastructure, including facilities, supplies, equipment, and technology
• So we've done a lot of things, from reducing our cost of registry to improving our supply chain, to reductions
• Specifically, the bill clarifies the process and timelines by which electrical corporations and local
• publicly owned electric utilities share data with CDSS for the purpose of issuing automatic mass replacement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not nearly enough money to supply the needs at the schools, and teachers are always being asked
• But we knew back in '16 and '17 that at least we had a roadmap that Len and his people supplied to us
• Chair, members, Senate Bill 1819 requires each public vertiport or electric aircraft charging station
• and a separate infrastructure project for... ...vertiport or electric aircraft charging station and

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, a stakeholder work group, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create a Medicaid-funded long-term care option for the most disabled SMI patients, reduce costly hospital and state-only care, and improve continuity of care. A committee amendment narrowed eligibility to individuals needing a long-term SMI level of care, changed reporting to semiannual, reduced the initial cap to 250 members with possible growth tied to savings, and required AHCCCS to keep pursuing approval if CMS denies it. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1630 as amended passed 10-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1131, which originally required every school district and charter school to adopt a cardiac emergency response plan and appropriated $1 million for implementation. A Warner amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether a plan exists, while shifting the appropriation toward AED grants and limiting school spending to purchasing and maintaining AEDs. The American Heart Association supported the amendment as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, while some members questioned the funding split and the rural-school priority. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1131 as amended passed 9-1. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 1582, dealing with the school safety interoperability fund. The amendment changed the appropriation from ADE to ADOA and allocated funds to specific county sheriff’s offices to continue existing interoperable communication systems linking schools and first responders; supporters said the systems had been used in drills and some real incidents, and were important for school safety. One member raised concerns about the auditor general’s report and whether the program should continue, but sheriffs and school officials described it as a useful communication tool. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1582 as amended passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel and reduce the waiting period for cost-of-living adjustments. The sponsor, police and fire representatives, and pension consultants argued the bill would improve recruitment and retention and align benefits more closely with what employees were promised, while cities, counties, and taxpayer groups warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. The committee spent extensive time on actuarial costs, funding status, and the effect of the amendment exempting the bill from statutory pre-funding requirements; the transcript ends during that discussion before a final vote on SB 1504 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to supplying the region with entertainment options, Deleo Games has also been active in the
• IN ADDITION TO SUPPLYING THE REGION WITH ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS, DELEO GAMES HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN THE
• You know, it's funny, at that time she got teased: Oh, now you're driving an electric car.
• YOU KNOW, IT'S FUNNY, AT THAT TIME, SHE GOT TEASED, OH NOW YOU'RE DRIVING AN ELECTRIC CAR.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 31, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, prior to that, I worked for an electrical engineering firm doing drafting and electrical designing
• :41:39.280><c> doing</c><00:41:39.760><c> um</c> electrical engineering firm doing um electrical engineering
• </c><00:41:42.560><c> Uh</c> drafting and uh electrical designing.
• Uh drafting and uh electrical designing.
• </c> construction and electrical industries. construction and electrical industries.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education heard several advice-and-consent nominations to the School Facilities Authority. For GM779, Shelley Pa was introduced as a nominee for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported her nomination, citing her large-scale operations and stakeholder-engagement experience. In her testimony, Pa said she retired from community policing, wanted to give back to teachers and students, and believed her strengths were collaboration, listening to community input, and helping balance differing priorities. Committee members questioned her about the construction and infrastructure focus of the board, her lack of direct construction experience, and how she would handle disagreements and budget limits; she responded that she would rely on collaboration, ask questions, and keep decisions centered on students, teachers, and the community while staying within budget. The committee then heard GM777 and GM778 for Robert Davis, with terms ending June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2029. Davis described more than 30 years with the Department of Education, including roles as teacher, coach, counselor, vice principal, principal, and complex area superintendent, and said he had worked on major facilities projects and managed pandemic-era funding. He emphasized communication, transparency, and trust, and explained that his experience on the Early Learning Board helped him understand how to set policy, identify schools for pre-K, and use data and community factors in decision-making. Members asked how he would handle SFA’s growing pains, the need to balance DOE wishes with practical and budgetary limits, and the board’s role when the legislature controls funding; Davis said the board must keep communication open, include the right people, and make sensible decisions that move projects forward without stalling. For GM780, nominee Michael Unbasami was introduced for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported him, highlighting over five decades of public service and experience in facilities management, finance, and legislative affairs. Unbasami said he had recently retired after 31 years as associate vice president for administrative affairs for the community colleges and had extensive experience with facilities planning, construction, renovation, repairs, and working within budgets. He stated that the DOE should be treated as the SFA’s client because it knows student, teacher, and facility needs best, while SFA’s role is to implement construction work and collaborate on priorities. Committee members pressed him on how to balance DOE requests with practical project delivery, especially for teacher housing and other non-classroom needs, and he said the legislature funds the work, SFA must keep projects moving, and the workflow should involve collaboration but also realistic decisions that fit the budget and avoid delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Price controls for removal and storage of electric SB 872 by Senator Ngoglia.
• It just adds a cross-reference to the definition of an electric vehicle in existing statute.
• Price controls for removal and storage of electric SB 872 by Senator and Goghlea.
• It's delete all just adds a cross-reference to definition of an electric feeble and existing statute.
• Why the sort of discrimination against people who drive electric cars?

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law in relation to equipping bicycles with electric assist and
• electric scooters with lights.
• And I have to amend the vehicle and traffic law in relation to equipment bicycles with electric assist
• and electric scooters with lights.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Jeremy Cooney noting quorum and thanking staff and members. The committee considered a large agenda of transportation-related bills, including measures on school construction notice from NYC DOT, inspection station disclosures, electronic signatures for vehicle registration forms, sex trafficking awareness and prevention, passenger notification after sexual assault incidents involving transportation network companies, hazardous materials rail notifications, ATV seasonal use, highway dedications, disabled-person license plates, a DMV study of inspection stations and fees, lighting requirements for e-bikes and e-scooters, school speed zone cameras in New Rochelle, work zone safety instruction for new drivers, removal of registration stickers in favor of electronic certificates, complete streets considerations, hands-free device rules for bus/taxi/livery drivers, bans on virtual reality headsets while driving, early registration renewal for deployed service members, and road salt distribution requirements. Most bills were reported from committee by voice vote, often with bipartisan support. Several members offered brief comments supporting bills aimed at public safety, worker protection, distracted driving prevention, and trafficking awareness. Senator Gallivan opposed the bill eliminating registration stickers, citing concerns that the stickers help law enforcement quickly identify registered vehicles; that bill was referred to Finance. The committee also referred the road salt bill and the supplemental rail-worker protection bill to Finance, while some other measures were referred onward to Codes or Consumer Protection. The meeting closed after the supplemental rail-worker protection bill was added at the end of the agenda and reported with bipartisan support. Overall, the session emphasized transportation safety, worker protections, and administrative updates to vehicle and highway law.

Transcript Highlights:

• No. 3997, which is a resolution authorizing the use of the House to the Association of Missouri Electric
• The resolution authorizes the use of the House to the Association of Missouri Electric Co-ops, which
• I'm Mike Sutherland, Vice President of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, and I'll be
• So just be wary of the electrical components, I guess, around the dais.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several House Resolutions authorizing use of the House chamber for youth civic and recognition programs. House Resolution 3997 would allow the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives’ CYCLE program to hold a mock legislative hearing and floor discussion on July 16; House Resolution 4061 would allow the YMCA Youth and Government program to use the chamber for mock sessions across three weekends; and House Resolutions 4062 and 4113 would reserve the chamber on April 17, 2026, for separate Glory Awards presentations involving local schools. Sponsors described each event as educational, well-supervised, and respectful of the chamber, and committee members asked brief questions about attendance and scheduling overlap. The committee then moved into executive session and voted do pass on the resolutions. HR 3997 passed 7-0, HR 4061 passed 8-0, HR 4062 passed 8-0, and HR 4113 passed 8-0. The committee also took up House Bill 1940 on consent and voted it do pass 8-0 after brief discussion about why it had not advanced elsewhere, with the sponsor noting it had repeatedly passed committee and floor consideration in prior years. House Bill 2395 drew the most discussion. One member argued it was not appropriate for the consent calendar because it made substantive policy changes and raised fiscal concerns, while the sponsor explained that the bill mainly standardizes septic system testing by replacing perk tests with soil analysis and does not create a new program. After questions about fees and the consent process, the committee voted 7-1 to do pass HB 2395 on consent, with one dissenting vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh these electric vehicles are 30 to 50% more massive than a comparable car.
• </c> comparable vehicle for an electric comparable vehicle for an electric vehicle<01:04:56.960><c> is
• </c> then $100 to $50 for a plug-in electric then $100 to $50 for a plug-in electric hybrid<01:06:07.119
• Message 299 references Senate File 99, Prescriptive Easements for Electricity Delivery.
• Um, this is that, uh, simple electrical REA easement bill that we sent down the hall.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation currently reads electric utility. We are adding water utility to that.
• But basically what it is is with these municipally owned electrical systems, we've had some issues with
• these basically what it is is with these municipally<00:03:48.480><c> owned</c><00:03:49.120><c> electrical
• </c><00:03:49.760><c> systems,</c> municipally owned electrical systems, municipally owned electrical

Keywords: Energy - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue protection from federal changes with targeted incentives aimed at health care access, housing supply
• President, are medical supplies and equipment.
• one of which specifically brought this issue up with me, and all of the equipment from tubing to supplies
• And if you work on my farm, or you work in my yard, or you hold jobs, or you're picking up your supplies
• relating to taxation, amending a special method of valuation to include property used for storage of electric

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and agreed by unanimous consent to allow cameras on the floor and gallery, excuse several senators, and move to announcements and miscellaneous business. The chamber then adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales for his years of service as Senate president and lieutenant governor, followed by extensive remarks from senators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praising his leadership, fairness, education advocacy, and personal kindness. Morales briefly responded, thanking members, the governor, and his family, and noting he would offer fuller remarks on his final day. After messages from the House were read, the Senate adopted several committee reports. These included favorable action on Senate Memorial 31; House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70; House Bill 124, referred to Finance; Senate Joint Resolution 6, referred to Judiciary; Senate Joint Resolution 7; House Bills 103, 154, 165, and 285 as amended; and the Finance Committee’s amended report on House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bills 2 and 3. The Judiciary Committee also reported Senate Bill 104 as duly enrolled and engrossed, and the body noted that SB 104 had been signed in open session. During personal privilege, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth discussed a State Ethics Commission advisory opinion on whether legislators who are attorneys may vote on medical malpractice cap legislation, arguing the issue is governed by Senate rules rather than the Governmental Conduct Act. He said he would continue to disclose his interests and vote under Rule 7-5, and also rejected a newspaper suggestion that he had a conflict in sponsoring a judgeship bill for the First Judicial District Court. The Senate then moved into third reading, beginning with Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 264, which Senator Duhigg explained as an election-security measure responding to concerns about federal interference, intimidation, and emergency election disruptions; Senator Nava then spoke in support as a co-sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><04:52:27.760><c> and</c> to afford groceries and electricity and to afford groceries and electricity
• Electric cars. They don't make sense. Why do we have so many? Government subsidies.
• <c> powered</c><05:28:52.320><c> lawn</c> With regards to electric powered lawn With regards to electric
• <c> credit</c><05:30:01.360><c> tax</c> The electric bicycle tax credit tax The electric bicycle tax
• </c> know, why we led into the electric know, why we led into the electric lawnmowers<05:34:04.000><c

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He holds an MBA in finance from Pepperdine, a master's degree in electrical engineering from USC, and
• a degree in electrical engineering from Sac State.
• In electrical engineering from Sac State.
• NCPA includes 16 public utility members, a rural electric cooperative, as well as BART and the Port of
• manages one of the cleanest power plant fleets in the nation, providing reliable and affordable electricity

Summary: The Assembly convened without a quorum, then quorum was established and the chamber proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and a series of procedural motions. Members approved multiple unanimous-consent requests to suspend rules, re-refer bills to committees, and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The day also included several guest introductions recognizing student leaders, public power executive Randy Howard, a family member of Assemblymember Gallagher, higher education leaders, Leadership Torrance, and the Vacaville PAL program. On the floor, the Assembly adopted several resolutions and heard extensive remarks in support of them. ACR 160, proclaiming April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, was adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. H.R. 98, designating California Holocaust Memorial Day, received broad bipartisan support and was adopted after 76 co-authors were added. H.R. 100, recognizing Vaisakhi, also passed by voice vote after 73 co-authors were added, with members highlighting Sikh history, service, and cultural contributions. The Assembly then took up several bills on the third-reading file. AB 1977, relating to online notarization and notaries public, passed 69-5. AB 1987, which would direct wildlife-area fees back to operation and maintenance of state wildlife areas, passed 69-0. Other items on the second- and third-reading files were passed and retained, continued, or placed on the consent calendar as noted by the presiding officer. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, community organizer Cynthia Brantley Pierce, coach John Beam, and Ralph Cavallo. The Assembly then adjourned until Thursday, April 16, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• He holds an MBA in finance from Pepperdine, a master's degree in electrical engineering from USC, and
• a degree in electrical engineering from Sac State.
• NCPA includes 16 public utility members, a rural electric cooperative, as well as BART and the Port of
• manages one of the cleanest power plant fleets in the nation, providing reliable and affordable electricity
• served as a board member of the California Municipal Utilities Association and as co-chair of the Electricity

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anything except for electrical, plumbing, and structural.
• So, again, Anything except for electrical, plumbing, and structural.
• Don't pay your electric bill.
• Because this is not in the category of apprentice programs like electrical companies might have.
• Because this is not in the category of apprentice programs like electrical companies might have.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 455, a local bill for the City of Lake Wales that would allow open containers in a downtown arts district. The sponsor said the city had invested heavily in the area and wanted to support business growth. An amendment clarified that the allowance was intended for cups, not bottles taken from restaurants, and the bill was then adopted favorably without opposition. Members then heard HB 1049 on building permit requirements, which would remove permits for certain work under $7,500 and for battery or backup power systems, while also preempting local governments from adding extra permitting rules. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying modular homes on RV lots, and another addressing contractor “splitting” of projects to avoid the threshold and requiring five years of record retention. County and local-government groups raised concerns about inspections and permitting, while several business and advocacy groups supported the bill. It passed favorably. HB 1175, dealing with safety design standards for office surgery suites, was presented as a measure directing the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to establish new standards to improve safety and efficiency. There was no amendment or public testimony, and it passed favorably. The committee then spent extensive time on HB 221, which would let workers waive the state minimum wage for certain work-based learning, internship, or pre-apprenticeship positions for up to nine months, later narrowed by amendment to 252 days, or 126 days for minors with parental consent, and defining the program as structured learning. Supporters framed it as a way to expand apprenticeships and help small businesses offer training opportunities; opponents argued it would create free or subminimum labor, invite abuse and coercion, and raise constitutional concerns. Despite strong opposition testimony from labor, civil rights, and policy groups, the bill passed favorably after debate. The committee also heard HB 4035, a Palm Beach County local bill requiring applicants for a certificate of competency to pass the licensing exam before applying to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The sponsor said it would streamline and modernize the process, and members discussed it briefly in support. The transcript ends before the final action on that bill is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the biggest increases that we're seeing is in electricity. So I think fixed costs...
• A lot of that is attributed to electricity.
• I know in my own house, we no longer pay for electricity.
• You had the electric vehicle infrastructure and bus conversion, and it originally was $60 million.
• was at our last LESC meeting, and you were Telling me that the budget for conversion for buses or electric

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm driving an electric car. So, Mr.
• Senator, is that the current vehicle registration fees are the same regardless of whether it's an electric
• Chair, Senator Lanier, as of Today, if someone in New Mexico is registering their electric vehicle, they
• So the federal government is gonna pay a maximum surcharge on electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle
• vehicles fully electric.

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways