Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me, Mr. Heres? Yes, I can hear you. Can you hear me?
• Can you hear He's got to unmute himself. Can you hear me,<00:41:58.800> Mr.
• Chair, as I plant processing. Mr.
• Can you hear me, Mr. Thomas? Yes, I can. Can you hear me? We can hear you.
• Can you hear me? We can hear Yes, I can. Can you hear me?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will hear from Mr.
• Can you hear me okay? Excellent.
• So I think that's why states will often introduce a bill and then hear from the public and hear from
• might help us jumpstart that process. ...might help us jumpstart that process a little bit.
• All I hear about, and I worked at a coal facility—I am a coal proponent—all I hear about is natural gas

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because when we had a hearing on this issue, an informational hearing on this issue, there was a lot
• TCUs are a vital part of that process.
• It's a long process to apply for that.
• Yes, there's a long process, and the process is primarily decided by students, actually.
• It is not an easy process.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is, and the district process.
• ,<01:17:10.880> I But during the judiciary hearing, I But during the judiciary hearing, I
• the court and the adjudication process. the court and the adjudication process.
• This bill did not go through that process. It went through a business process.
• A right to due process. And right? A right to due process.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a verification process.
• You can't control the regulatory process.
• You can't control the regulatory process.
• Existing law ensures that teachers receive due process, including a hearing and the ability to appeal
• But again, we're interested in hearing more about that.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is just the first step in a state process.
• And in this process, you don't do a cost analysis as thoroughly as the regulatory process that is ongoing
• You've got to go through this process, yada, yada, yada.
• And that was the process.
• So now that concludes a hearing on the ESTM Committee. This hearing is now adjourned. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and consumer-safety bills. AB 405, the Fashion Act, would require fashion companies to disclose and manage toxic chemicals in their supply chains; supporters said it would reduce worker and consumer exposure and align with existing industry frameworks, while retailers and business groups argued it would duplicate existing laws and raise costs. After questions about DTSC workload, international standards, and affordability, the bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Natural Resources and held on call with three votes. AB 762 would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vape devices; supporters emphasized battery-fire risks, recycling contamination, and waste impacts, while cannabis and convenience-store interests warned it would push consumers to illicit markets and harm legal businesses. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to Business and Professions with three votes and was held on call. The committee also adopted the consent calendar with six votes. AB 794 would direct California to keep in place the federal PFAS drinking-water standard if federal protections are weakened, with supporters citing health risks and the need for certainty, and water agencies opposing the emergency-rulemaking authority and potential costs. Members debated whether the bill was too broad and whether federal funds would cover implementation; the bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations with four votes and was held open. AB 1148, the Safer Food Packaging Act, would restrict certain chemicals in food packaging; supporters cited cancer and reproductive-health concerns, while chemical, beverage, and manufacturing groups argued the bill should go through existing regulatory processes and that some chemicals lacked feasible alternatives. The author said she would remove antimony trioxide later in the process after hearing opposition concerns; the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Judiciary with four votes and was held open. Finally, AB 1338 would allow local air districts to recover costs for implementing fence-line air monitoring at metal shredding facilities, building on prior legislation and local air district efforts in AB 617 communities. The author said the bill would preserve local control and improve efficiency, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District testified in support. The transcript ends as the district witness begins testimony, with no vote yet taken on AB 1338.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we could in the process of buying.
• having to go through the NFA process. having to go through the NFA process.
• public hearing public hearing on.<00:53:06.720> So<00:53:06.960> we're<00:53:07.200
• Thank you, sir. the hearing the public hearing on the the hearing the public hearing on the amendment
• <01:33:47.679> It's introduce the bill for hearing? It's introduce the bill for hearing?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• where we can process permits. where we can process permits.
• <01:30:47.360> legislative<01:30:48.000> process during that process legislative process
• >> Let's hear from the counties. >> Let's hear from the counties.
• very choppy and I could not hear you. very choppy and I could not hear you.
• All of that thought will come out in the hearing process and the development.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for hearing me. Thank you, ma'am.
• But hearing the passion and almost fear that was done.
• But what I don't hear is responsibility. But what I don't hear is responsibility.
• This is a serious and a sacred process.
• So those processes are state-grey state.

Transcript Highlights:

• At least that is what I'm hearing from a number of our papers.
• So that's in process. We chose the McClatchy Foundation.
• We, again, are continuing to work through that process.
• You never hear about it. You never hear about that.
• You just don't hear those kinds of things.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard informational updates and budget requests from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz), the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), and the California Film Commission. Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers described the California Jobs First strategy, including regional economic planning, sector working groups, and investments in priority industries such as ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, semiconductors, and microelectronics. She also outlined budget proposals for a five-year extension of the CalCompetes tax credit, support for export promotion, additional staffing for the film tax credit program, innovation and emerging technologies work, and the new California brand campaign. Senators questioned the campaign’s purpose, its relationship to tourism promotion, and whether it could obscure regulatory and business-climate concerns; Myers said it was intended to counter misinformation, promote California’s economic strengths, and support business attraction and retention, not to shut down debate about policy challenges. CalOSBA Deputy Director Claire Whitmer and program partners reported on the California RISE program, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and technical assistance/capital infusion programs. CalOSBA said RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, which collectively expanded operations and employment for people facing barriers to work; a second round is being launched with updated services and a new grant administrator. The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund fully distributed $11.6 million to 100 recipients, but witnesses said demand far exceeded available funding and that the sector remains fragile after the pandemic and AB 5-related cost increases. The technical assistance and capital programs were described as serving more than 112,000 businesses in the last year, helping start 3,780 new businesses and leverage significant loan and equity capital, with emphasis on outreach to women-, minority-, veteran-, rural-, and low-wealth-owned firms. Committee members focused on whether these programs produce durable outcomes and reach underserved communities. One senator asked for longitudinal data on employment social enterprises and whether jobs created through incentives persist over time; CalOSBA said it would provide prior studies and future tracking. Another senator pressed for more outreach and support for small businesses at different stages of development, especially those in disadvantaged communities that may struggle to access capital. The California Film Commission then presented a request for three permanent positions and ongoing funding to administer the expanded film and television tax credit program. Commissioners said the program is tracking demographic and career-pathway data, with about 90% of productions opting into new diversity provisions and reporting due to the Legislature in 2027. The LAO supported the film commission staffing request given the larger program size and expanded applicant pool. No votes were taken; the items were informational or budget requests under review.

Transcript Highlights:

• still processing. still processing.
• >> I'm sorry I didn't hear you. >> I'm sorry I didn't hear you.
• Number two, I didn't hear that at all. Number two, I didn't hear that at all.
• end, often uh due process protections. end, often uh due process protections.
• Thanks for hearing this.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• goes, requiring a hearing, and so forth.
• Process goes, requiring a hearing, and so forth.
• To let that process go forward.
• So today, it's a really manual process.
• So they're not doing it in a paper process.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I understand we can hear anecdotal...
• I sit here as a health care process.
• Thank you very much for hearing the bill today.
• This was part of our core hearings, and this was already voted on in the House in our joint core hearings
• This bill would bypass the P&T process.

Bills: HB2048, HB2189, HB2248, HB2403, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2906, HCR2058

Keywords: orders of protection, domestic violence, court procedures, legal guardian, enforcement, healthcare, licensed health aides, scope of practice, ventilator care, training standards, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, public health, government regulation, elderly, physical disabilities, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, home and community based services, funding increase

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, every year pretty much we hear, you know, 'I really think this is a stellar...'
• You know, every year pretty much we hear, 'I really think this is a stellar lineup of folks.
• the same, again, in my view, somewhat justified concerns about the process.
• I'm going to be a no on this due to the process as well.
• of the nominations and our rules process and our confirmation hearings, yeah, a lot of need, a lot of

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senator Starr, followed by several courtesies recognizing Pride Month, a staff birthday, and later a retirement and a community celebration. Senator Robinson then used remonstrances to warn against expanding surveillance through school bus camera systems, arguing that leaked plans from a vendor could create commercial databases of drivers’ movements and erode privacy. The main business was confirmation of numerous gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Senators debated the process at length, with several minority members objecting that the volume of nominees, limited hearing time, and lack of transparency made meaningful advice-and-consent review difficult. Supporters responded that the nominees were qualified public servants and that the Senate should work with the Governor’s office on reforms. The Senate first confirmed a large block of appointments, then confirmed two Sustainability Board appointees, and later confirmed three Quality Education Commission appointees after extended debate. The Quality Education Commission nominations drew the most substantive policy discussion. Opponents argued the commission needs more technical research expertise and broader representation, while supporters emphasized the nominees’ education experience and direct knowledge of Oregon schools. Several senators described Oregon’s education system as in crisis, citing low reading and math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and the need for urgent reform of the Quality Education Model and school funding. The Senate also received a proposed rule amendment creating an official Senate seal, which was distributed and held on the table, and the chamber adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the final of three hearings our committee hosted this year.
• They process your disability compensation claims.
• What are you hearing from VA and from veterans about this new presumptive decision process?
• I hear you and I thank you. Mr.
• processing more claims than ever.

Keywords: veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation

Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• that, who was able to go through that process and, through the hearing process that's allowed now, there
• had a process through the administrative hearing avenue somewhat tied to what we're talking about, to
• There's a discovery process.
• A lot of that was very tragic to hear, and I'm sorry to hear it.
• I absolutely hear you.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have a standard process that you go through when...
• It's not a fast process.
• Can you talk to that idea of vision over process?
• If you would like to hear some of that, or would you like to hear some of that, or would you...?
• So, we process those. The contracts are with us.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:46.360> and have this non- gerain bill hearing and have this non- gerain bill hearing
• <00:38:44.319> so make sure I understood the process so make sure I understood the process
• well bursted in in the billing process well bursted in in the billing process so<01:17:41.040>
• And sometimes the credentialing process and the contracting process are simultaneous.
• If there's an IEA process, then you're going to have to wait, obviously, for there to be a judicial hearing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• . hearing. hearing.
• I realize you didn't hear the hearing.
• I realize you didn't hear welcome to. I realize you didn't hear the<00:06:28.080> hearing.
• So, we're going to close the hearing on that and open the hearing to 1275.
• > to hearing on that and open the hearing to hearing on that and open the hearing to 1275. 1275

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• notice and have a new hearing on another day.
• Uh, yeah, it would be either through the competitive bidding process or through a waiver process, but
• Uh, yeah, it would be either through the competitive bidding process or through a waiver process, but
• ,<00:21:04.640> but process or through a waiver process, but process or through a waiver process
• >> Um, so to sort of the standard for regular process consideration under the regular process.

Bills: SB3253, SB3154, SB3254

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard a long series of resolutions focused largely on waste reduction, energy planning, and environmental protection. Early measures included HR 12/HCR 10 on a permanent landfill host benefits program for Honolulu, HCR 148/HCR 157 on a demolition waste reduction working group, and HR 184/HCR 194 on a mattress stewardship program working group. Testimony on these waste-related measures was generally supportive from environmental groups and some individuals, while the Department of Health supported the mattress stewardship proposal. The Department of Health also commented that a proposed study on recyclable/biodegradable/compostable labeling was very broad and would require additional resources to carry out effectively. The committee then took up several energy-related resolutions. HR 192/HCR 202 would create a task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways, and HR 194/HCR 204 would ask the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cost reductions and financial risk. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered support or comments on these measures, with environmental and industry groups also submitting testimony. Members questioned the Energy Office and PUC at length about errors in prior analyses, competitive bidding, and whether utility proposals could proceed through waiver processes; the PUC said any proposal would still be reviewed and that it generally prefers competitive bidding, while the Energy Office said some issues were being characterized differently and would follow up on waiver standards. Additional measures addressed data centers, liquefied natural gas, and utility oversight. HR 196/HCR 206 would convene a working group on the impacts of large data centers, and HR 197/HCR 207 would require conditions before the PUC approves LNG-related costs; testimony on LNG was split, with supporters urging caution and opponents arguing LNG should not be pursued. HR 193/HCR 2003 sought a written status update on implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, and HR 191/HCR 201 and HR 33/HCR 33 dealt with sewage and wastewater issues, both drawing support from environmental and community groups. The committee also heard strong support for HR 141/HCR 149 on Red Hill remediation meetings and HR 190/HCR 200 on reassessing military PFAS cleanup decisions; the Board of Water Supply testified in support and described ongoing PFAS testing and concerns beyond Red Hill. The transcript ends as the committee moved into decision-making, with the chair indicating a recommendation to pass HR 12/HCR 10.