Transcript Highlights:

• We have 11 counties, very, very rural.
• I'm Brianna Burns, on behalf of the California County Superintendents, representing the 58 county superintendents
• Here's Brianna Burns, on behalf of the California County Superintendents, representing the 58 County
• I'm Brianna Burns, on behalf of the California County Superintendents, representing the 58 County Superintendents
• I'm Pamela Gutz, representing the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an extended discussion on state efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers, with a focus on whether current programs are sustainable and well targeted. Testimony from the Learning Policy Institute, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Department of Education, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described persistent shortages, especially in special education, math, science, bilingual education, and high-need schools. Speakers emphasized that residency programs, Golden State Teacher Grants, National Board incentives, classified employee pathways, and undergraduate teacher pipelines have helped increase preparation and retention, but many of these efforts rely on one-time funding and lack long-term certainty. Committee members repeatedly raised concerns about the “leaky pipeline,” working conditions, the burden of student debt, and whether the state should simplify and institutionalize support for aspiring teachers rather than rely on a patchwork of grants. The agencies presented data showing continuing shortages and uneven distribution of fully credentialed teachers. CTC reported projected hiring needs of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 teachers annually, with the highest needs in self-contained classrooms, special education, and certain regions of the state. It also noted that emergency permits, waivers, and intern credentials remain high, and that teachers entering through those routes have higher turnover. LPI cited research showing residency-prepared teachers are more effective and more likely to stay, and argued that Golden State Teacher Grants attract candidates who might not otherwise enter teaching and help them complete preparation. CDE stressed that most new demand comes from attrition and urged support for multiple entry points, tuition assistance, and campus-based coursework. Several members also discussed the role of community college pathways, dual credentialing, and support for school leaders as part of retention. The LAO recommended rejecting the educator pipeline proposals under discussion, citing limited evidence of effectiveness and suggesting that any new spending should be more narrowly targeted to the highest-need schools and long-standing shortage subjects. The LAO also said that if the Legislature funds new programs this year, Proposition 98 would be preferable given the state’s fiscal condition. Committee members pushed back on the idea that declining enrollment or layoffs would solve shortages, noting that shortages and layoffs can coexist in different subject areas and regions. The discussion ended with agreement that staff would continue working with agencies on how to make teacher pipeline investments more consistent, coherent, and easier for candidates to navigate. The committee then turned to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program. Finance proposed $50 million in one-time General Fund support to extend the program for one additional year, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal because the first CSAC evaluation is not due until later in the year and because the funding would be non-Proposition 98. CSAC supported the extension, saying demand has been strong, over 20,000 aspiring educators have been served since 2021, and the agency had to pause applications after receiving more than 9,200 this year; it also said more than 2,500 candidates had already expressed interest for next year. Members asked how many students the new funding would serve, and CSAC estimated just under 5,000 awards at $10,000 each. The discussion also covered whether the grant could be moved into Proposition 98 and how the one-time nature of the funding affects confidence among prospective teachers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Lairn, behalf of the California State Association of Counties, the Urban Counties of California,
• CVSOs, county veteran service officers, who are funded by the state and counties as our investment to
• This will have a big impact on your counties because we work as county VSOs to get in front of those
• The county veteran service officer.
• And the County of Los Angeles, the largest county in the country, which has more veterans than anyone

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously. The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are Becker County, where I am chambered, Benton County, Clay County, Douglas County, Mille Lacs
• County, Morrison County, Otter Tail County, Stearns County, Todd County, and Wadena County.
• Benton County, Clay County, Douglas County,<00:12:07.040> Max,<00:12:07.839> Morrison,
• those other four counties. those other four counties.
• and<00:25:49.279> now Carver County or Ramsey County and now Carver County or Ramsey County

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deborah Lee and I'm the Larmy County Deborah Lee and I'm the Larmy County Clerk<00:26:36.960>
• between the municipal versus the county between the municipal versus the county elections?
• In your area in Sublette County, does your county clerk run the general election? Right.
• In your area in Sublette County, does your county clerk run the general election? Right.
• In your area in Sublette County, does your county clerk run the general election? Right.

Bills: SJ0001, SF0017

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, forestry management, good neighbor authority, state lands, employee funding, donations, revolving account, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's why I'm representing Wright County today, not one of the associations in Wright County alone.
• It's why I'm representing Wright County today, not one of the associations in Wright County alone.
• It's why I'm representing Wright County today, not one of the associations in Wright County alone.
• It's why I'm representing Wright County today, not one of the associations in Wright County alone.
• Carlton County, um, you know, these funds, the city or the county receives about 425,000.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . county. county.
• and recently stopped in Henipin County and recently stopped under<02:28:22.319> county<02:28:
• under county attorney Morardi. Mr. under county attorney Morardi. Mr.
• Um, it is my understanding this is happening in other counties besides Henipin County.
• I understand where you are County.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• base tax and 10% of the county tax. base tax and 10% of the county tax.
• One is Both are in Sherburne County.
• <00:04:40.040> Um in Sherburne County. Um in Sherburne County.
• I'm a county commissioner in Itasca County.
• and neighboring counties.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Green County has moved for the suspension of House Rule 123.
• Gentleman from Green County. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• In Ozark County, Fire Chief Greg Watts, his brother... Danger.
• Further announcements, gentlemen from Cooper County. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Louis County, to your left and my right. Welcome back, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THANK YOU FOR HEARING THIS BILL. 764, EXCUSE ME, 674 BONUSES FOR EMPLOYEES OF COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS AND
• BOB HENRIQUEZ WITH THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• AND DANA BLAKELY WITH THE BREVARD COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER SPEAKING.
• I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SERVING AS THE BREVARD COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER.
• AND WE HAVE JESS McCARTHY WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WAIVING AGAINST. THAT CONCLUDES, SURE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in Fremont County amazing.
• counties and municipality budgets. counties and municipality budgets.
• Tax values in one county, several counties actually, but one county in particular, skyrocketed just enormously
• counties that didn't have the issue. counties that didn't have the issue.
• <00:36:49.680> actually, one county, several counties actually, one county, several counties

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Joint Revenue committee met with a quorum and heard a series of interim topic proposals focused on tax policy. Representative Brown raised two ideas: reinstating an exemption reporting requirement for corporations and entities receiving tax exemptions, with loss of the exemption for the current and prior year if they fail to report, and revising property tax treatment for wind turbines and related infrastructure by shifting the taxed footprint from agricultural to industrial classification. Senator Case and others then discussed energy taxation more broadly, including a possible generation tax for electricity, how to handle large data-center electricity loads, and whether sales tax revenue from very large electrical loads should be shared statewide rather than concentrated locally. The committee referenced prior bills and studies, including House Bill 300 and Senate File 76, and discussed using a mechanism that would keep local electricity bills net neutral while redirecting revenue distribution. The committee also took up problematic gaming and program funding. Senator Case described personal experiences with gambling addiction and the lack of available resources, while the presenter said the topic had been requested in multiple committees and that the biggest concern from House Bill 171 was protecting county and municipal funding. Members discussed whether the issue belonged in Revenue, Health, Labor, or Transportation, and several suggested it should stay with the standing committee handling gaming. Ideas raised included using gaming-related revenue for prevention and treatment, fully funding the 988 lifeline, and creating a broader trust fund for addiction-related services and law enforcement. The committee appeared to agree to continue the topic for educational purposes and to examine taxation of HHR and other gambling activity. Senator Case then proposed a severance tax on wind energy, arguing that wind development creates permanent landscape impacts and that the state should be compensated similarly to coal, oil, and gas extraction. Curt Meier, the state treasurer, supported reviewing lease agreements and said Wyoming should get more from wind resources, noting the state’s unique wind potential and the loss of viewshed. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to reform property tax relief by extending it to motor vehicle registration. Former Revenue director Dan Noble argued that vehicle taxes should be treated like other property taxes, using fair market value, depreciation, the residential assessment ratio, and local mill levies, which he said could provide broad relief but would be expensive, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $120 million. Representative Chestek followed with a related reform proposal based on Pennsylvania’s base-year assessment model, arguing that Wyoming’s current statewide relief measures treat symptoms rather than the underlying problem of rapidly rising local valuations.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if a city or county decide... Transparency, oversight.
• Louis County or St.
• That's really up to the city or county whenever they decide to do that.
• Louis County, decide to go for a ballot initiative for early childhood tax...
• Louis County decide to go for this, that the money doesn't get diverted..." “They—St.

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met in executive session with a quorum present and took up House Bill 2379, first adopting a pre-distributed House Committee Substitute with no amendments. The sponsor explained that the substitute was revised to align with Senate language and would clarify definitions, limit applicability to certain counties, rename the fund the Early Childhood Education Fund, broaden eligible uses to include child care services, move fund custody to the county treasurer, expand eligible recipients, and prioritize children with the greatest financial need. Most of the discussion focused on how the bill would work in practice. Members asked whether the measure created a new tax; the sponsor repeatedly said it did not, but instead would govern how any local sales tax for early childhood education, if approved by voters in St. Louis City or St. Louis County, would be deposited and spent. Supporters said the bill would add transparency and ensure funds are dedicated to early childhood purposes rather than diverted to general revenue or other uses. Some members raised concerns about taxpayers, including seniors, paying a tax from which they would not directly benefit, while others said the bill simply clarifies management of already authorized local tax authority. After discussion, the committee adopted the substitute by voice vote and then voted on the bill itself. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2379 was reported do pass by a roll call vote of seven ayes and two nos. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• was inducted into the Anderon County was inducted into the Anderon County Chamber<00:04:16.639><
• I have several more from Fairfax County. Loudoun County, Virginia. Alvaro Ayella.
• Montgomery County.
• McGomery County did in McGomery County.
• the Frederick County amendment. the Frederick County amendment. All right. All right.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and first honored Nancy Crawford with a resolution recognizing her 46 years of state service, including 20 years as Senator Pam Beidle’s chief of staff. Senator Beidle then spoke at length about her own retirement plans and public service, reflecting on her career in the House and Senate, her work on the Finance Committee, and thanking her staff and colleagues. The chamber unanimously journalized the remarks. The Senate then moved into business on House and Senate messages, including House Bill 139 and Senate Bill 311, and adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 1532, the Utility Relief/Reducing Energy Load for Inflation measure. The report was described as a broad energy and utility package that had already passed the Senate 38-4 and was said to address short-, medium-, and long-term issues, including rate relief, in-state generation, data center policy, consumer transparency, and low-income utility assistance. During debate on the conference report, the majority leader explained several changes from prior versions: no legislative ban on forecast test years, instead deferring to the Public Service Commission; removal of gas programs from Empower to avoid inequities across service territories; modest opening of the retail supply market with guardrails; and rejection of some floor amendments, including a gas line extension provision and a study amendment. The minority leader argued the bill offered only limited relief, focused too much on talking points and short-term savings, and said many bipartisan amendments were not retained. The majority leader responded that the bill would save ratepayers real dollars through provisions on utility adders, executive bonuses, FERC-related returns, and new generation, and urged adoption of the conference report.

Transcript Highlights:

• from Carroll County. Thank you, Mr. from Carroll County. Thank you, Mr.
• from Baltimore County. Thank you, Mr. from Baltimore County. Thank you, Mr.
• Delegate from Carroll County. Delegate from Carroll County.
• local county says, "I want good cause." local county says, "I want good cause."
• /c><01:19:21.360> ability<01:19:21.680> to county, the county has the ability to county

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 3, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 113 members present and took up House Bill 774, a local enabling bill on residential landlord-tenant good-cause termination and eviction standards. The sponsor and floor leader described the bill as intended to create stability for families and communities by limiting nonrenewal of leases without good cause, while emphasizing that it would only take effect if adopted by local counties. The bill’s stated good-cause grounds include repeated late rent payment, lease violations, and other specified reasons. Several amendments were offered and debated. One amendment sought to require tenants to keep paying rent, late fees, and other lease obligations during any legal challenge to a nonrenewal; the floor leader argued this was redundant because existing law already requires payment during holdover proceedings, and the House rejected the amendment by roll call, 79 in the negative. Another amendment added a good-cause ground where housing is tied to employment on the property and the employment ends; the floor leader accepted it as a friendly amendment, and it was adopted. A further amendment exempted short-term rentals such as VRBOs from the bill; it was also accepted as friendly and adopted. The House then rejected another amendment that would have changed the late-rent good-cause standard from four notices in a 12-month period to three. The sponsor argued the change would reduce the time and financial burden on small landlords, while the floor leader responded that the bill did not alter existing eviction timelines for nonpayment and that the current four-instance standard was appropriate. Finally, an amendment to extend access to the state’s eviction counsel fund to low-income landlords was offered, with the sponsor arguing for fairness to small property owners; the floor leader opposed it, saying the fund was created to represent low-income tenants and that most landlords are already represented. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It might be a different dollar amount in other counties as we go forward.
• And also, I love our Ventura County Fire Department.
• So this would only be in the counties that are specified right now?
• The eight Southern California counties. Not the counties that are in the current pilot.
• And that's something that we've learned, especially working with Lake County and Shasta County through

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation held an oversight hearing on home hardening and defensible space as wildfire mitigation strategies. The chair opened by stressing that California has reached a tipping point, with repeated community-scale wildfire losses, rising insurance costs, and growing utility wildfire mitigation expenses. The hearing was organized around four panels: what home hardening and defensible space are, community risk reduction and coordination, evaluation of current defensible space programs and proposed investments, and the future of home hardening and the California Wildfire Mitigation Program. The first panel featured IBHS, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and local wildfire mitigation advocates. IBHS described wildfire spread through embers, flames, and radiant heat, emphasizing that structure separation, removing combustible materials within the first five feet of a home, and combining multiple mitigation measures significantly reduce loss. It highlighted its Wildfire Prepared Home and Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood standards, including an “essential” and “enhanced” level, and said California is ahead of other states but still needs scalable, standardized, and sustainably funded mitigation. The LAO outlined key policy questions for the Legislature, including the state’s role, intergovernmental coordination, cost-effectiveness, program design, measurement of success, long-term sustainability, and barriers to implementation. The chair and panelists discussed estimated costs, including roughly $15,000 for a basic retrofit and about $50,000 for more extensive ignition-resistant construction, and whether state funding should focus on the most cost-effective initial measures. The second panel focused on scaling adoption through local coordination, education, financing, and community-based programs. Megafire Action argued that home hardening is a market adoption problem and said the state should not try to pay for every home, but instead target high-leverage interventions across the “customer journey,” including education, financing, trusted certification, and neighborhood network effects. Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council described free home assessments, small retrofit grants, Firewise community support, and the importance of neighborhood-level action, local capacity, and cultural change. Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority described its locally funded model, grant program, public education efforts, and an Ember Ready program that helps residents navigate home hardening and Zone Zero compliance. The chair repeatedly emphasized the need for a coordinated statewide marketing campaign, stronger incentives, better insurance discounts, and more use of local, utility, federal, and private funding sources. The third and fourth panels addressed Cal Fire’s defensible space inspection program, the proposed defensible space financial assistance program, and broader state investments. Cal Fire said homes lacking compliant defensible space are far more likely to be damaged or destroyed and requested ongoing funding and staffing to stabilize inspections statewide; the LAO suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as GGRF or a reinstated SRA fee. Cal Fire and the State Fire Marshal explained that Zone Zero sets a minimum standard, local governments cannot go below it, and grant prioritization will favor jurisdictions that submit inspections. Cal Fire also said the new defensible space financial assistance program would focus on ember-resistant zone-zero work and, in the Southern California counties covered by the legislation, would assist about 3,125 homes at an estimated $8,000 per home. In the final panel, the State Fire Marshal described California’s layered strategy of parcel-level home hardening, defensible space, and neighborhood-scale mitigation, along with technical support, financial assistance, and incentives such as insurance discounts and builder marketing. The overall theme was that California must move from isolated efforts to a coordinated, science-based, and scalable statewide approach to reduce wildfire losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Merrimack County. Um there's some Merrimack County.
• , Another example is Rockingham County, Another example is Rockingham County, uh,<00:12:38.200>
• this bill, they are municipal or county this bill, they are municipal or county projects,<00:18:
• the project in Rockingham County. the project in Rockingham County.
• energy costs for the county energy costs for the county um<00:18:37.480> and<00:18:37.840

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0. Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Markey Sieger on behalf of the County of Los Angeles in support. Thank you.
• Currently in California, 43 counties do have full 211 service, but the 15 counties without are in highly
• Currently in California, 43 counties do have full 2-1 service, but the 15 counties without are in highly
• Many counties in our region have no 211 service at all.
• Many of these events cross county lines and have people evacuating to counties throughout the region,

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with a quorum established after opening remarks on committee rules and decorum. The committee heard several bills, including AB 1540 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would restore the 988 LGBTQ+ youth crisis line option and related specialized counselor support if approved by the federal government. Supporters, including a parent who lost her son to suicide and numerous advocacy, mental health, education, and local government groups, said the bill would save lives and provide culturally competent crisis response. Opponents argued it could politicize crisis services and raised concerns about affiliated organizations and youth safety. The bill was moved by Assembly Member Rogers, seconded by Assembly Member Krell, and passed out of committee on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items AB 2093 and AB 2193, both of which passed on consent and were sent to Appropriations. AB 1832 by Assembly Member Ransom, which would create a statewide 211 fund, dashboard, and emergency-planning integration to expand and stabilize 211 services, drew strong support from 211 providers and local service organizations describing its disaster-response and referral role. With no opposition, it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 2289, the chair’s bill, would create an Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, consolidate broadband functions, establish a commission, and narrow CPUC jurisdiction to voice communications; the author said it would solve structural problems in broadband governance, while TURN and CWA District 9 opposed the loss of CPUC oversight and raised enforcement and labor concerns. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2424 by Assembly Member Carrillo sought to strengthen oversight of the California Lifeline program by creating a Low-Income Telecommunications Advisory Board with telecommunications expertise, citing fraud and duplicate enrollment concerns. Proponents said the bill would improve accountability and better serve low-income and immigrant communities, while opponents argued an additional board was unnecessary because an existing advisory committee already advises the CPUC and could increase surcharges. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations on a 7-2 vote. The committee then completed its roll calls and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am from District 1, so from the Oregon border down to Amador and Alpine County, 11 very rural counties
• We support our local feed store and poultry feed mills in San Joaquin County and Sacramento County.
• I'm a poultry leader for Dixieland 4-H out of Madera County.
• Chair, I'm Eduardo, my name is Eduardo Ramos and I'm with County, coming from County Santa Barbara and
• I'm from El Dorado County. I run the poultry show at the El Dorado County Fair.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it the county? Because a lot of this is zoning. It's county function.
• Is it the county?
• county? Because a lot of this is zoning. county? Because a lot of this is zoning.
• Hawaii County was 22,000.
• Hawaii County was 22,000. Hawaii County was 22,000.

Bills: HB1601, HB1828, HB1616, HB1603, HB1606, HB1604, HB1605

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• , Luna County.
• We have Socorro County, Sierra County, Doña Ana, Luna, Hidalgo, and Grant County in District 1.
• Luna County has A county cooperative for that road.
• County is really interested in completing that roadway and making it a county facility.
• Counties.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Renaissance Grant, helping counties reverse population decline.
• This bill does contain provisions that would allow rural parts of the county, as the county works with
• And so the criteria is as follows: a county with a population of 75,000 or less residents; a county with
• , any municipality within a county as described above.
• , Commissioner Maria Sacks, our new county administrator, former Senator Joe Bruzo, and county staff,

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial executive appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities, described as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package. Sponsor Senator Simon outlined provisions creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties facing population loss, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping grant language tied to new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties generally supported the bill, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural areas and how funds would be accessed. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General findings by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance-based business plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including changes to the stabilization fund and documentation requirements. Senators from both parties debated transparency, accountability, and implementation concerns, with some also urging future attention to declining-enrollment school districts and the quality of scholarship providers. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County visitors in the gallery, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.