Transcript Highlights:

• End Chamber of Commerce East End. day at the State Capitol.
• Today, it's an honor to recognize Houston's East End Chamber of Commerce.
• Let's have you stand up East End Chamber.
• The East End Chamber has a rich history. history in East End of Houston that dates back to the 1820s,
• sorry, the East End. and has a rich history that dates back to the 1820s.

Transcript Highlights:

• My questions will be mostly focused on Compass Rail, West-East Rail, as we dub it.
• My questions will be mostly focused in on Compass Rail, West East Rail, as we dub it.
• Both north-south and east-west, you know, separate passenger and freight operations.
• Rail, Compass Rail, West-East is an essential part of that, and how do we accelerate that.
• Rail, Compass Rail, West East is essential part of that and how do we accelerate that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're in the middle committee, hopefully pass them on today to send them on to finance.
• So we're in the middle committee, hopefully pass them on today to send them on to Finance.
• coast of Hawaii Island and the east coast of Hawaii Island and affects<00:41:50.240><c> uh</c><00:41
• When we had an outbreak in the middle of January, there were no nematodes available because of funding
• When we had an outbreak in the middle of January, there were no nematodes available because of funding

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• East from Dallas.
• I live in Austin in the East Hazlewood neighborhood.
• Okay, because in East Texas, deep red East Texas, it takes like 40 minutes, and women are dying because
• process than East Austin does.
• I currently live in East Austin.

Bills: HB4

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• But the gentleman in the middle, a for-profit business, he's not exempted.
• Y'all got caught in the middle here. Thank you, Chairman and members. I'm sorry.
• I'm the Justice of the Peace here in East Baton Rouge. I have been since 2009. Mr.
• I've been in East Baton Rouge since 2009.
• All 300 of my properties are in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Bills: HCR41 , HB11 , HB227 , HB243 , HB278 , HB335 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB492 , HB623 , HB641 , HB660 , HB708 , HB719 , HB940 , HB1029 , HB1053 , HB1069 , HB1077

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up H.C.R. 41, which would direct the ATC to allow electronic rebates for beer purchases and clarify that rebates are the manufacturer’s responsibility. The author and supporters said it would align beer with wine and other liquor rules. With no opposition, the resolution was moved forward. The committee then advanced H.B. 1029, which extends a moratorium on certain alcoholic beverage permits in House District 3 to give Shreveport and the MPC more time to revise local ordinances; it also moved forward without objection. The committee next considered two related bills by Rep. Egan on district attorney funding. H.B. 660, as amended, raises the state warrant amount used to support assistant district attorneys from $50,000 to $60,000 and sets district attorney salaries at $65,000 effective July 1, 2026. The Louisiana District Attorneys Association and several DAs supported the bill, saying it would help recruit and retain prosecutors. H.B. 719, also amended, increases the number of assistant district attorney warrants in many judicial districts statewide, with supporters describing it as a response to crime, population changes, and local workload needs. Both bills were reported favorably as amended. Rep. Ventrella’s H.B. 227, allowing court filings on letter-sized paper instead of only legal-sized paper, was also moved favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H.B. 335 by Rep. Henry, which would expand citizenship verification requirements for entities administering public benefits. Supporters said it was meant to ensure state dollars go to U.S. and Louisiana citizens and to add accountability for NGOs; opponents, including farmers, food-access nonprofits, and health providers, argued it would create administrative burdens, chill participation in SNAP-related programs, and discourage vulnerable people from seeking food or medical help. After an amendment exempting nonprofit food distribution was adopted, the bill was reported favorably by a 12-5 vote. Finally, the committee took up H.B. 623, a tobacco and vapor products permitting bill. After adopting a three-minute rule, the committee accepted an amendment removing tobacco products from the proposed three-tier permitting system and excluding lawful marijuana products authorized by LDH. The amended bill was then reported favorably. The transcript ends as the committee was beginning H.B. 708.

Transcript Highlights:

• Teachers who teach middle school math may be teaching advanced middle school math, but they're already
• Teachers who teach middle school math may be teaching advanced middle school math, but they're already
• There are nine districts in the East Valley that have not entered into an active IGA with the East Valley
• I don't know what the dispute really is in the East Valley.
• Maybe they've condensed and they all move to one middle school, and there's an extra middle school that's

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 4043, which would require each school district and charter school, beginning in 2027, to ensure at least one employee at each school is trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use. The sponsor said he intended to amend the bill on the floor to ensure someone is trained at all times and to clarify AED language. The American Heart Association testified neutral with concerns, supporting CPR training but warning the bill could leave gaps if only one person is trained and noting the need for AED access and emergency planning. Parents whose son died in an Arizona kindergarten classroom urged support, saying school staff should be prepared to respond to emergencies. The committee recommended the bill do pass by a vote of 7-1 with four present. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2015, as amended by a strike-everything amendment supporting at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for students and prominent display of federal dietary guidelines. A representative of End Chronic Disease testified in favor, arguing schools should help prevent chronic disease through health education and physical activity. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then gave the resolution a due pass recommendation on a 12-0 roll call. House Bill 2621, in its strike-everything form and with a Garcia amendment, addressed enrollment and special education procedures for students in unorganized territory, students using certificates of educational convenience, and children of active-duty military parents. The sponsor explained the bill was meant to clarify confusing law, speed enrollment and evaluations, and reduce delays in services. Champions for Kids supported the measure and the amendments, and the committee adopted both amendments before recommending the bill do pass 11-0. The committee also approved House Bill 2385, which limits superintendent contracts to one-year terms for the first three years unless the superintendent has already been employed three consecutive years; the sponsor framed it as a way to reduce costly early buyouts. That bill passed 7-4. Later, the committee approved House Bill 4106, creating the One Arizona Service Fellowship Program to provide service opportunities, stipends, and tuition awards for young adults, with an amendment changing the stipend contribution formula. The sponsor and supporters described it as a state-based service model inspired by Utah and aimed at education, military families, parks, hunger, and homelessness work; some members opposed it as an unnecessary state mandate or questioned the need for a new program. The committee also passed House Bill 2992, as amended, establishing a pilot program on child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention, expanded to K-12 and including grooming/exploitation content. A survivor advocate strongly supported the bill, while some members raised concerns about the funding source and possible unintended consequences. Finally, the committee passed House Bill 2370, which would require school leaders to notify governing boards before modifying weapons detection systems and to report changes within 24 hours; the sponsor cited a fatal school stabbing and other weapons incidents, while opponents argued the bill was too vague and could create operational problems. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 4056, allowing legislators making public records requests in their official capacity to avoid fees and requiring electronic production; the sponsor said it was needed after districts sought large fees, while opponents warned it could burden public agencies. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 2478, which would create an Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes to study K-12 accountability, finance, graduation requirements, and related issues, with proposed amendments to add early childhood study and change commission membership, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Examples include Ryan Middle School and Rusk Middle School in Houston.
• It's also in East Texas; it's coal.
• East Texas faces numerous shortages in the healthcare fields, including in rehabilitation.
• A prosperous East Texas cannot exist without a thriving university.
• and impact a lot of people in East Texas.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't mind running for the middle of the gym to get us up and run. That's interesting.
• It's a week-long camp in Phoenix for middle... ...best civics educators do this almost as a practice.
• It's a week-long camp in Phoenix for middle school students.
• It's a week-long camp in Phoenix for middle school students. We call it our civics boot camp.
• of land in the middle of the continent.

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are heavy East African, heavy West African, heavy Hispanic, Latino.
• We are heavy East African, poverty.
• Paul's east side. My job is to help families feel welcome, connected, and supported.
• I see all this happening in my community as an East African.
• </c> happening in my community as the East happening in my community as the East African.<01:41:14.159

Bills: HF3435 , HF3409

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: school access, school site, school district, charter school, federal agents, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBP, Customs and Border Protection, USCIS, immigration enforcement, judicial warrant, student privacy, school safety, sanctuary schools, warrant requirement, federal warrant, school grounds

Transcript Highlights:

• They love our officers, and hopefully that continues when they go into middle school and on into high
• Ebbets governing board. of the geographic areas in the East Valley.
• My name is Jason Katnese, and I teach seventh- and eighth-grade math at Pueblo del Sol Middle School
• Udall Middle School, located in the Maryvale neighborhood of Phoenix.
• Udall Middle School located in the Maryville neighborhood of Phoenix.

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first considered the executive nomination of John Snyder to the State Board for Charter Schools. Snyder described his background in municipal finance, charter school financings, and prior service with Arizona charter school organizations, and said his finance experience would help the board evaluate school viability and oversight. The committee voted 6-0 with one not voting to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard HB 2093, which would remove the statutory requirement that health education include mental health instruction and would repeal related consultation requirements over time. The sponsor argued schools should focus on academics and that social-emotional learning and mental health content belong with parents, while opponents, including students, a suicide-loss parent, and mental health advocates, said school-based instruction saves lives, helps students seek help, and preserves parental choice through opt-out provisions. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give HB 2093 a do pass recommendation. Members also considered HB 4043, requiring at least one campus employee trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use where applicable; HB 4005, requiring districts to teach ethical and educational uses of AI beginning in 2027-28; HB 2895, allowing Native American language proficiency to satisfy a world language graduation requirement; HB 2383, renaming trampoline court safety legislation as Ty’s Law; HB 4109, requiring school district public safety policies, notifications, and annual reporting after serious violence or weapon incidents; HB 2376, appropriating $40 million for the school safety program; and HB 2380, requiring public access to board meeting materials and tighter rules on out-of-state travel. HB 4043, HB 2895, and HB 2383 all received unanimous or near-unanimous do pass recommendations, while HB 4005, HB 4109, HB 2376, and HB 2380 each advanced on 4-3 votes, with some members citing concerns about unfunded mandates, criminal penalties, local control, or the scope and timing of required disclosures.

Transcript Highlights:

• of late June and can only do that through... ...can't enjoy it until the middle of late June and can
• I mean, you just take your boat over to the east side of the... ...that I know of.
• It just is, I mean, you just take your boat over to the east side of the east side of the lake and you
• owns title to the original riverbed, and that would basically be a very thin line right down the middle
• This was a camp, excuse me, a church camp that was in the middle of Ponderosa State Park, and it was

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• The nonprofit Trust for Public Land is facilitating that in partnership with East Bay Regional Parks
• There will also be a plan to buy contamination insurance by East Bay Regional Park District.
• And there have been decades of work on East Shore State Park, that whole stretch between Richmond and
• Now on Golden Gate Field, I just want to say I overlap with East Bay Regional Park.
• I'm here on behalf of Citizens for East Shore Parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• How about is there a stable storage supply at Valero's refinery in the East Bay? Benicia.
• They're importing from the Middle East. So they're importing somewhere. Oh, from the Middle East.
• Where are we importing from the Middle East? It comes from the Middle East, from Saudi Arabia.
• It's pretty diverse, a mix typically from the Middle East and Latin America, the largest representations
• Because we The Middle East, Latin America, their largest representations there.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure basically opened the door for veterans of the Vietnam War era, but also in the Middle East
• </c> Vietnam War era but also in the Middle Vietnam War era but also in the Middle East<00:07:09.879>
• East and North Africa.
• East and North Africa.
• East and North to liberating the Middle East and North Africa<02:09:36.079><c> it</c><02:09:36.239><

Bills: HR31 , HR152 , HR192 , HR144 , HR189 , HR164 , HR153

Keywords: committee appointments, House of Representatives, government structure, legislative process, membership, committee assignments, elections, legislation, government, oversight, US-Canada relations, economic security, energy security, bipartisan, trade and investment, Ramadan, faith, Islam, community, charitable contributions

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, Mark Nolte, District 51, East half of Lafayette County, and all of Saline County
• , you said if two people owned it on each side, you know, then you don't know who's got where the middle
• Who's got where the middle is and who's first, but whoever built the fence first would be at the advantage
• But lines that ran up to Maryville and to Shenandoah, Iowa, perhaps over to the east, no longer exist
• We've got them running north and south, east and west. We have a lot of traffic here.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3114, which would require operating railroads in Missouri to provide digital copies of valuation and station maps to the state land surveyor for inclusion in a public repository. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help surveyors locate abandoned railroad rights-of-way and determine center lines for adjoining landowners’ reversionary rights. Committee members asked about whether the bill would apply to active versus abandoned lines, whether records still exist for older railroads, and whether a deadline should be added for compliance. Railroad testimony raised concerns about the breadth of the request, potential security and proprietary issues, and the burden of compiling historical records, while indicating a willingness to continue discussions and possibly work with surveyors on a more targeted process. The committee then heard House Bill 2298, which would remove the current exemption for electric cooperatives from the requirement that condemning entities pay 150% of appraised value in eminent domain cases. The sponsor argued that co-ops should be treated the same as regulated utilities because landowners face the same burden when transmission lines cross their property, and he cited examples where co-op offers were far below what he believed comparable utility projects would pay. Landowners and a lawyer testifying in favor described alleged unfair treatment, uneven compensation, and the impact of transmission lines on farm operations and property value, while emphasizing that the bill would simply put co-ops on the same footing as other utilities. Opposition testimony from Associated Industries of Missouri and the Missouri Electric Cooperatives argued that the bill would interfere with the cooperative model, which is member-owned and governed by elected boards, and would reduce flexibility in negotiating easements. The co-op representative said the organizations are not partnered with Grain Belt Express, that any interconnection compensation is separate from the project itself, and that most easement acquisitions are settled by negotiation rather than condemnation. Committee members questioned whether co-ops already pay comparable amounts in practice, whether the bill would affect transmission projects tied to Grain Belt Express, and how co-op governance and member oversight should factor into eminent domain policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><02:16:40.960><c> our</c><02:16:41.120><c> global</c> Middle East, too many of our global Middle East
• Who exactly will be President Trump's emissaries to negotiate a lasting peace in the Middle East?
• </c> negotiate a lasting peace in the Middle negotiate a lasting peace in the Middle East?
• ,</c> Middle East like Saudi Arabia, Middle East like Saudi Arabia, the<02:23:49.920><c> UAE,</c><02:
• East, engaging countries stable Middle East, engaging countries around<02:24:16.880><c> the</c><02:24

Bills: SB4138 , HB4638

Keywords: SB4138, S. 4138, Public Law 119-80, Captain Cody Khork, Cody Khork, United States Army, Army promotion, posthumous promotion, honorary promotion, major, military honors, veterans, memorial recognition, 10 U.S.C. 1563a, notice requirement waiver, Congressional tribute

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to remind members that we are in the middle of a roll call vote.
• &gt;&gt; Ten<00:24:13.440><c> East</c><00:24:13.679><c> Millier,</c> &gt;&gt; Ten East Millier, &gt;&
• gt; Ten East Millier, &gt;&gt; yes.
• Um, we are in the middle, um, Madam Speaker, of remembering the 250th anniversary of our country.
• So all of his trip... the middle um Madam Speaker, of the the middle um Madam Speaker, of the remembering

Transcript Highlights:

• I directed the Middle East Center at UW's Jackson School for International Studies.
• I directed the Middle East Center at Udub's Jackson School for International Studies.
• I'm an Iraq War veteran, a member of Veterans for Peace, and a graduate of UW's Middle East Studies Ph.D
• As an Iraq veteran and as a scholar of the modern Middle East, I understand the human cost of unaccountable

Bills: SB5837 , SB6011 , SB6009 , SB5868 , SB5974 , SB5720 , SB5833 , SB5936 , SB5993 , SB6070 , SB6002 , SJM8014 , SB6086

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: guardianship, conservatorship, protective arrangement, protective arrangements, supported decision-making, supported decision making, court visitor, adult guardianship, limited guardianship, full guardianship, adult conservatorship, less restrictive alternative, capacity, legal capacity, respondent rights, due process, vulnerable adults, disability rights, elder abuse, estate management

Transcript Highlights:

• I directed the Middle East Center at UW's Jackson School for International Studies.
• I directed the Middle East Center at Udub's Jackson School for International Studies.
• I'm an Iraq War veteran, a member of Veterans for Peace, and a graduate of UW's Middle East Studies Ph.D
• As an Iraq veteran and as a scholar of the modern Middle East, I understand the human cost of unaccountable

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee heard multiple Senate bills and took executive action on several of them. Bills discussed included SB 5837 on guardianship and conservatorship, SB 6011, SB 6009 on consent language in proceedings, SB 5868, SB 5974 on sheriffs and related law enforcement volunteers, SB 5720 on consumer debt default judgments, SB 5833 on leaving engines running to protect pets, SB 5936 on human trafficking remedies, SB 5993 on medical debt interest, SB 6070 on missing persons alerts and investigative tools, and SB 6002 on driver privacy and ALPR data. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments for each, with members raising concerns about scope, constitutionality, consumer protections, law enforcement authority, privacy, and debt collection practices. Several amendments were adopted, withdrawn, or rejected during the discussion. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes or amendments for SB 5837, SB 6009, SB 5974, SB 5720, SB 5833, SB 5936, SB 5993, SB 6070, and SB 6002. SB 6011 also received a due pass recommendation. SB 5974, after debate over sheriff certification and recall provisions, was advanced to Ways and Means. SB 5993, dealing with medical debt interest, drew multiple proposed amendments that were withdrawn, and the committee ultimately advanced the bill with the substitute. SB 6002 on ALPR privacy was advanced after discussion of retention periods, ownership of data, and evidentiary use. The committee then held a public hearing on SB 6086, which would strengthen security protections for judicial officers and court personnel by expanding who may request removal of personal information, broadening Address Confidentiality Program eligibility, and allowing AOC security consultants to conduct threat assessments. Proponents, including judges, clerks, and court officials, described rising threats and the need for stronger protections; county officials and prosecutors raised implementation, constitutional, and records-management concerns. The committee also heard Senate Joint Memorial 8014, requesting a U.S.-led investigation into the killing of Washingtonian Aishanur Esgi Yegi. The memorial drew extensive testimony from family members, advocates, academics, and community groups in support, while a few opponents argued the memorial was factually incomplete or politically selective. No final action was taken on SB 6086 or SJM 8014 during the hearing, and the committee closed after noting very large numbers of signed-in supporters and opponents for the memorial.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me today I have Debbie Michael with the sponsor of the bill, East Bay Municipal Utility District
• I'm Debbie Michael, a legislative representative with the East Bay Municipal Utility District, or EBMUD
• So it's no longer out in the middle of nowhere, who knows where the water is.
• I'm served by East Bay Mud that are making decisions and are reviewing permits.
• It creates strong middle-class, often union jobs that benefit entire regions.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call. The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call. SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.