Transcript Highlights:

• We've identified pinch points and helped to develop priority areas.
• We've developed that here at the Hermits Peak.
• We built point clouds, and then we developed and actually developed this map that you guys see there
• It's just we're going to have to develop it at some point.
• We want to recognize that the newly developable lands are largely.

Transcript Highlights:

• Geothermal development offers not only a path to job creation in engineering, construction, and plant
• One... ...waste management system and strive toward the development of a circular economy.
• Despite this, the development and I don't know. the economic backbone of our region.
• LEAP, I developed expertise in drug policy and harm reduction.
• AB 1313 will address this issue through development of a statewide commercial stormwater permit.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
• Again, Matt Schuller, Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
• Again, Matt Schuller, Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
• VoteCal was developed in response to a federal mandate.
• VoteCal was developed in response to a federal mandate.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, colleagues, please join me in recognizing students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development
• In recognizing students from the Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program as they're standing just
• And historic Lighthouse Point in my district would be overrun with excessive development and instead
• In my district, we responsible development with coastal protection is more important now than ever.
• This will reduce costs for duplicative fees and lower overall development costs.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Court Reporters Board and the California Law Revision Commission, each approved by roll call vote. The chamber then considered SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, public trails, and resilience, while one senator argued the commission can overrule local control and slow development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with broad support focused on survivor advocacy and accountability, and SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, which passed unanimously. Several bills were then approved on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement, SB 930 on encryption for school exam proctoring, SB 917 on winery sales at farmers’ markets, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissals, and SB 969 on remote developmental services. Later, SCR 131 called for an urgent, coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness, emphasizing interim shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Supporters said the state must stop normalizing encampments and better coordinate resources; one senator objected that the resolution did not sufficiently address self-sufficiency or alternatives to housing-first approaches. The resolution passed 34-0. The Senate also adopted SCR 157 honoring school bus drivers, approved the consent calendar, heard committee announcements, and adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, a conservation advocate and longtime executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Transcript Highlights:

• For developers, this has real economic impacts.
• <00:08:05.280> For<00:08:05.599> developers,<00:08:06.319> this<00:08:06.560
• For developers, this has real as well.
• For developers, this has real economic<00:08:07.680> impacts.
• , it may not be manageable for developers, it may not be manageable for them.<00:08:18.879> What

Bills: HB69, HB114, HB161

Keywords: firearms, possession, Class 1 municipalities, criminal penalties, federal law, stolen firearms, prohibited persons, HB114, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, dental board, dental licensing, dentist regulation, professional licensing, occupational licensing, healthcare regulation, licensure board, state agency continuation, agency sunset review

Transcript Highlights:

• However, it is often overlooked that there are also large pockets of more developed areas that are also
• <00:02:19.680> pockets<00:02:20.080> of<00:02:20.319> more<00:02:20.640> developed
• <00:02:21.120> areas large pockets of more developed areas large pockets of more developed
• I think the goals of, you know, developing broadband, you know, when you start adding computer access
• So I think that's why the development.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• course they're the ones that developed course they're the ones that developed the<01:10:22.920><
• <01:42:15.760> of you know and I think the development of you know and I think the development
• We look at chemical controls, we develop biocontrols, and we also develop methods of treating these pests
• biocontrols we also controls we develop biocontrols we also develop<01:45:44.639> methods<01:
• with the other agencies developed with the other agencies developed invasive<01:52:13.400> P<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Phonemic development is still the way to go.
• Phonemic development is students well.
• ,<02:07:29.440> Tourism, from the Economic Development, Tourism, from the Economic Development
• From Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor, House Bill 692, an act relating to data privacy.
• The Economic Development, Labor, and Tourism Committee will be meeting tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been very critical for our development.
• We've supported 65 development teams.
• <00:59:52.079> export<00:59:52.480> them develop them here and export them develop them
• A good analogy is like an development.
• <01:08:59.679> and cool idea, but how developed and cool idea, but how developed and competitive

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this as your IEP development system. this as your IEP development system.
• When you talk about the IEP development When you talk about the IEP development system,<00:21:45.919
• that IEP that's developed we have from that IEP that's developed we have the<00:22:04.240> financial
• points that come out of that development points that come out of that development of<00:22:09.840
• Nessus as their IEP development system. Nessus as their IEP development system.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met for its third discussion on special education aid under retained bill 742, with the chair noting that no action would be taken at the meeting. The chair reviewed prior hearings on Medicaid and local special education funding shortfalls, saying the committee was trying to understand why districts are facing proration of special education aid and how to reduce unfunded costs. He raised a series of questions for the Department of Education about the Nessus system, eligibility and ineligibility, invoices and vouchers, audit procedures, reimbursement rates, out-of-state placements, and who enters data at the district level. Rebecca Fdet, director of special education services at the Department of Education, explained that Nessus is the statewide special education information system and that every child in special education must be entered into it. She said most districts use it to develop IEPs and track services, while six districts use it only as a data reporting tool. She described which fields are required, how the system connects IEP development to the financial section, and how districts submit invoices when seeking special education aid, court-ordered placement payments, or episode-of-treatment placements. She said the department reviews invoices against the IEP, pays only for allowable services, and uses a cap that notifies districts when they reach the annual limit. Members asked about who submits the information, how districts decide when to seek aid, and how costs are calculated for individual or group services. Fdet said the district, usually an administrative assistant in the SAU office, submits the documentation electronically, and districts decide when to track students for aid based on their own circumstances. She said reimbursement is based on actual costs tied to the IEP, with group services split among students, and that the department does not generally set rates for local services. The only rate-setting she described was for approved private special education providers, which submit annual cost spreadsheets for tuition rates. She also said out-of-state providers must be approved by their own state, and the department checks licensure and certification through monitoring and investigations if concerns arise. The department also described its monitoring process, called Program Approval and General Supervision Monitoring, or PAGS. Fdet said districts are reviewed on a six-year cycle, with more intensive review for districts needing assistance or intervention and fewer file requests for districts meeting requirements. She said the department can review up to 65 data points on an IEP and that districts must submit special education aid paperwork by July 31, with superintendent verification due by August 15. The meeting ended with continued questions about procurement, audit procedures, and how the department handles out-of-district and out-of-state placements.

Transcript Highlights:

• state came together to develop state came together to develop actionable<00:04:45.759> solutions
• <00:20:43.600> of and it modeled the development of and it modeled the development of tropical
• <00:30:34.760> Le planning and sustainable development Le planning and sustainable development
• <00:47:24.960> has planning and sustainable development has planning and sustainable development
• <01:21:53.679> is really um exciting new development is really um exciting new development

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What can be to economic development.
• :45:10.320> state economic development leaders, no state economic development leaders, no state
• of a CDFI economic development lender. of a CDFI economic development lender.
• So we're looking to develop economic development in the North Country, but not through these bills.
• We're looking to develop economic development in the North Country, but not through these bills.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:18.560> in then also involved in development in then also involved in development in
• <01:10:28.159> new is they were wanting to develop new is they were wanting to develop new
• to be in all aspects of development to be in all aspects of development planning<01:10:49.640>
• do yeah I mean you know is the developer do yeah I mean you know is the developer going<01:25:31.840
• <01:25:38.840> would dollar y would you as a developer would dollar y would you as a developer

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:20.959> Machining fixtures and developing Machining fixtures and developing Machining
• category of research and development category of research and development even<00:11:51.920>
• market research and development market research and development Investments<00:12:25.440> are
• <00:17:07.039> and credit offsets the cost to develop and credit offsets the cost to develop
• <01:47:36.800> a develop a develop a problem<01:47:38.880> and<01:47:39.880> we<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about some of the expenditures for development.
• There are always many programs that can be developed.
• There are always many programs that can be developed.
• The TCA funds multiple programs that develop skills. Mr.
• I'm the development director at...

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1328 creates a statewide standard for solar property assessment so that developers will know what
• I'm John Redling Schaefer, Senior Tax Counsel for Advantus, a San Diego-based solar energy development
• business with approximately 10 gigawatts of utility-scale solar under development in California.
• Typically, solar developers sell electricity to California utilities via 20-year agreements, the price
• of which is based on development cost, including in large part property tax.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee heard a long agenda of tax and housing measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform, predictable statewide method as the current solar property tax exclusion sunsets, while county assessors and local county representatives opposed it as a departure from market-based valuation that would reduce assessed values and local revenue. The committee also heard SB 1406, which would target the so-called Montana loophole used to avoid California vehicle taxes and fees; it drew support from CTA and no formal opposition. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call after committee votes. The consent calendar was also adopted and placed on call. The committee then took up several tax relief and wildfire-related measures. SB 984 would conform California law to the federal tipped-income deduction; restaurant, taxpayer, and enrolled agent representatives supported it, and the committee approved it 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters included the Town of Truckee and the California Association of Realtors, while members raised questions about cost and interaction with Prop. 98, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1118 would provide a tax credit for backup generators or solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author and supporters framed it as a resilience measure, but committee members questioned the use of taxpayer funds, diesel generators, and the benefit relative to cost. The bill was not advanced in the portion of the transcript provided. Later, the committee heard SB 1249, a narrowly targeted senior deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, supported by LeadingAge California and the California Senior Legislature; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1424 would extend a partial sales and use tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, including charging and hydrogen stations; it received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1113 would conform California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies; maritime industry witnesses supported it as a competitiveness and national security measure, while ILWU opposed it over the estimated general fund impact, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1137 would expand the medical expense deduction for lower-income taxpayers, and SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing; both were presented with support from advocacy and local government witnesses, with assessors and housing stakeholders seeking amendments on SB 1415. The transcript ends before final action on SB 1415 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• on what is **75,000 acres** of land that is ready for development.
• On the professional development side, I... Want to acknowledge our colleague, Mr.
• And I know there are other professional development investments that are worthwhile.
• I also have an Educator Workforce Bill to provide pre-development costs because I think we...
• We can never develop it as fast as our ideas and our needs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, right now the interstate was going to be commercial development for them, and we've got a bunch
• of the land at one of the major exits that they can't develop commercially. >> Senator, is that the
• because there's not a cleared developed because there's not a cleared up<00:11:23.519> who<00
• for them and and we've got a development for them and and we've got a bunch<00:11:44.399> of<
• exit that they can't develop exit that they can't develop commercially. commercially. commercially

Bills: SB337, HB520, HB75, SB337, HB520, HB75

Keywords: SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, discrimination, immunization, facial coverings, healthcare rights, religious convictions, civil rights, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• Chitten Southeast District, Senator Rahm Hinsdale, for the report of the committee on economic development
• <00:09:52.240> which committee on economic development which committee on economic development
• on economic development. on economic development.
• The question is, shall the resolution be amended as recommended by the Committee on Economic Development
• Are you ready on Economic Development?

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• development tax credit from 27 to 75%. development tax credit from 27 to 75%.
• <00:49:59.720> in discourage research and development in discourage research and development
• And so the developers came in. We wanted development. We wanted to have that revenue.
• And so the developers came in. We wanted development. We wanted to have that revenue.
• And so the developers came in. We wanted development. We wanted to have that revenue.

Keywords: 927, senate, all