Transcript Highlights:

• This report is meant to serve as a resource for organizations and agencies working to reduce the number
• The grants are open to state agencies, higher education, nonprofits.
• Do you challenge or C-Step.
• A lot of challenges around CDL.
• For those in the audience, thank you for your time and patience, and for the agencies present.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth approved the December 10 minutes and confirmed Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee. The committee then heard the annual Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review report, which said the state reviewed 148 of 170 non-natural child deaths in 2023; the reviewed deaths included 69 accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined causes. Members asked about how the report’s recommendations could be used, grant opportunities tied to prevention work, and whether the data could be broken down by age; presenters said the report is intended as a prevention tool for agencies and nonprofits and that some age detail is available in later pages of the report. The committee next took up HCR 1010 and then a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Senator Missy Irvin, judges, and Administrative Office of the Courts staff described Arkansas’s use of validated risk assessments, including SAVRY, the Ohio Youth Assessment Tool, MAYSI, and substance-abuse screening, as part of a long-running effort to reduce juvenile incarceration and tailor services to individual youth and families. They said the reforms have contributed to fewer delinquency filings, fewer DYS commitments, and more diversions, while also emphasizing that mental health, substance abuse, school issues, and trauma often drive juvenile court involvement. Several members raised concerns about data gaps, school collaboration, and whether community-based services are sufficient, and presenters said more shared data and stronger school use of safety dashboards could help intervene earlier. Division of Youth Services Director Michael Crump then presented custody, education, recidivism, and cost data. He said DYS commitments rose after the pandemic, secure residential populations remain high, and detention-center use increased when intake beds filled; he also noted that DYS pays about $320 per day for secure custody and that detention beds cost roughly $90 to $100 per day. Crump said most youth in custody are older teens, about 80 percent are male, and many have behavioral-health needs or educational deficits; he reported 222 GEDs and 102 high school diplomas over six years. He also said about 15 to 19 percent of youth return to DYS within three years and that a larger share later enter the Department of Corrections, while members pressed him on how assessments relate to commitments, how low-risk cases are handled, and how to improve mental health and substance-abuse services statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certainly, even more so challenging in a correctional setting.
• I assume, like, I mean, was that compiled by your staffing agency, the nursing, the health care agency
• I assume, like, I mean, was that compiled by your staffing agency, the nursing, the health care agency
• They have borrowed staff from other state contracts, and they will bring in agency nursing.
• Fifteen nurses reported concerns with extremely challenging work conditions.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with other law enforcement agencies, both state and federal.
• There is no oversight by any agency when an ATM or point of sale skimmer is found.
• Currently there's no oversight by any agency when an ATM or point of sale skimmer is located.
• You know, she deals with challenging situations in her classroom.
• Uh, they're different, may not be harder or more challenging, but they're different.

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• </c> the Minnesota Pollution Control agency the Minnesota Pollution Control agency want<00:04:58.800>
• Neither of these options is desirable, given a couple of challenges.
• I can speak Pollution Control agency I can speak more<00:15:36.319><c> on</c><00:15:36.440><c> the</
• that are being created in the challenges that are being created in my<00:20:36.799><c> own</c><00:20

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law permits state agencies to conduct studies and training related to radiation control and waste
• Simply put, solar and storage are best positioned to help Texas meet its load growth challenge. challenges
• We've had those challenges. which is both in Pecan Plantation and in Hood County.
• I think the challenge is that you would never be able... ...to comply with this particular provision,
• Colleges and universities may be hours away, making it challenging to provide local students with the

Bills: SB913 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1143 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB2004 , SB2322 , SB2448

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Transcript Highlights:

• The 48-hour rule is one of the most critical challenges facing sheriffs across Minnesota.
• Because these challenges are complex, the solutions will be complex.
• The Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council is a state agency.
• They also share that daily activities have become challenging for them.
• The council is made up of state agencies and six community members from around Minnesota.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> cannot only come from a single agency cannot only come from a single agency um<00:36:44.079><c>
• You know, we work with Wel kind of on her team a lot, and that's a constant challenge.
• , and so we're trying to help augment their education ability challenge. ...a constant challenge.
• </c> ...education ability challenge. >> Okay.
• I know the joys, I know the challenges of what it takes to be successful.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• What are your challenges?
• to communicate with the tribal agencies to come up with the proper MOU.
• All right, challenges, as you may imagine, as a community... All right.
• Challenges, as you may imagine, as a community college, we are open enrollment.
• It's a small agency right now. And I would like to see some flexibility given to Mr.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:51:13.160><c> challenges</c><00:51:13.680><c> getting</c><00:51:14.040><c> on</c> have challenging
• challenges getting on have challenging challenges getting on island<00:51:14.680><c> Healthcare</c><
• </c> our people have even more challenges our people have even more challenges getting<00:51:22.400><
• </c><01:30:13.679><c> how</c> conversation um amongst the agencies how conversation um amongst the agencies
• </c><02:09:28.760><c> or</c><02:09:29.040><c> the</c> the receiving agency or the the receiving agency

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is largely technical but state<00:12:11.760><c> agencies</c> state agencies state agencies um<00:12
• Specifically from state agencies about um where state from state agencies about um where state law<00
• Um, and those are just challenging.
• </c><01:08:10.400><c> to</c> something that are challenging to something that are challenging to quantify
• </c> to um mitigate the workload challenges to um mitigate the workload challenges at<01:36:43.440><c

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Rules and Administration Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability met on February 20, 2026, to hear from Minnesota Management and Budget State Budget Director Anna Mingi about federal funding changes affecting the state budget. Before testimony began, Senator Rasmusson objected to a draft committee report that had been prepared in advance of the hearing, arguing it was inappropriate to summarize testimony before it occurred. The chair responded that nonpartisan staff had prepared the draft from Mingi’s submitted presentation and could revise it after the hearing if needed. Director Mingi explained that federal dollars make up more than one-third of state spending and support about 650 federal awards totaling over $23 billion this year, with more than $15 billion supporting state entitlement programs. She said the federal funding environment had changed significantly since January 2025 through executive orders, pauses, terminations, new grant conditions, delayed awards, and the July 2025 passage of H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill. Her main focus was H.R. 1’s effects on health care and food assistance, including work requirements for some adults, changes to eligibility for legal non-citizens, limits on retroactive Medicaid coverage and directed payments, new limits on provider taxes, and SNAP changes that shift some benefit and administrative costs to the state and counties. She estimated H.R. 1 would reduce federal funds to state-administered programs by about $327 million in the current biennium and $1.6 billion in the next, with additional costs to hospitals, counties, and other partners beyond the budget horizon. Members asked follow-up questions about whether the estimates were relative to the forecast and whether federal Medicaid funding would still rise over time. Mingi said the estimates were based on the November forecast baseline and that Medicaid federal dollars would likely continue growing overall, though the law still creates significant losses relative to prior projections. Senator Rasmusson emphasized that point in remarks to the committee. The discussion then shifted to federal grant pauses and cancellations: MMB’s tracker showed about six awards on hold totaling roughly $491 million, 13 confirmed cancellations across areas including clean energy, education, food assistance, and public health, and additional threatened or litigated cuts not included in those totals. Mingi identified two canceled violence-prevention-related grants, including a FEMA public safety grant and a justice reinvestment grant, and noted that CDC had recently moved to cancel or seek cancellation of several Minnesota public health grants, including a $65 million public health infrastructure award.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> most</c><00:08:04.400><c> healthc</c> Our recent challenge which most healthc Our recent challenge
• that the agencies could remove.
• So we could agencies could remove.
• </c> shared service because these agencies shared service because these agencies depend<01:58:29.199>
• revenue and<02:05:08.480><c> inter</c><02:05:08.880><c> agency</c> and inter agency and inter agency

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That the OIG is not above the law and a rogue agency all by itself.
• Get this thing moving so that this new important agency can get stood up as quickly as possible.
• Get this thing moving so that this new important agency can get stood up as quickly as possible.
• Get this thing moving so that this new important agency can get stood up as quickly as possible.
• "So that this new important agency can get stood up as quickly as possible. Don't cut it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the agency... ...year, 25 canines have retired from the agency, so that's through age and just that
• The agency does, ma'am. Okay, because I heard what you said about mileage.
• Chair, co-chair, and Senators, please come visit the agency. Please come visit it.
• that, hey, there's a warrant that's out for somebody's arrest in another agency.
• This is now clearly understood as a systemic, not a one-off challenge.

Bills: HB2134 , HB2253 , HB2270 , HB2402 , HB2404 , HB2673 , HB2941

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, law enforcement, disciplinary action, administrative appeals, investigative files, due process, retaliation, county seal, law enforcement authority, sheriff's posse, public safety, county governance, ambulance services, certificate of necessity, emergency medical services, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• I like a good challenge. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.
• I wanted to share with you guys how we of agencies I'm going to go through.
• About the constitutionality of laws or executive actions being challenged.
• They are standalone nonprofits that support missions of agencies.
• They are standalone nonprofits that support missions of agencies.

Bills: S7010

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: Roth contributions, deferred compensation, retirement savings, Florida Statutes, tax benefits

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to take up SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield, which would authorize Roth post-tax contribution options in state and local deferred compensation plans. The bill was briefly explained, received one appearance in support, had no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended $117.4 billion “Floridians’ First Budget.” The presentation highlighted major spending areas including education, health care, public safety, transportation, environmental restoration, and economic development. Key proposals included increased FEFP funding for K-12 schools, teacher salary funding, higher education support, Everglades and water quality funding, emergency preparedness reserves, corrections staffing and pay increases, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, cybersecurity, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserve planning, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and expenditures, the use of federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facilities, the animal abuse hotline, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and the proposed reduction in ADAP eligibility for HIV/AIDS medication assistance. A member of the public also testified at length about concerns that the ADAP changes would harm access to life-saving medications and alleged improper shifting of program funds. Committee members and the presenter acknowledged follow-up questions on several items, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the favorable report on SB 7010 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not prohibit agencies from using AI.
• This bill does not prohibit agencies from using AI.
• They assume that it carries the judgment and accountability of a public agency.
• It does not tell agencies that they can't use this technology to work more efficiently.
• Other than that, I think that the agency has the authority to control their communication.

Summary: The Senate Governmental Organization Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2294, which would designate April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day in honor of the Mendez v. Westminster civil rights case. Assembly Member Ta and supporters from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and HACU described the case’s role in ending school segregation in California and influencing Brown v. Board of Education. Committee members from both parties spoke in strong support, and the bill was later approved 13-0. The committee also heard AB 2412, which would require state agencies to disclose when generative AI is used in public announcements and provide a way to reach a human employee. The author and California Civil Liberties Advocacy said the measure is about transparency and public trust, not banning AI. The bill was moved forward and ultimately passed 12-1. AB 2663, a sunset extension for the law allowing cocktails-to-go, drew support from the California Restaurant Association, a restaurant owner, and industry groups, who said it has helped small businesses and should continue; it passed 13-0. AB 2731 would expand the number of Type 47 liquor licenses available in Santa Cruz County, with licenses reserved for Watsonville and other communities to support small businesses and reduce inflated secondary-market costs. Supporters included Santa Cruz County and the city of Watsonville, and the bill passed 13-0. AB 2751 would standardize the personal importation limit for alcohol brought into California from outside the United States, addressing a disparity at land borders; it also passed 13-0. Several items were initially held on call because the committee lacked a quorum, but after members returned, the committee completed roll calls and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> online across the government each agency online across the government each agency was<03:46:20.680
• Federal agencies must act quickly when dealing with a cyber attack; the sooner a Federal agency knows
• Federal agencies must act quickly when dealing with a cyber attack; the sooner a Federal agency knows
• Federal agencies must act quickly when dealing with a cyber attack; the sooner a Federal agency knows
• </c> effective tool most federal agencies effective tool most federal agencies already<03:57:19.479><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've led the efforts to address the critical challenges facing our ports.
• AJR 14 seeks to call upon the federal agencies to consider the ramifications of the terrorist policies
• SB 781 would promote and enhance the utilization of small businesses in the local agency procurement
• I'm here today to present SB 263, it directs the California agency to conduct a study on the impacts
• I think it's a really creative approach to tackling some really, really big challenges that the state

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's weather is a perfect example of the challenges that we face.
• Today's weather is a perfect example of the challenges that we face.
• Today's weather is a perfect example of the challenges that we face.
• carrying out the operations of agency carrying out the operations of the<00:49:46.319><c> HISK.
• </c> the mechanisms in here are challenging the mechanisms in here are challenging for<01:16:08.159><

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know the challenge Of Arizona and the children that we love. We know the challenges are real.
• So I want to give the director of the agency more latitude.
• We have someone to testify to that today in the agency and outside of the agency.
• or a judge or... ...in writing that says that an agency or a judge or representative of those agencies
• You don't have different agencies; you don't have...

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And despite the fact that things may look kind of challenging to a certain ...some of the challenge that
• So that is a severe challenge for growers.
• One of the challenges we have in the U.S.
• Fight these challenges. Thanks.
• So if farmworkers here are experiencing challenges in Napa Valley, those challenges are felt even greater

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on California’s wine industry held its first meeting at Napa Valley College, with opening remarks from Chair Senator Christopher Cabaldon and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry emphasizing the wine industry’s importance to California’s economy, communities, and tourism. The chair said the hearing was intended to gather information and ideas, not to take legislative action that day, and to prepare for future work on legislation, budget, and oversight. The first panel focused on research and trends, with experts from Sonoma State, UC Davis, and Terrain describing a major structural downturn: falling wine production and sales, rising costs, labor shortages, housing pressures, changing consumer habits, tariffs, and the loss of younger consumers. They argued the industry needs to shift toward new-customer acquisition, more accessible products and messaging, evidence-based business decisions, and greater investment in research, education, and innovation, including work on disease, climate stress, and health-related consumer questions. Committee members pressed the panel on whether the industry’s future depends on adaptation by existing producers or market-driven consolidation, and on how California can reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining standards. Witnesses said the state’s universities are a “superpower” but are underfunded for wine research, especially on the business and regulatory side, and they urged review of outdated rules, better data collection, and more efficient compliance systems. They also discussed trade competitiveness, especially with imports and the collapse of exports to Canada after tariffs, and raised the need for transitional support for vineyard removals and replanting. The chair and majority leader emphasized that regulations should be evaluated for effectiveness and that California should use its research capacity to improve both industry practices and regulatory implementation. A second panel included representatives from growers, the Wine Institute, and family winemakers. Michael Miller of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers described a severe grower crisis: grapes left unpicked, vineyards abandoned or removed, falling vineyard values, and a need for relief on regulatory costs, trade barriers, water policy, and vineyard removal expenses. Honor Comfort of the Wine Institute focused on consumer outreach, especially younger drinkers, and described the Share Wine Co-Lab, an open-access marketing platform with research, webinars, case studies, and office hours to help wineries better reach Gen Z and millennials. Jane Lisa Tamayo of Family Winemakers of California was present but her remarks were largely garbled in the transcript. Committee members again stressed the need for education, better messaging, and caution about simplistic policy fixes, while also noting the importance of Canada as an export market and the risks of tariffs. The final panel addressed tourism, farmworker impacts, and water regulation. Visit Napa Valley CEO Lindsay Gallagher said Napa’s tourism economy remains relatively strong but is feeling the same international headwinds as the wine sector, including reduced Canadian visitation; she said Napa is broadening its message beyond wine to cuisine, wellness, and outdoor experiences. Sonia DeLuca of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation said declining sales and rising costs are reducing hours, wages, and training opportunities for farmworkers, and urged targeted relief, removal of barriers to sales, wage-loss support, and continued bilingual workforce training. She also said Napa’s workforce-development model is ready to support technology adoption if legal changes allow more automation. Finally, State Water Board official Annalisa Kihar gave an update on the Winery General Order, explaining that it was created in 2021 to streamline and standardize wastewater permitting, with tiered requirements and exemptions for very small wineries; she said 56 wineries have enrolled and 122 are under review, and that the board is working with industry and regional agencies to improve compliance support and flexibility.