Transcript Highlights:

• and profiling local communities that were in and around some of the venues. ...local communities that
• our local communities.
• our local communities.
• , and 11,932 in large... ...in rural communities and 11,932 in low-wealth communities.
• But I also think that when we're talking about disadvantaged communities, we're talking about communities

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development on the state’s Jobs First economic development strategy and related budget requests. Go-Biz described its regional planning process, priority sectors such as ag-tech, space defense, life sciences, and semiconductors, and requests including an extension of the CalCompetes tax credit, support for export promotion, additional film commission staff, innovation and emerging technology capacity, and a California brand campaign. Members questioned the campaign’s purpose, with some supporting efforts to counter misinformation about California and others warning it should not obscure regulatory and business-climate concerns. Go-Biz said the campaign would be nationally focused, could include business attraction efforts, and was intended to complement—not replace—policy work on permitting and workforce development. The item was informational only. The committee then heard from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate on the California RISE program, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and the Technical Assistance Program/Capital Infusion Program. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first round awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, which collectively increased revenue, secured contracts, and employed thousands of people facing barriers to work; a second round is being launched with a new administrator and expanded services. For the performing arts payroll fund, the office said all 100 awardees had been paid, but demand far exceeded available funding, and the program was oversubscribed within days. California for the Arts testified that the sector remains fragile after COVID and urged statutory changes to simplify eligibility and stretch dollars further. SBDC representatives described TAP/SIP as a statewide network supporting small businesses, capital access, and disaster recovery, emphasizing their role in underserved communities and the leverage of federal matching funds. Committee members focused on whether these programs produce durable outcomes and reach smaller or disadvantaged businesses. Questions centered on long-term job retention in California RISE, outreach to ethnic and community media in the civic media program, and whether TAP/SIP are accessible to entrepreneurs with limited capital or capacity. CalOSBA and its partners said they rely heavily on local community organizations for outreach, provide one-on-one counseling and training, and are working to collect more longitudinal data. The committee also discussed the film and television tax credit program, for which Go-Biz requested funding for three permanent positions and ongoing program support. Film Commission staff said the expanded program is tracking demographic and career-pathway data, with most productions opting into new diversity provisions, and that a formal report to the Legislature is expected in 2027. The item concluded without a vote, as the hearing was for oversight and budget discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:54.400><c> and</c> visit and and go to your communities and visit and and go to your communities
• uh to the tourism to the community uh to the tourism Community<00:13:34.440><c> uh</c><00:13:34.600>
• , uh, to the tourism community.
• </c> continue to work with local communities continue to work with local communities to<00:25:29.640>
• </c><00:35:49.520><c> as</c> the financial impacts to communities as the financial impacts to communities

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and that they're required to get to know our communities.
• You must talk to the community.
• You must talk to the community.
• outreach and community engagement.
• I think that as a... ...for community outreach and community engagement.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Economic Development

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The IDD community and the community setting deserve the same level of wage for their attendants because
• TXANA is a non-profit community center.
• they come from the community.
• It is something for our community, not just in the IDD community, but also for those who don't have IDD—those
• , and also make our communities healthier.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

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:

• So today if you're a subscriber to a community solar project, If you're a subscriber to a community solar
• We are a community solar developer with over 1.3 gigawatts of community solar projects nationwide, and
• But the bill is the cornerstone of community solar.
• Community solar is entirely different from third-party suppliers.
• community solar capacity across 1,000 projects in 16 states.

Bills: SB9

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action. The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee. At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• This Senate file would rename the Minnesota Community Solar Garden Program as the Melissa Hortman Community
• Minnesota’s groundbreaking Community Solar Garden Program as the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden
• Does the PSC have the authority to regulate community solar?
• Does the PSC have the authority to regulate community solar?
• Does the PSC have the authority to regulate community solar?

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Investing in communities, I think, has a greater return both... ...in communities, I think, has a greater
• We do it because it's a genuine love of our community.
• And community support is also critical.
• is highest and invest in those communities.
• is highest and invest in those communities.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability. The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action. The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrew Martinez, the Community College League of California.
• So the dollars stay within our community college space.
• I know some San Diego community colleges were talking about it as well.
• I chair the Select Committee on Community Colleges, the hub of the community, and we had a select committee
• I chair the Select Committee on Community Colleges, the hub of the community, and we had a select committee

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is one of California's greatest community assets to have a vibrant diaspora community.
• They also come from the Armenian tech community.
• We are one of America's largest Armenian communities.
• and business community.
• and business community.

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange focused on strengthening California-Armenia ties through trade, investment, education, culture, and diplomacy. Chair Harabedian and Assemblymember Caloza opened by emphasizing the importance of the Armenian-American community in California and the committee’s goal of expanding opportunities for business, job creation, cultural preservation, and academic exchange. The Republic of Armenia’s ambassador and the Armenian Consul General both described Armenia as a growing strategic partner for California, highlighting recent peace and connectivity developments, Armenia’s diversification strategy, and the role of the Armenian diaspora in linking the two places. The first panel featured Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Go-Biz trade specialist Trisha Utterback. Kounalakis reviewed the 2019 California-Armenia framework agreement and the opening of the California trade and services desk in Yerevan, noting growth in academic ties and California’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Utterback outlined Go-Biz’s trade and investment programs and reported that California-Armenia two-way trade has more than doubled since 2019, with exports rising sharply; she cited examples of California companies expanding into Armenia and Armenian businesses seeking California opportunities. Members asked about future priorities, and panelists pointed to tech, clean energy, agriculture, and continued outreach through trade and investment programs. A second panel centered on Glendale’s role as a gateway for the partnership. Mayor Ara Najarian described Glendale’s large Armenian-American population, the Armenian American Museum, sister-city relationships, and the city’s role in cultural and economic diplomacy, while also raising concerns about Artsakh, displaced Armenians, detainees, and discrimination against Armenian Americans. Vahe Kozoyan of ServiceTitan shared his company’s growth from a Glendale startup to a global firm with major operations in Armenia, and Armina Galstian of SmartGate VC and Hero House Glendale described a California-Armenia innovation corridor supporting startups, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and neuroscience. Committee members discussed how the state can further support the partnership through investment, delegation visits, education, innovation hubs, and ensuring Armenian-owned businesses are not excluded from supplier diversity and anti-discrimination protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will stand with Black communities.
• The LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith.
• The LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith.
• We're talking about communities, communities where the nearest hospital may be 90 minutes to two hours
• So this funding will go to small communities, rural communities, and Planned Parenthood providers offering

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know what community college?
• This ensures aligned community communications, and that we're all putting resources on the table to support
• They'll work with CalSOAP and have teamed up with other community partners to go out into the community
• Additionally, we want to ensure that we engage with our community partners, community centers, community-based
• This creates fraud in our community colleges.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• John Street community.
• John community was one of two communities where a then-segregated Flint would welcome African American
• Jewel community center.
• Jewel community center.
• John Street Community Center.

Committee: Senate Transportation and Infrastructure

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met with a quorum present and adopted the June 16, 2026 minutes. The committee first took up House Bill 5644, which would allow nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to certify applications for disability windshield placards and disability license plates. The sponsor and witnesses from the nursing profession said the bill restores a practice that had worked for years, reduces delays and extra costs for patients, and improves access, especially in rural and underserved areas. A Department of State representative explained the issue arose after an Auditor General review found the statute was unclear. The bill was reported to the floor on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 791, which would designate a portion of I-475 in Genesee County as the St. John Street Community Memorial Highway. Senator Cherry and representatives of the St. John Street Historical Committee described the history of the St. John Street neighborhood in Flint, its displacement by urban renewal and highway construction, and the effort to memorialize the community’s cultural significance and trauma. No members asked questions, and the bill was reported to the floor unanimously, 10-0. House Bill 4415, previously heard by the committee, was also reported to the floor without further testimony. The committee then considered Senate Bill 959, which had a new S-2 substitute. Senator Klinefelt explained the substitute as a compromise that reorganizes rail detector regulations and changes distance and speed thresholds for Class 1, 2, and 3 rail lines. The substitute was adopted 10-0. After additional comments from Senator McBroom opposing the bill due to concerns about impacts on Upper Peninsula commerce and rail operations, the committee reported the S-2 version of Senate Bill 959 to the floor by a 6-4 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether communities like ours, communities of color, new Americans, and emerging voters are seen as equal
• and all the communities that you represent.
• such a strong community.
• Now I work and contribute to my community.
• We've got children that are used to the community, trained to be in the community, and to work and to

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Family and our community.
• It does a disservice not just to those communities, but to people outside of those communities.
• That is a community that is predominantly LGBTQ+ community.
• and community cultural events.
• It weakens our community fabric.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement guests, a Spina Bifida Week presentation, and a salute to the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Shoot team. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to floor consideration of Senate bills. Members passed several bills unanimously or near-unanimously after brief debate and, in some cases, floor amendments. CS/SB 590 clarified that changes to the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters of child abuse apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 required law enforcement autism-interaction training and allowed the blue-envelope program to be offered in electronic or physical form; it passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 addressed NICA’s actuarial soundness and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 expanded the Linking Industry to Nursing Education fund to broader health science programs and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 set baseline standards for memory care providers and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1030 revised recovery residence rules, including MAT-related provisions, and passed 168-0. CS/CS/SB 178 changed FHSAA rules so school coaches may use limited personal funds for student welfare with parent consent and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 422 barred use of ADS-B data for airport billing and passed 108-2. CS/CS/SB 598 modernized funeral, cemetery, and consumer services licensing and passed 111-0. The House also considered CS/CS/SB 1134, a controversial bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related official actions and contracting. Sponsor Rep. Black described broad prohibitions with numerous exceptions, while members asked about effects on observances, special events, parade participation, and local economic-vitality offices. Rep. Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing vague prongs, arguing the language was ambiguous and could chill local government action; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended. The chamber then moved into farewell remarks, including an extended address from Rep. Eskamani reflecting on her service, family, staff, constituents, and policy priorities, followed by remarks from the Speaker praising her energy and preparation. Rep. Overdorf also delivered farewell remarks highlighting his work on environmental policy, human trafficking, development regulation, property rights, and property taxes, with the Speaker commending his contributions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> do not simply pass through a community. do not simply pass through a community.
• Our community is more whole. We richer. Our community is more whole.
• . communities. communities.
• </c> community that he serves. community that he serves.
• </c> rental community. rental community.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item No. 4, Senate Communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate Communications?
• <00:20:23.720><c> and</c><00:20:24.000><c> Industry</c> community and Industry community and Industry
• <00:24:02.799><c> service</c> community service community service organizations<00:24:04.840><c> I</c
• </c> that I would like to see more Community that I would like to see more Community engagement<00:42
• </c> new information when I talk to community new information when I talk to community members<00:48:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's 27,000 lives who could be helping to protect our communities as active members in their community
• So that's 27,000 lives who could be helping to protect our communities as active members in their community
• They're pulling themselves away from their communities.
• They're pulling themselves away from their communities.
• , these narrow communities as defined?

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Although community colleges have become an integral part of California's higher education system, community
• But we've decided to make the Latino community the community that we're going to make an example. of.
• The Latino community, but the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, all of our immigrant communities
• , to be safe in our community.
• Palisades community. and the Manhattan Beach community who mourn him today.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill prioritizes community communities and climate equity.
• Minority communities, low-income communities, and indigenous communities.
• and the indigenous community.
• And the next one is a community benefit fund that has over $300 million in it for community.
• communities.

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Folks up at White Mountain Community Folks up at White Mountain Community College<00:14:05.519><
• We have that occurring in Franklin, and both of those communities are communities that I hear in the
• I</c><00:47:04.520><c> hear</c> communities are communities that I hear communities are communities
• </c><00:47:45.119><c> college</c> could come from the community college could come from the community
• your communities.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.