Transcript Highlights:

• Occasionally, big money in politics actually buys legislation.
• But far more often, big money in politics is blocking legislation.
• It doesn't apply to legislative races, first of all.
• But when you request, when you get the... “Receive your mail.
• But when you request, when you get the request from the registrar of voters, our verifying your address

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up eight agenda items, including four consent bills. The committee first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 280, SB 621, SB 851, and SB 852, all moving forward without objection. The committee then heard several bills from Senator Umberg focused on election administration and campaign finance, along with SB 408 on voter-roll maintenance. SB 249 would require county board of education elections to be consolidated with the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, argued this would increase turnout and make those elections more representative; opponents, including Orange County education officials, argued it would override local control, increase costs, and add ballot fatigue. The bill passed 5-2 and was re-referred to the Committee on Education. SB 398 would make it a crime to pay or offer contingent payments or other valuable consideration to induce voting or voter registration, closing what supporters described as a loophole involving lotteries and incentives. It passed 5-0 as amended and was re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety. SB 42 would remove the state ban on public financing for campaigns in general law cities and counties, allowing local voters to decide whether to adopt such systems. Supporters from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and many local advocates said it would broaden participation and reduce the influence of big money; opponents raised concerns about taxpayer funding, guardrails, and local oversight. The bill passed 5-2 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 408 would require election officials to use U.S. Postal Service change-of-address data to help maintain voter rolls; supporters said it would improve accuracy and trust in elections, while one commenter questioned reliance on postal data. The bill passed unanimously 6-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. The committee then completed the remaining roll calls and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That inclusion matters and appropriately recognizes tribes as governments.
• A fiscal note has been requested but is not yet available.
• This is the top priority for both WASA and WASBO this legislative session.
• legislation to ensure the continued operation of schools.
• , every building could be mapped appropriately.

Bills: SB5992, SB5918, SB5951, SB6042, SB5952, SB5961, SB5969

Keywords: youth development, funding, positive programs, youth services, community programs, school funding, education, supplies, operating costs, K-12 education, albuterol, access, public schools, private schools, healthcare, school safety, emergency preparedness, mapping, local education policies, curriculum requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:18.640><c> issuer</c> determines the appropriate issuer determines the appropriate issuer
• </c> uh listed in the grant appropriation uh listed in the grant appropriation language<00:39:17.760>
• 20.520><c> costs</c> language Andor um uh appropriate costs language Andor um uh appropriate costs as
• </c> the the dollars that we've appropriated the the dollars that we've appropriated to<00:53:49.319>
• general fund money um it's appropriated general fund money um it's appropriated<01:17:51.880><c> to<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the very last thing is that we keep seeing the legislation.
• On page three, it's our request, as Austin and Jacob have both stated.
• So I know that 2 million seems like a big request and.
• Madam Chair, I was with a number of legislators down on the U.S.
• And for FY27, the board is requesting a non-recurring special appropriation under contracts to modernize

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• request your aye vote.
• So in this legislative...
• I respectfully request your aye vote on AB 2141. Thank you. Thank you.
• The motion was due pass to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Archileta. to Senate Appropriations. Wahab? Aye. Wahab, aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> department of health's testimony request department of health's testimony request um<00:15:38.560
• WHAM in the monies requested WHAM in the monies requested by<00:19:23.760><c> the</c><00:19:24.000><c
• So, it needs to be spent towards the cannabis industry. appropriation language in which case appropriation
• </c> reviewing the types of legislation reviewing the types of legislation coming<00:24:51.919><c> before
• We are also going to add in two appropriation languages.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you should pieces of legislation.
• two appropriation sessions Beginning two appropriation sessions ago,<00:09:36.480><c> the</c><00:09:
• So appreciate the legislation. lights. So appreciate the legislation.
• I think the six-month request is reasonable and not a request of additional funds, but a reasonable request
• I think the six-month request is reasonable and not a request of additional funds, but a reasonable request

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation would fill that gap.
• This legislation would fill that gap.
• This legislation would fill that gap.
• </c> Forbes and I'm senior legislative Forbes and I'm senior legislative counsel<00:09:04.959><c> at<
• A roll call having been requested. >> Okay. A roll call having been requested.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Journey with this legislative support in Journey with this legislative support in August<00:17:17.760
• Slide the legislation provided the 13.5 Slide the legislation provided the 13.5 million<00:35:06.079>
• <c> year</c> legislator appropriated in fisical year legislator appropriated in fisical year 2024<00:
• </c> state investment or state appropriation state investment or state appropriation increased<00:52:
• </c> coming up with what a appropriate coming up with what a appropriate settlement<01:01:40.799><c>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this legislation is attempting to put those guidelines in place.
• So my legislative, my legislative...
• other related pieces of legislation, one of them from you.
• And thank you for the co-author request.
• When appropriate, I'd like to move the bill.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely in support and some opposition on a few measures. AB 458 would direct the Department of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to develop model procurement guidelines for state purchases of firearms, ammunition, and accessories so agencies avoid vendors that violate gun laws; law enforcement and San Francisco representatives supported it, and members discussed adding oversight and vetting. AB 1729 would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans for return-to-office decisions and restoring public reporting on telework savings; supporters cited cost savings, productivity, climate benefits, and worker flexibility, while the author clarified it would not alter collective bargaining under the Dills Act. AB 1754 would require post-completion reporting on bond-funded programs’ goals and outcomes; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure, while counties and water agencies opposed it unless amended, warning of added bureaucracy, delays, and litigation risk. AB 1841 would create a paid state holiday recognizing California Native American Day, and AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California’s first peoples and install a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; both drew strong tribal and labor support and broad committee praise, with members emphasizing education, historical acknowledgment, and healing. AB 2211 would allow craft distillers to operate a satellite room and use certain alcohol modifiers on premises, and AB 1991 would authorize wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries to conduct sensory tastings for research with guardrails; both had industry support, with AB 1991 drawing one opposition voice from Alcohol Justice. AB 1578 would require elected officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing sexual harassment training; it drew sharp First Amendment objections from opponents and mixed committee views, but the motion to send it to Appropriations passed on a recorded vote. The committee also heard AB 1807, which would bar state-owned property from being used for federal immigration enforcement operations; the author and supporters argued it would protect communities and prevent state complicity in federal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last one is the legislative appropriations. We saw that come into us approximately 2018.
• So those are grants that have been appropriated through the legislative process.
• We've seen a lot of matches with a lot of these legislative appropriations, but we've also seen what
• At this point in time, yes, we have not included any legislative budget requests.
• At this point in time, yes, we have not included any legislative budget requests.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, then returned to its ongoing budget workshop with the Department of Management Services. DFS’s Division of Risk Management described its role as the state self-insurance fund, covering about 200,000 employees and 27,000 vehicles, paying roughly $150 million in claims last year, and managing a pilot ETS treatment program for veterans and first responders that had 49 patients and 804 treatments as of the latest report. The Division of State Fire Marshal outlined its fire prevention, training, emergency response, and grant programs, including hurricane deployments, the Florida State Fire College, and several capital and grant requests for roof, courtyard, memorial, and equipment needs. The Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation explained how it handles insolvent insurers under Chapter 631, currently administering 14 estates with $1.2 billion in assets and $3.7 billion in liabilities, and said no new receiverships had been opened since February 2023. Members asked about grant backlogs, fire truck procurement delays, memorial repairs, and whether affiliate transfers were occurring in insurer liquidations. Secretary Griffin then updated the committee on DBPR’s implementation of House Bill 1021 on community associations. He said the department had used the new authority to expand education, complaint handling, and ombudsman services, including 10 free standardized courses, a new condo website, and a four-hour board certification course that had already drawn more than 12,000 attendees. He reported that outreach to condominium communities had increased by more than 60%, that complaint filings were up 39% while jurisdictional dismissals dropped to 11%, and that about 81% to 82% of the 65 new positions had been filled. Members pressed him on whether the department had enough authority and funding, how condominium counts are determined, how self-reported structural integrity reserve study data is verified, and whether more public-facing complaint tracking and better reporting from local governments or developers would improve the system. The committee then resumed questioning Secretary Allende of DMS about outstanding budget and operations issues. Members focused on the delayed People First contract extension required by statute, with the secretary saying the delay involved technical and contractual complexity in moving a legacy hard-coded system to the cloud. They also revisited the state data team and data catalog project, asking why a statutory 2022 deadline had not been met, how the four-person team and broader data staff were organized, how many applicants were considered for key positions, and what each role was doing. The secretary said the catalog work was being simplified into six metadata fields and supported by a broader community of practice, but no firm completion date was given during the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's the recheck request process that I went on—millions of recheck requests.
• Chairman: There's no appropriation attached to the bill.
• Additional requests to speak? Mr.
• Request to speak? I believe that's it. Seeing no additional requests to speak, Mr.
• But you can request the information if you want it.

Summary: The committee began with member, page, and staff introductions, then heard reminders about public testimony limits and moved to bills. House Bill 2016 would remove late-filing penalties from taxpayers who owe zero tax. The sponsor argued it was a fairness measure that would spare small businesses and individuals from automatic penalties for paperwork only. Members generally supported the bill, though one member noted the Department of Revenue already has waiver authority and another raised a fiscal-impact question. The bill passed 8-1 with a due pass recommendation; the lone no vote said current law already allows case-by-case waivers and that an automatic exemption could weaken compliance. The committee then took up House Bill 2104, which would bar county assessors from reclassifying agricultural property for four years after a taxpayer wins an appeal, unless there is a change in use, split, or ownership. The sponsor and supporters from the cattle and farm/ranch community said some owners repeatedly win appeals only to face the same fight the next year, creating unnecessary cost and instability. County Assessor Eddie Cook, speaking for the county assessors, opposed the bill, saying assessors must protect compliance and fairness, that some owners do not meet ag requirements, and that the State Board of Equalization is not the final avenue because further appeals are available. The State Board’s acting chairman said the board is neutral, receives annual training, and applies the law as written. After extensive debate, the bill passed 5-4 with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2105, which would require advance notice of certain property inspections and provide inspection reports to property owners. Supporters said the bill would give owners a chance to be present and better understand why agricultural status was denied, helping avoid disputes before appeals. Assessor Cook opposed the measure, saying assessors already send notices, use door hangers and business cards, and can share inspection information on request, but there is no standard inspection report and the added mailing burden would be costly. Members also raised concerns about the lack of an appropriation and the absence of a standardized form. The bill was moved for a due pass recommendation, but the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• changes that appropriately balanced consumer protection with the availability and continuity of patient
• clinical boundaries, and ensuring care is delivered appropriately and safely in health care settings
• clinical boundaries, and ensuring care is delivered appropriately and safely in health care settings
• It is effective, proportionate, transparent, and aligned with legislative intent.
• This statement was recorded and shared with legislative staff.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And not only legislative process.
• And then in Roman VI, it goes on to say, HHS shall incorporate in its biennial appropriation request
• </c><02:12:18.960><c> request</c><02:12:19.440><c> an</c><02:12:19.679><c> amount</c> bianial appropriation
• request an amount bianial appropriation request an amount necessary<02:12:20.560><c> to</c><02:12:20.800
• </c> budget appropriate, you know, proposal. budget appropriate, you know, proposal.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . legislation. legislation.
• </c><00:47:59.520><c> And</c><00:47:59.720><c> so,</c><00:48:00.280><c> uh</c> legislative appropriation
• And so, uh legislative appropriation.
• We cannot run the program another year without a legislative appropriation. >> Okay.
• We urge legislators to encourage MDH and MPCA to move ahead with the stakeholder process to develop appropriate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have any legislation now other than legislation that needs to be third read or final read.
• Please move the Appropriations Committee amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I recommend the Appropriations Committee amendment be adopted.
• I recommend that the Appropriations Committee amendment be adopted. Thank you.
• We voted on a piece of legislation today that helps them.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, a reminder that all draft bills and capital outlay requests must be received by Legislative Council
• She experienced her first legislative session in 1990. She's diehard.
• Introduction of legislation. The reader to read.
• Senate Memorial 7, introduced by Senator Figueroa, a memorial requesting the New Mexico Legislative Council
• Senate Memorial 9, introduced by Senator Pope, a memorial requesting the Legislative Finance Committee

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As legislators, it is our responsibility to advance legislation that furthers the intent of Californians
• Does the Legislature need to tell you explicitly what is appropriate and not appropriate for children
• More appropriately on the illegal market.
• So you've got a product with the appropriate warnings on it.
• This is not a request to weaken protections. It is a request to make them enforceable.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on products that may be attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on complaints rather than pre-market review. The audit found disagreements with DCC’s conclusions in 13 of 80 packaging reviews, and noted weaknesses in tracking repeat violators and escalating penalties. The auditor recommended clearer statutory standards, better internal review tools, stronger repeat-offender policies, and consideration of options such as plain packaging or pre-approval systems. Committee members and the audit requester emphasized rising cannabis poison-control calls involving children under five and cited examples of legal products with cartoon imagery, bright colors, candy-like names, and beverage packaging that resembled ordinary drinks. DCC representatives said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized review team, improved databases, enhanced technology tools, and new procedures to track compliance history and apply progressive discipline. They also stressed that illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp remain major sources of youth exposure and argued that some issues require both regulatory refinement and more legislative clarity. Public health witnesses argued that California has not done enough to protect children and urged plain packaging, limits on flavors and child-appealing design, and a pre-market review process. Industry representatives agreed that cannabis should not be marketed to children but said the current rules are too subjective and inconsistent, and asked for objective, bright-line standards rather than broader bans. Several members said the examples shown were plainly child-appealing and called for stronger statutory guardrails, while also acknowledging the need to keep pressure on the illicit market. No formal vote or action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, it's going to appropriations.
• It has also passed Appropriations Committee.
• We are in support of this legislation.
• are properly addressed and appropriately the man. ...of bullying are properly addressed and appropriately
• But I do believe that what the legislation says is that a school can require a parent... ...the legislation

Bills: HR249, HR251, HB395, HB902, SB83, SB132, SB157, SB338, SB450, SB484, SB501, SB507

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, content standards, K-12 education, public schools, curriculum, digital literacy, computer science, STEM, technology education, student privacy, ethical AI, workforce development, future-ready workforce, instructional resources, education policy, school standards, Louisiana education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> banual budget appropriations for that. banual budget appropriations for that.
• At the request of the Basher administration, the General Assembly appropriated critical funds to sustain
• </c> requested or directed by DJJ leadership. requested or directed by DJJ leadership.
• DJJ appropriations are tracked internally, individually to each facility, and maintenance requests have
• </c> 2025 legislative sessions. 2025 legislative sessions.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Approve Minutes from July 10, 2025- 00:02:41 Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System Testimony- 00:03:38 Investment of State Funds- 00:46:13 Department of Juvenile Justice Update- 1:11:34 Adjournment- 1:54:08, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet. Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders. Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.