Transcript Highlights:

• >> The tax amnesty program is definitely fueling the state revenue collection that we're seeing.
• >> The tax amnesty program is definitely fueling the state revenue collection that we're seeing.
• >> The tax amnesty program is definitely fueling the state revenue collection that we're seeing.
• >> The tax amnesty program is definitely fueling the state revenue collection that we're seeing.
• >> The tax amnesty program is definitely fueling the state revenue collection that we're seeing.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• 27:06.399><c> Vermilion</c><00:27:07.279><c> by</c><00:27:07.559><c> reducing</c><00:27:08.399><c> fuels
• </c> elely and Vermilion by reducing fuels elely and Vermilion by reducing fuels available<00:27:10.399
• and finally, protecting our local aggregate sources will cut project transportation costs, reduce fuel
• will cut project Transportation costs will cut project Transportation costs reduce<01:05:05.319><c> fuel
• consumption and lower carbon reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions<01:05:08.039><c> making

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• We're authorizing the service, and the provider is responsible for the delivery of the service.
• And we should not be mandating the delivery of telehealth. I'll take that.
• </c> continuous care, the delivery of care. continuous care, the delivery of care.
• mandating</c> And we should not be mandating And we should not be mandating the<00:33:03.320><c> delivery
• </c> the delivery of telehealth. the delivery of telehealth.

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the minutes and consent calendar, then moved to the regular calendar of administrative rules. Department of Energy rule 25-220 was postponed until June at the sponsor’s request so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules were then considered, including 25-240, 25-265, and 26-33, each of which drew staff comments mainly about expired rule provisions and the agencies’ reliance on federal law, the Medicaid state plan, or other manuals. The committee approved those rules after brief questions, with the agencies stating they were already operating under the relevant federal or state-plan authority and, in one case, that rulemaking was underway to update an expired citation. The most extended discussion was on HHS Bureau of Aging rule 25-304, which had an amended conditional approval request. Staff explained the amendments clarified how case management agencies accept or deny cases, how telehealth participation is evaluated, and that the department sets the timing for accepting or denying cases under its existing authority. Staff also noted a separate issue about whether reimbursement rates must be in rule, but said the agency had long interpreted the statute to allow its approach and that any change would likely require legislation rather than committee objection. A provider representative testified against parts of the rule, arguing the case management agencies should not be required to accept referrals before contacting the participant, that telehealth decisions for other providers should remain with those providers, and that the quality-management section was duplicative and burdensome. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language merely allowed case managers to say a service fit the client’s plan or instead gave them authority over another provider’s delivery method. The agency responded that case managers may determine what services an individual needs, but should not control how another licensed provider delivers those services. The discussion continued with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• currently today is, So currently today, is CalSTRS still investing some of your holdings in fossil fuels
• Yes, we are investing in fossil fuels, and we see that as a transition that is necessary.
• to occur because there, you know, if there were no investments outside of, if there are no fossil fuel

Transcript Highlights:

• currently today is, So currently today, is CalSTRS still investing some of your holdings in fossil fuels
• Yes, we are investing in fossil fuels, and we see that as a transition that is necessary.
• occur because there, um, You know, if there were no investments outside of, if there are no fossil fuel

Summary: The hearing focused on the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and several related budget proposals. Director D.D. Myers described the California Jobs First economic blueprint, regional planning efforts across 13 regions, and the state’s strategy to target sectors such as ag tech, space, life sciences, semiconductors, and emerging technologies. She also discussed the California brand campaign, export promotion, film tax credits, and the California Civic Media Fund, emphasizing job creation, regional equity, and business attraction/retention. Members raised questions about support for journalism, arts and creative industries, AI’s impact on jobs, foreign direct investment, manufacturing, tariffs, and how the Jobs First framework is being implemented across regions. Go-Biz then presented trailer bill language to extend the encumbrance deadline for remaining Jobs First administrative funds and to codify the Office of Regional Economic Development Initiatives. The department said $95 million of the $100 million Jobs First appropriation had already been deployed to grants for counties and tribes, and members asked for more information on regional outcomes, including Orange County and the North State. Public comment supported Jobs First and the Small Business Development Centers’ role in helping businesses access capital and create jobs. The committee also heard a request for ongoing CalExport funding to replace uncertain federal STEP support; the LAO noted the Legislature may want to weigh whether to backfill federal reductions, while Go-Biz argued the state program is needed because federal support appears unlikely to continue and demand exceeds available funding. The committee next heard the film and television tax credit staffing request. Go-Biz asked for funding for three permanent positions to manage the expanded program, and the LAO recommended approval given the increased workload. The Film Commission reported a sharp rise in applications after AB 1138 and the program expansion, with productions taking place both inside and outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone and activity spread across the state. Finally, Go-Biz presented a request for one permanent position and one graduate student assistant to support innovation and emerging technologies, including quantum and fusion. Members asked about the use of the state’s quantum funding, and staff explained it would support microgrants, state capacity-building, and workforce education. No formal votes were taken in the portions provided, and the chair indicated some items would be moved and heard later in the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• hydrocarbons, you know, the petrochem and not only the production of oil, but also the refining into fuels
• Charles Parish, a $1.4 billion project for biomass with a product for jet fuel that will go directly
• and the downstream as it relates to all things aerospace and defense, from critical minerals to jet fuels

Bills: HCR35 , HB440 , HB515 , HB543 , HB614 , HB1010 , HB1039 , HB1088 , HB1122 , HB1179 , HB1200

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: tax delinquency, property sale, rehabilitation, Louisiana State Law Institute, legislation, homestead exemption, property tax, parish governance, Louisiana Constitution, voter approval, adjudicated property, real estate, political subdivisions, property sales, government authority, residential lease, tax credit, property valuation, Louisiana constitution, disaster response

Transcript Highlights:

• enforce the provisions of the fire code of the County of Maui relating to fire hazards, brush clearance, fuel
• brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation<00:27:46.600

Bills: SCR56 , SCR25 , SCR79 , SCR179 , SCR181 , SCR182 , SR54 , SR22 , SR81 , SR174 , SR176 , SR177

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• creates regulatory chaos, and a huge cost to Minnesotans, particularly for higher food, beer, and fuels
• generation on my family farm, making my son and his kids the fifth and the sixth. higher food beer and fuels
• No, this is higher food beer and fuels.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said his biggest concern is wildfire, and that timber sales and harvest do a lot to remove fuels.
• He asked how the state would make up for reduced sales and reduced harvest so it can reduce fuel load
• be a market in eastern Washington that they would want to enter, doing forest health work, removing fuel

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2170, which would authorize DNR to enter ecosystem service and carbon contracts on state trust lands, and House Bill 2578, which would add tribal members and alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. For HB 2170, the Department of Natural Resources and supporters said the bill would diversify revenue, help meet climate goals, and allow DNR to participate in emerging carbon and ecosystem markets without necessarily eliminating timber harvest. Opponents, including counties, school districts, timber companies, loggers, and forest industry groups, argued the bill could reduce harvest levels, harm rural jobs and mill supply, and lower revenues for schools and other trust beneficiaries; several said any new authority should be limited to additive projects with stronger safeguards. Supporters included environmental groups and some local officials who said the bill would provide a more stable revenue stream and better align land management with climate and watershed benefits. The chair noted there are two related vehicles in committee, HB 1508 as the negotiated version and HB 2170 as the department version, and the public hearing on HB 2170 was closed after extensive testimony. For HB 2578, staff explained that the bill would add four tribal commissioner positions and four alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, with representation from federally recognized tribes on both sides of the Cascades and staggered terms. Prime sponsor Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the measure would strengthen co-management and the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes, while acknowledging there are other related bills and ongoing legal issues involving WDFW. The chair asked whether the bill would affect existing tribal consultation obligations, and Lekanoff said it would not replace government-to-government consultation; she also said she would follow up on how the governor would make appointments. The hearing on HB 2578 was then suspended so the committee could return to HB 2170 testimony. The committee also heard staff briefing and sponsor testimony on House Bill 2544, which would create a pilot process for the Upper Columbia River water rights adjudication. Staff said the bill would require Ecology to run the adjudication in two phases, starting with tribal and federal claimants and allowing time for settlement before bringing in other claims, with a report due by June 2035. Rep. Larry Springer said the bill is intended to establish a baseline of water use more efficiently in a process that can otherwise take decades. After the briefing and sponsor remarks, the committee began public testimony on the bill, with tribal representatives and other stakeholders queued to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our forests are overstocked not only with fire-prone fuels, but with potential.
• bioplant because the more we feed it, the more it's going to do good, and we're taking a lot of this fuel
• Not from a fossil fuel, not from a pollution perspective, but dirty power is power that'll fluctuate

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• growth attaching to the undersides of boats, which, if left unchecked, can significantly. effect vessel fuel
• Dixon mentioned, the benefits a couple paint are increased vessel efficiency, less drag, improved fuel
• Expanding this infrastructure will help California reduce its dependent on traditional fuels, improve

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides emergency labor and delivery training to EMS providers in rural communities.
• These centers provide choices to moms and are crucial to remain open as labor and delivery units close
• The bill provides emergency labor and delivery training to EMS providers in rural communities.
• I have been a nurse for nearly 30 years in high-risk labor and delivery.
• We have five care delivery sites across 26 towns, serving 30,000 residents.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• You handed something out, all right, so let's start with this fuel assistance because it's going — you're
• losing a significant amount of money there on fuel, yes?
• So if you're looking at the FY 2024 actuals in... uh yeah yeah let's start with this fuel uh yeah yeah
• 32:14.720><c> money</c> there<00:32:19.720><c> losing</c><00:32:20.000><c> on</c><00:32:20.159><c> fuel
• /c><00:32:21.240><c> I'll</c><00:32:21.360><c> have</c><00:32:21.480><c> Lenny</c> there losing on fuel

Summary: The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities. Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented. Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion. The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• relative to special education, and Senate Bill 454, an act relative to conducting a study on the delivery
• lot of concern with regard to its costs, but we should also be concerned about the method of its delivery
• Also be concerned about the method of its delivery.
• the committee have, and I look forward to continuing to work with you so that we can optimize the delivery

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing focused primarily on special education-related bills, with testimony centered on two major themes: transition planning for students aging out of school-based services at age 22, and the fiscal strain special education costs place on districts. Committee members explained hearing procedures, noted the House was in formal session, and periodically stepped out for votes while staff recorded testimony. A separate bill on special education due process was also taken up briefly, along with a bill on special education finance and another on equitable access/data reporting. On House Bill 752 and Senate Bill 313, witnesses from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, self-advocates, and Senator Comerford described the “Turning 22” transition as a crisis point that often leaves families without adult placements, services, or clear communication. Testimony emphasized earlier planning, more accountability, better data collection, and a commission to improve coordination and residential placement. Several parents and advocates shared personal accounts of traumatic transitions, delayed placements, and the need for plans to begin at least a year before age 22. The committee later closed testimony on these bills after hearing from all signed-up speakers. House Bill 4217, on special education due process, drew support from Representative Sullivan-Almeida, parents, and advocates who argued that the burden of proof should shift from families to school districts. Testimony described costly legal battles, delays, and parents having to become experts in reading instruction or hire advocates and attorneys to secure services. Brody Dwyer, a 10-year-old student with dyslexia, and his mother described how evidence-based instruction helped him after years of struggle. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 546/Senate Bill 317, which would require DESE to publish cross-tabulated data on race, disability, gender, income, and other factors; advocates said this would better expose disparities and help address the school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, on House Bill 691/Senate Bill 430, school leaders, educators, and union representatives testified that special education costs are outpacing district budgets and that increasing circuit breaker reimbursement and creating a commission to study long-term sustainability would help prevent staffing cuts and service reductions. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee repeatedly closed testimony on individual bills as speakers finished and moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• finally, the sunset on the committee itself is pushed to November 2nd, 2027, to coincide with the delivery
• 00:42:10.480><c> coincide</c><00:42:11.240><c> with</c><00:42:11.400><c> the</c><00:42:11.480><c> delivery
• </c><00:42:12.360><c> of</c><00:42:12.560><c> the</c> to coincide with the delivery of the to coincide
• with the delivery of the report<00:42:13.080><c> date.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you can replicate that model in this, you have an opportunity for efficiencies and a greater delivery
• provide for the controversy of compensation and medical benefits; to require certain notice and delivery
• The overall goal of the Workers' Compensation Act is to provide efficient delivery of benefits and medical
• That's designed to get them efficient delivery of medical treatment.

Committee: House Labor & Industrial Relations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 680 by Representative Weibel, which would modernize Louisiana’s workforce development system by consolidating strategy and administrative functions at the state level while preserving local input. After adopting two sets of technical amendments and a larger amendment package that added a transition advisory team, consultation requirements with local workforce partners, and other planning and governance changes, the committee heard extensive testimony from the author, the Secretary of Louisiana Works, parish and local workforce representatives, and a witness from Utah describing that state’s consolidation experience. Supporters said the bill would reduce overhead, direct more money to training and services, improve coordination, and better align workforce programs with regional labor needs, while several members pressed for assurances that local boards, parishes, cities, and small businesses would remain involved. The committee ultimately adopted the amendments and reported HB 680 favorably with amendments. The committee then heard House Bill 780 by Representative Furman, a workers’ compensation bill aimed at reducing litigation and speeding dispute resolution. After adopting technical amendments and a separate amendment set allowing authorized agents or attorneys to prepare certain notices, members also adopted a committee amendment deleting a statutory definition of “arbitrary and capricious” after concerns were raised that the language could create confusion or conflict with existing jurisprudence. The author and supporting attorneys argued the bill would restore an expedited preliminary determination process, create a single standard for attorney fees, and reduce costs for employers by limiting unnecessary litigation and delays. They said the changes would not affect an injured worker’s choice of physician or existing penalty provisions, and that the bill mainly addressed notice and dispute procedures. Opponents, including attorneys representing injured workers, argued the bill would make it harder for workers to recover penalties and attorney’s fees when benefits are delayed or denied, and said the new standard could favor insurers that are understaffed or slow to process claims. They also criticized the shift from reasonableness to a more restrictive standard and raised concerns about delayed payments and the lack of transparency around defense costs. After hearing testimony from both sides, the committee continued discussion of the bill with these issues still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• , 716, 491, 492, 548, and 863 delivered to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery
• Memorials 14, 16, and 13 will be referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery
• , 716, 491, 492, 548, and 863 delivered to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery
• Memorials 14, 16, and 13 will be referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout the establishment of the mixed delivery UPK system, COEs like ACOE have played a pivotal role
• Continued support will empower COEs to serve as vital hubs in the mixed delivery system, fostering strong
• These positions are crucial in maintaining the mixed delivery model that our state currently offers and
• system that was provided in 2021 following the creation of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten mixed delivery

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout the establishment of the mixed-delivery UPK system, COEs like ACOE have played a pivotal role
• Continued support will empower COEs to serve as vital hubs in the mixed-delivery system, fostering strong
• These positions are crucial in maintaining the mixed-delivery model that our state currently offers and
• system that was provided in 2021 following the creation of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Mixed Delivery

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees on early childhood education heard a broad review of the Governor’s child care and preschool budget proposals, with testimony from the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), the California Department of Education (CDE), and the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). The main topics were cost-of-care-plus and COLA adjustments, the California State Preschool Program, child care slot reductions tied to federal and Proposition 64 funding changes, disaster recovery grants for child care facilities, trailer bill proposals on family fees and absences, prospective pay, and several budget change proposals for departmental staffing and licensing. Officials also discussed the state’s transition toward an alternative methodology for setting rates based on the true cost of care. On rate reform, CDSS and CDE said the current reimbursement system remains below the alternative methodology in many counties and that providers continue to struggle with recruitment and retention. The LAO recommended aligning cost-of-care-plus increases across provider types, while CDE urged that any COLA be added to base rates rather than cost-of-care-plus payments because providers view the latter as less ongoing. CDSS said the next alternative methodology update will be developed with a contractor during fiscal year 2026-27, with public engagement and legislative input, and estimated that fully transitioning to rates informed by the methodology would take about 24 months once policy and funding are in place. CDSS also said the direct-service cost of care under the methodology was estimated at about $18.7 billion in a July 2025 report. A major point of contention was the proposed reduction of 4,167 child care slots due to lower federal CCDF funding and reduced Proposition 64 revenue. CDSS said it expects to absorb the reduction through unspent funds and relinquishments so currently enrolled children are not disrupted, while the LAO supported the reduction as a way to avoid worsening the structural deficit. Members strongly objected to the slot cuts, arguing the administration has repeatedly proposed reductions after prior budget agreements and emphasizing the economic and family benefits of child care. The committee also discussed preschool enrollment trends, including growth in three-year-old enrollment and a sharp increase in two-year-olds served under a temporary provision, with CDE warning that the temporary two-year-old authority expires in 2027. The committee also reviewed an $11.5 million Proposition 64 proposal for child care infrastructure grants for facilities impacted by 2025 state disasters, especially the Los Angeles fires, and members asked for trailer bill language to make the funds flexible for repairs, equipment, insurance, and permitting. On trailer bill items, the panel discussed codifying family fee reimbursement rules, defining excessive unexplained absences to allow disenrollment after prolonged nonuse, and expanding temporary provider absences; CDSS said the absence policy is meant to mirror federal CCDF rules, while CDE said it is already pursuing its own rulemaking. The hearing also covered prospective pay, with CDSS and CDE saying they are waiting for final federal guidance before moving ahead; LAO said the state could save ongoing costs if the federal requirement is rescinded. Finally, the committee reviewed staffing and support budget requests for CDSS and other implementation items, and held several items open for further discussion before the May Revision. Public comment overwhelmingly urged full funding for child care slots, true cost-of-care payments, and ongoing support for early education programs and county offices of education.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bills 583 and 528 will be sent to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery
• ordinances; amending Section 39-5714, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding requirements for delivery
• sales; amending Section 39-5713...” “...Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding requirements for delivery
• help us make sure we secure our water supply and maintain that aquifer and maintain that modern delivery