Transcript Highlights:

• <00:00:59.440> determined But, the Senate DFL was determined But, the Senate DFL was determined
• So, I feel like the Senate came to this session, the Senate Democrats, um ready to work um to respond
• Um Senator response to Metro Surge.
• 37.360> Senate<00:04:37.600> Democrats,<00:04:38.560> um this session, the Senate
• So, I'm ready for it. >> Okay, Senator.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on the Minnesota Senate DFL’s end-of-session accomplishments and frustrations. The senator said the caucus entered the session expecting little to get done in a divided, election-year legislature, but instead passed a range of major measures, including emergency rental assistance, immigration enforcement, gun violence prevention, an independent Office of the Inspector General, consumer protections for homeowners associations, and a $1.2 billion bonding/infrastructure bill for water, roads, and bridges. He said the bonding bill was a success but criticized the limited funding for lead pipe replacement, noting only $15 million was included. He also discussed affordability measures, especially a vehicle tab fee reduction negotiated in connection with the bonding bill, saying Democrats wanted the relief to take effect sooner but Republicans pushed implementation to January. He described other unfinished or blocked items, including a small business relief package tied to Metro Surge and efforts to protect Medicaid and SNAP from federal changes. He said many Senate proposals were developed through committee hearings and were meant to be negotiated publicly, but argued the House often failed to do comparable work, leading to last-minute deals and more party-line votes. The senator was sharply critical of federal actions under the Trump administration, saying cuts and mandates were harming states, counties, Medicaid, and SNAP, and weakening the state-federal partnership. Looking ahead, he said interim work will likely focus on procedural changes and health care, including stabilizing HCMC and supporting rural hospitals. He said the session’s work was aimed at serving Minnesotans first, and expressed optimism about the upcoming election season and the possibility of changing legislative practices next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Spotlight is produced by the Minnesota Senate and Senate Media Services.
• <00:01:10.520> know a single vote or voter, senators know a single vote or voter, senators
• This session, Senate Democrats had a be.
• > the<00:13:26.240> minority Senate Republicans were in the minority Senate Republicans
• I liked Senator Duckworth's it?

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program reviewed the end of Minnesota’s 94th Legislature and featured interviews with Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Minority Leader Mark Johnson about the session’s major outcomes. Murphy said Senate Democrats used their one-seat advantage to advance priorities including emergency rental assistance, immigration enforcement, stabilization of HCMC, gun violence prevention, and a $1.2 billion infrastructure/bonding bill. She also highlighted a one-year reduction in vehicle tab fees, some property tax and business tax relief, and the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General, while saying more should have been done on lead pipe replacement and that some work was delayed by House inaction and federal policy changes. Murphy argued the session was shaped by a divided legislature and by negotiations that often happened late and behind closed doors, which she said made the process frustrating and left some Senate proposals without House counterparts. She said the Senate also worked on protecting Medicaid and SNAP from federal cuts and on stabilizing hospitals, especially HCMC and rural facilities. She described the gun violence and immigration debates as examples where bipartisan demands did not match what she saw as the needs of Minnesotans, and said the state should return to more public conference committee negotiations next session. Johnson said Senate Republicans focused on fraud prevention, affordability, and education. He pointed to the Inspector General bill and the “Take It Back Act” as major bipartisan wins, and said Republicans used their leverage to secure the tab fee reduction and other tax relief. He also said the caucus wanted stronger protections against fraud without harming legitimate service providers, and criticized DFL priorities on government growth and education outcomes. Both leaders said relationships across the aisle improved over the session, though they differed sharply on how much was accomplished and what should be prioritized next year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Rosenwald. Thank you.
• Senator Rosenwald. Thank everybody yet. Senator Rosenwald. Thank you. you. you.
• Excuse me, Senator.
• The Senate is proposing that we accede to the House. All those senators in favor say, 'Aye.'
• All those senators in favor the house. All those senators in favor say<00:15:30.200> "I".

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 534 met to reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill dealing with foreign influence in elections and related election-law provisions. The House members explained that they had spent several hours revising the bill line by line to better fit existing statute, while preserving the substance of the Senate bill. Senator Lang reported that, after meeting with the Secretary of State, his concern about a foreign entity using a lobbyist for procurement matters was resolved, and he said the House language addressed election-law and warrant article issues rather than procurement issues. Senator Rosenwald raised concerns that the House version broadened the bill too far into local elections and could burden or discourage candidates for local offices such as select board, library trustee, or fire commission. In response, House members said the bill does not require local candidates to form committees or file new reports; instead, it prohibits foreign entities from donating to local campaigns and makes enforcement complaint-driven through the Attorney General’s public integrity unit. They said an earlier affirmation requirement had been removed and characterized the change as closing a loophole for foreign funding of local candidates and measures. After discussion, the Senate voted to accede to the House position, with the chair calling the vote and announcing that the ayes had it. The committee then discussed placing the measure on the consent calendar, but that plan was dropped because of an anticipated objection. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I call the committee of conference to order on Senate Bill 481. Who wants to talk first?
• >> Senator? >> Just is LBA here?
• >> This is a Senate bill, okay?
• >> This is a Senate bill, okay?
• This is a Senate bill, okay? So, I'm the This is a Senate bill, okay?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference met on Senate Bill 481, which concerns the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property and where the proceeds should go. The main disagreement was between the Senate version, which would send proceeds to the general fund if the sale occurs before June 30, 2027 and to the YDC settlement fund afterward, and the House version, which would send all proceeds to the general fund. House members argued the property sale is uncertain in timing and value, and that keeping the money in the general fund preserves flexibility and follows common practice for state property sales. Senate members said the House language conflicted with the intent of House Bill 2, which directed the property to be sold in 2027 and the proceeds to the settlement fund, and they noted the Senate’s general fund language was likely left in inadvertently from an earlier appropriation structure. Members also discussed that the property is unique, potentially valuable, and may contain many buildings that could affect its sale and redevelopment. House members emphasized that victims’ settlement payments would still be funded through the established process and that the fiscal administrator would request whatever amount is needed. One member noted a direct conflict in House Bill 2 between sections referring to the general fund and to the settlement fund, and said the issue needed to be fixed. Another member observed that the relevant provisions may be session law and could become moot after June 30 of the following year. After a brief Senate caucus, the committee voted to adopt the House position on the conference committee report. The meeting then turned to procedural matters, including adding a third name to the bill, signing requirements, and a deadline for signatures by 4:00 p.m. the following Thursday. No further business was raised, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hooper, you are recognized for a motion. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator Hooper.
• I move to nominate Senator Hooper to serve as the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Conference.
• Thank you, Senator Hooper, and the honor as well. I feel that honor as well.
• So, Senator Hooper, the House has... I feel that honor as well.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hooper, the House has several offers for you again, as these have been noticed to the public
• If there is no further business before the Conference Committee, Senator Hooper moves that we adjourn
• Senator Hooper moves that we adjourn. Please remember, we are on one-hour notice.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hooper, the House has several offers for you, again, as these have been noticed to the public
• If there is no further business before the conference committee, Senator Hooper moves we adjourned.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, I'm Senator DeCoite.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Senate floor, and on behalf of both Senator Gonzalez and I see Senator Arreguín is quite
• Secretary, please read: Senate Bill 873, Senate Resolution 115, Senate Bill 1007, and Senate Bill 970
• Welcome to the California State Senate. Welcome to the Senate. Welcome to the Senate.
• Senate Bill 1240 by Senator McNerney, relating to state government. Senator McNerney. Mr.
• Senate Bill 1338 by Senator Jones, relating to vehicles. Senator Jones. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day weekend prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members also handled several procedural motions, including suspending blackout-period rules for budget subcommittee hearings, removing certain items from the inactive file and consent calendar, and confirming multiple gubernatorial appointments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body then took up a series of resolutions and bills. Resolutions approved included National Safe Boating Week (SR 102), Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month (SCR 172), World No Tobacco Day (SCR 177), Lupus Awareness Month (SR 107), and the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris (SR 115). Senators used those measures to highlight boating safety, asthma and food allergy risks, tobacco harms, lupus awareness, and the economic and cultural importance of California wine. The Senate also passed SB 1341 on bag-in-box beverage container processing fees, SB 1083 on school employee misconduct procedures, SB 1153 on wildfire preparedness for urban retail water suppliers, SB 1199 on prescription cost-sharing and out-of-pocket accounting, SB 1240 creating an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, SB 1337 establishing an energy coordination working group, SB 1360 expanding language access for voters, SB 920 on gaming fee transparency, SB 1016 on mental health/Care Court evaluation options, SB 1198 on reckless driving penalties, SB 1213 on reporting prices for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, SB 1265 codifying the Go Green financing program, SB 1338 on post-repossession vehicle transport interference, and SB 1135 on wildlife coexistence. Most passed on unanimous roll calls; SB 1265 and SB 1135 drew a small number of no votes. The session concluded with a lengthy adjournment-in-memory ceremony led by the Veterans Caucus, reading the names of 82 fallen service members and pausing in their honor. The President pro tempore then announced the Senate would recess and return for the next floor session on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Weinberg. Yes. Senator White. Senator Williams. Yay. Senator Hardy. Senator White.
• Senator White. Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy. Senator Ram Hinsdale. Senator Sirotkin.
• Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy. Senator Ram Hinsdale. Senator Sirotkin. Senator White.
• Senator White. Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy. Senator Ram Hinsdale. Senator Sirotkin.
• Senator White. Senator Westman. Yes. Senator White. Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a senator for the area, I'm asking for that. We have to close this gap.
• Thank you, Senator. I know you care about your constituents greatly.
• Senator Jackson overviewed kind of the history.
• I want to start with the senator. Thank you.
• I heard Senator Jackson say that we need to change our distribution.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the troubled water system in Tallulah and whether to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson described the system’s long-running failures, the need to expand repairs beyond the treatment plant to the distribution network, and the growing project cost, which he said had risen to roughly $26 million. Legislative Auditor’s Office staff explained that the system had received failing grades from LDH for several years, had entered joint receivership in 2024, and was placed under a public health emergency in 2025; they said the city’s adoption of limited fiscal administration in April 2026 made it eligible for additional state funding. Governor’s staff said the state, GOSEP, Magnolia, and the city had worked together to restore service and that the limited fiscal administrator would help unlock an emergency subfund and other financing sources. The mayor of Tallulah supported the appointment, saying the state’s work had improved water quality and that the limited role would focus only on the water system rather than the whole city. She said the city was preparing an RFQ to move the project toward bidding. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that the city had recently elected a new council and should wait for new local leadership before proceeding. Another questioned the need for the appointment, criticized past management and contract arrangements, and objected to using emergency funds to pay prior project costs. State officials responded that the F grade and public health concerns justified the action, that the administrator would control water-system finances, and that the distribution system needed repairs to address leaks and water quality issues. After discussion, a committee member moved to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition. The committee then moved to public comment and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• President Senator Talbot? Here. President Senator Womack? Present. President Senator Rees? Here.
• President Senator Edmonds? Here. President Speaker DeVille? Here.
• Speaker DeValleye moves approval, seconded by Senator Talbert. Any objection?
• Senator Talbot seconds the motion. Any objection?
• Senator Talbot seconds the motion. Any objection?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot. Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs. The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Edmonds. Senator Hodges. Senator Bartholomew. Senator Jackson Andrews. Senator Miguez.
• Senator Mizell. Senator Owen. Four members present. All right. Good morning. Let's read in Ms.
• Senator Mizell and Senator Hodges move favorable on HB 1215. Any objections?
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Mizell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Yes, Senator.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gianaris. >> Please call on Senator Ashby for an introduction. >> Senator Ashby for an introduction
• Thank you, Senator Murray. Senator Myrie, why do you rise?
• Senator Rhoads. >> Senator Skoufis. >> Will my colleague yield? >> Senator Myrie, do you yield?
• "Senator yields." "Thank you, Senator.
• statements by Senator Myrie and by Senator Gianaris.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care. The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies. The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senators. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Without rec.
• Our second bill is S. 4640A, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
• Our second bill is S. 4640A, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
• And our third and final bill is S. 9221, sponsored by Senator Ryan. Thank you.
• And our third and final bill is S. 9221, sponsored by Senator Ryan.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee met for its final meeting of the year and opened with brief remarks thanking members for their participation and noting continued work on addiction services and substance use disorder issues, including efforts to reduce stigma and support funding in the budget. The agenda consisted of three bills related to harm reduction and drug checking. The committee first considered S. 246, which would establish a wound care kit and testing strip distribution program; it was moved, approved unanimously, and reported to Finance. Next, S. 4640A would authorize on-site overdose response services and require certain venues to maintain opioid antagonists; it was also approved unanimously and reported to the calendar. The third bill, S. 9221, would create a program to test for medetomidine, benzodiazepines, xylazine, and other harmful contaminants; members discussed the changing drug supply and the need for drug checking, then approved the bill unanimously. At the close, the chair thanked members for their work and adjourned the meeting, noting it was the last committee meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Reese. Here. Senator Harris. Senator Barthelemy. Senator Duplessis? Here. Senator McMath?
• Senator Owen. Here. Senator Talbot. Here. Senator Owen. Here. Senator Talbot. Here.
• First order of business today will be Senate Resolution 125 by Senator Alon.
• Senator Talbot moves that we report Senate Resolution 125 favorably.
• In the meantime, Senator Duplessis... In the meantime, Senator Duplessis.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Luneau. Here. Here. Senator Boudreaux. Senator Bass. Here. Here. Senator Boudreaux.
• Senator Bass. Here. Here. Senator Cathey. Senator Foil. Senator Miller. Here. Senator Morris.
• And Senate Bill 230, I want to thank Senator Barrow for bringing this.
• Senator Luneau? Yes. Senator Boudreaux? Yes. Senator Bass? No. Senator Cathey? No. Senator Foil?
• Senator Miller? No. Senator Morris? We have two yeas and three nays.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Waters, no. >> Senator Apprentice, no. >> Senator Gray, yes. >> Senator Inis, yes. >> Senator
• Senator Mcu, Senator Inennis, Senator Mcu, Senator Inennis, Senator<00:40:58.240> Sullivan.
• Senator Apprentice, no. Senator Gray, yes. Senator Innis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator. Senator.
• Senate members will be Senator Lang, Senate members will be Senator Lang, Senator<04:20:34.239> Murphy

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any other questions, Senator Trubourke?
• I want to thank Senator Archuleta and Senator Chao for signing the letter to support the compact and
• Senator Trope-Oak? Yes, thank you.
• Thank you for the question, Senator Archuleta.
• I have a few more questions, but I'm going to turn it over to my colleague, Senator Choboogh or Senator

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard May Revision proposals covering higher education, including the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, the University of California, California Community Colleges, the California Student Aid Commission, UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and trailer bill reporting changes. For the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, the administration proposed a one-time $10 million General Fund backfill to repay a special fund loan taken to cover litigation costs, plus provisional language to adjust for a pending legal expense and to repay the loan without interest. The LAO opposed shifting costs to the General Fund and raised legal concerns about an interest-free loan under Proposition 26. Senators asked about whether the $10 million would cover the litigation and about the estimated $245,000 in interest savings. For UC, the May Revision maintained the Governor’s ongoing support and included budget language requiring campuses to grow by 2,968 California undergraduates in 2026-27. UC also sought $1.5 million in one-time General Fund support for the First Star foster youth program. UC described strong outcomes for the UCLA program, while the LAO recommended rejecting the new spending because UC already has overlapping outreach programs, including the Early Academic Outreach Program, and because the need for new state funding was not clear. Senators debated whether the proposal duplicated existing services and discussed the program’s reported college-going and completion rates. The committee also heard a request for $1 million ongoing General Fund for UC College of the Law, San Francisco, to maintain campus safety services; the college described its shared-campus model and public-interest mission, while the LAO noted the college was also raising tuition and that the proposal would maintain, rather than expand, current security spending. The committee then reviewed community college proposals. Finance outlined a larger May Revision package centered on a 4.31% SCFF COLA, enrollment growth funding, categorical COLAs, a one-time Adult Learner Demonstration Project allocation, deferred maintenance, and other ongoing and one-time items. The Chancellor’s Office supported the package but asked for more enrollment growth funding, a higher growth rate, and additional policy changes. The LAO recommended at least funding the statutory 2.87% COLA, then considering whether to redirect remaining funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time priorities; it recommended rejecting the Adult Learner Demonstration Project. Senators questioned the use of the discretionary COLA to cover paid pregnancy disability leave, the impact on hold harmless and basic aid districts, and whether the state should instead create a separate categorical. The Chancellor’s Office and Finance said the COLA approach was intended to provide flexibility, though Finance said it was open to further discussion about districts that would not receive direct funding. For student aid, Finance described May Revision changes to Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, including a one-time reduction tied to lower estimated costs and a later true-up, as well as proposals for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. CSAC supported the financial aid investments but urged more time and clearer implementation planning for Workforce Pell, noting the need for state approval processes, data linkages, and likely ongoing administrative workload. The LAO recommended rejecting additional Golden State Teacher Grant funding and cautioned that the Workforce Pell trailer bill and one-time funding were premature given the new federal rules and unclear workload. Senators also raised concerns about the Middle Class Scholarship reduction, the need to support students facing higher living costs, and the decline in CADA/DREAM Act applications, with CSAC saying the drop did not reflect reduced need and that outreach should be strengthened. The final item was a set of technical trailer bill changes to shift some UC, CSU, and community college reporting from annual to biennial and consolidate reports; Finance said there were no programmatic changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hurtado: Here. Senator Cabaldon: Here. Senator Smallwood-Quivas: Here.
• Senator Smallwood-Quabas?
• Senator Cabaldon? Senator Cabaldon: I love this project.
• Senator Cabaldon. Thanks.
• And so I also want to thank Senator Cabaldon for signing on in Senator Becker's letter.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals, primarily from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program under Proposition 12, a transition away from the state hemp program to USDA oversight by January 1, 2028, ongoing support for agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to the department’s indirect cost cap. The LAO generally supported the animal care, hemp transition, and statistics proposals, while also urging future review of the Prop 12 funding once litigation is resolved. The indirect-cost-cap language was described as technical and not increasing charges to programs, and it was held open with no objections from the LAO or Finance. The committee also discussed the new federal Workforce Pell program and related Cradle to Career funding and trailer bill language. Finance said the state is still reviewing federal rules and is focusing on basic implementation steps, with the trailer bill assigning eligibility determinations to the California Student Aid Commission, requiring data sharing through Cradle to Career, and prioritizing public institutions first. The LAO urged caution because the federal rules were just finalized and said the Legislature should better define the process and costs before appropriating the $1.3 million requested for Cradle to Career. Members raised policy concerns about limiting the program to certain institutions and about aligning the proposal with pending legislation and broader workforce policy. The Department of Technology presented a $1 million request for Poppy, the state’s digital assistant, to expand a secure GenAI platform for state employees. Members asked detailed questions about data security, model training, bias controls, and whether the system could eventually support local governments; CDT said the system uses state-controlled cloud infrastructure, does not use user data for training, and quarantines new models for review. CDT also sought provisional authority for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative to cover possible operating shortfalls while the network is still being built; the LAO remained concerned about broad spending authority, and several members questioned the revenue assumptions and oversight. FTB then proposed retaining a smaller set of CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, with the LAO saying the reduced staffing level was broadly reasonable but still worth legislative scrutiny. The committee also began hearing the administration’s revenue proposals, including a permanent limitation on business tax credits and a tax on electronically delivered prewritten software, with the LAO generally supporting the goal of raising ongoing revenue but recommending changes to the software proposal’s exemptions and business-use treatment.