Transcript Highlights:

• residents against crumbling foundations advocated here at the state house so many times I've lost count
• The problem is not a lot of them are educated on it, and a lot of them think, oh, this is only a central
• But any municipal project—whether it's a fire station, police station—you can, it's going to be in the
• We estimated, I think, 1,500 to 2,500 homes, but now we have all the central math, right?
• My name is Nicholas Pelletier, and I've been a realtor in central Massachusetts for 15 years.

Bills: S3091, H5477

Keywords: crumbling concrete, pyrite, pyrrhotite, homeowner assistance, financial relief, CEDAC, construction, insurance surcharge, foundation repair, Massachusetts, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to meet these needs, through education, research, and clinical care, the UT System also counts
• It is central to our mission.
• For example, yesterday in College Station at our RELLIS campus, we hosted each one of those systems,
• Well, she poached the title of president and chancellor long ago, so she doesn't count. So, okay.
• You've got the teams, you've got the people to take a look at, and we're going to count on you because

Summary: The Senate Committee on Higher Education met to review interim charges on the Permanent University Fund (PUF), the Available University Fund (AUF), the Higher Education Fund (HEAF), and the Texas University Fund (TUF). Legislative Budget Board staff outlined how each fund works, including PUF’s constitutional role for UT and Texas A&M, HEAF’s capital support for institutions outside those systems, and TUF’s research funding for eligible universities. They also described TUF’s growing corpus and distribution changes, and noted which institutions are nearing eligibility. Committee members asked about distribution formulas, comparisons to other states, and how funds are allocated among system institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe at last count it was over 400.
• All of the activities we do from the border stations to our labs are all absolutely key to trying to
• Ultimately, the Central Valley and other food production regions are being left behind.
• I've attempted to try to remind my colleagues, especially those that are not from the Central Valley
• bills under consideration to refine the language of SB 122 that's now codified on how much, what counts

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Agriculture informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with members and witnesses emphasizing the sector’s economic importance and the pressures it faces from water scarcity, climate extremes, labor shortages, rising input and energy costs, pests, and regulatory burdens. Chairs and members also expressed disappointment that prior climate-related funding decisions did not include agriculture and said the hearing was intended to identify practical solutions and future legislative priorities. CDFA and DWR officials described California agriculture as a roughly $61 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, vineyard and orchard removals, and the effects of SGMA, drought, floods, and subsidence. DWR said climate change will intensify hydrologic variability and that groundwater sustainability, recharge, flood capture, and infrastructure modernization are critical. Members asked about lessons from the 2023 floods, readiness for El Niño, and where limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars should go; officials pointed to better forecasting, recharge projects, conveyance, basin characterization, and technical assistance. CDFA highlighted pest response, especially glassy-winged sharpshooter, and a regulatory alignment study identifying food safety and water quality as major compliance burdens. The second panel, on water, climate, and resource sustainability, largely reinforced those themes. PPIC and UC Merced researchers said SGMA-driven groundwater reductions will be the biggest long-term constraint, potentially requiring hundreds of thousands of acres to come out of production and causing major GDP and job losses unless recharge, trading, infrastructure, and crop-transition strategies are expanded. They recommended more flexible recharge rules, better accounting, subsidence mitigation, and support for SGMA-ready crops and land repurposing. An energy consumer representative warned that electricity and natural gas costs are rising sharply and that state programs supporting agricultural energy and biomass solutions have been reduced or eliminated, while a farmworker foundation representative emphasized health care access, food security, immigration-related fear, and workforce development for farmworkers. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing concluded with members signaling interest in future legislation, funding, and follow-up discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second page of the handout I gave you is just our FTE count.
• So we're well within what our appropriation of FTE count is.
• That would be Williston, North Central, and Minot; southeast in Fargo; and Badlands in Dickinson.
• North Central and Minot; southeast in Fargo; and Badlands in Dickinson.
• I will say North Central has done great progress.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics. Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I think this might be my 31st year, but who's counting? Good morning, Madam Chair.
• I have spoken with people in Artesia at Central Valley Electric.
• Um, I know the federal government has frozen $28 million for charging stations, so I'm gonna see what
• I have visited with the people at Central Valley Electric in Artesia.
• The staff and I will have a plan ready for ledge council for June 23rd, but we will count on our first

Transcript Highlights:

• Certain time periods are excluded from counting toward the deadlines, such as the time the local government
• The bill adds additional periods that are excluded from counting toward the deadline, including waiting
• The bill adds additional periods that are excluded from counting toward the deadline, including waiting
• That might require something like a new fire station.
• That might require, you know, something like a new fire station.

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee waived the five-day notice rule and then took up two House bills. HB 2418 would tighten and expand permit-review timelines for residential projects, including requiring “procedural completeness” determinations, adding excluded time periods, extending timeline and refund requirements to certain fee-charging state and local entities, creating review deadlines for special purpose districts and public utility districts, and requiring local governments to designate a permit responsible official and a single point of contact. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve predictability and reduce delays in permitting; builders and housing advocates strongly supported it, while sewer and water districts and county representatives raised concerns about incomplete referrals, staffing shortages, business-day versus calendar-day deadlines, and the cost of implementing the new contact requirements. The committee heard testimony but took no final vote on the bill in the transcript. HB 2451 would revise Washington’s local tax increment financing program. Staff explained that the bill adds guardrails and transparency, changes notice and hearing requirements, adjusts the assessed-value cap for increment areas, adds public safety facilities to eligible improvements, requires more detailed project analyses and annual reporting, and creates a negotiation/mediation/arbitration process for impacts to taxing districts. The sponsor said the measure was a carefully negotiated compromise intended to address junior taxing district concerns without creating an opt-out. Supporters from the Port of Tacoma, fire chiefs, cities, and counties said the bill improves the earlier TIF framework by strengthening the but-for test, notice, and participation rules, while counties still expressed concern about cumulative impacts and asked for future opt-out discussions. No final committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• 3176 creates the Oklahoma Gas Artificial Intelligence and pace search hub or gas hub as Oklahoma's central
• And this is very important because census counts mean accurate representation to ensure that funding
• just to make sure we have the most current, updated, and accurate information again for population counts
• But what We are doing is making sure that we have accurate and updated counts to make sure that we are
• honoring every Oklahoman to make sure that they are counted appropriately in regards to the census to

Bills: HB1782, HB2293, HB3176, HB3544, HB3546, HB3619, HB4358

Keywords: artificial intelligence, education reform, innovation, funding, advisory council, broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Charles Elliott from College Station, and I am a board member of the College Station Association
• My name is Peter Bastion, and I'm from College Station.
• Please give College Station that control back.
• Now, other than College Station, as Mr.
• We are the Central Texas Commercial Real Estate Trade Association.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, Florida received that apportionment count of 28, which was one more than previously awarded.
• In 2021, Florida received that apportionment count of 28, which was one more than previously awarded
• And Justice Alito seems to be a person who's issued one majority opinion by last count.
• I was also told that the number one rule in politics is that you need to know how to count.
• Apparently, one side's counting a little bit harder than the other.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• create a catalyst to fund meaningful and measurable plastic reduction solutions, and I hope we can count
• The Dairdon Station modernization project in San Jose is one example for which years of environmental
• Station program and Jessica Zank, Deputy Director of Transportation for the City of San Jose.
• This project is an urban intermodal rail station.
• The Grasslands Ecological Area and surrounding areas are central parts of the Pacific Flyway, one of

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with SB 1350 by Senator McNerney presented first. The measure would expand California’s use of renewable hydrogen in the power sector by allowing renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with supporters emphasizing grid reliability, clean-energy goals, in-state investment, and construction jobs. Support came from labor, clean-energy, municipal utility, and local government representatives; NRDC Action Fund withdrew opposition after amendments, while a few groups remained opposed or neutral. The committee later took a roll call and SB 1350 passed out on a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard SB 1180 by Senator Allen, which would set operational rules for the Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund created under SB 54, including clearer eligible uses, transparency, technical assistance, and access for tribes and smaller community groups. Environmental justice, ocean, conservation, and local government groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would ensure the fund addresses plastic pollution’s public health and environmental harms. Industry and manufacturing groups opposed unless amended, arguing the bill should stay tightly tied to plastic waste reduction and not broaden into source-reduction policy. After quorum was established, the committee approved SB 1180 on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. SB 1326 by Senator Wahab was then heard to strengthen tribal consultation and tribal cultural resource protections under CEQA by recognizing tribal registers and requiring feasible avoidance or mitigation measures when tribes identify resources. Tribal representatives and supporters said the bill would better protect sacred sites and tribal knowledge, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and rural county groups opposed unless amended, citing implementation concerns, possible litigation, and uncertainty for infrastructure and housing projects. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. Finally, SB 954 by Senator Blakespear was presented as a cleanup of last year’s SB 131 advanced-manufacturing CEQA exemption, narrowing eligible projects and adding guardrails such as setbacks, air-quality limits, tribal consultation, labor standards, and habitat protections. Environmental and labor groups supported the bill as a needed correction to an overly broad exemption, while business, manufacturing, housing, and local-government groups opposed, warning it could make the exemption unusable and slow investment. Members debated the balance between environmental protection and manufacturing competitiveness, and the committee voted SB 954 out on a due pass recommendation to the Labor and Employment Committee; the transcript then moved on to SB 1031 on compostable plastics, which was introduced but not acted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also represent other ports in Central Washington as well, but primarily today for Quincy and Warden
• And in the case of some of the ports in Central Washington, they're waiting, they're out on waiting lists
• out, as it would add significant administrative complexity and could increase the risk of double counting
• to clarify, to my understanding, we led a tour of Clean and Prosperous at the Columbia Generating Station
• I live in Ellensburg, and here in central and eastern Washington, we are acutely aware of the geographical

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2272 would update state park inspection language for ski lifts and related equipment to better match current equipment and federal standards; the sponsor and State Parks said it was a simple modernization bill, and there was no opposition. House Bill 2245 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to port districts that distribute electricity, utilities with a single customer, and certain affected market customers such as data centers; supporters said it closes loopholes and applies clean-energy rules more fairly, while ports, business groups, and some utilities warned of unintended consequences, added reporting burdens, and impacts on cogeneration and rural economic development. Ecology and Commerce supported the goal but raised concerns about allowance allocation, fiscal impacts, and possible double counting, and WAPUDA asked that existing single-customer PUDs be grandfathered. House Bill 2215 would lower Climate Commitment Act thresholds for gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, and propane suppliers and extend coverage to some purchasers; supporters said it would prevent entities from gaming the system and cover significant emissions now below the threshold, while Ecology, fuel distributors, propane suppliers, grocers, and business groups warned of compliance costs, supply-chain impacts, possible linkage issues, and the need to preserve existing reporting authority for natural gas. Ecology estimated about 50 additional covered entities could be brought in, and several opponents argued the bill would sweep in small family-owned businesses not intended to be regulated. House Bill 2090 would direct Commerce to develop a nuclear strategic framework for inclusion in the state energy strategy, contingent on outside funding. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill is only a planning measure to ensure Washington considers advanced nuclear as a firm, low-carbon, small-footprint resource amid rising demand, grid constraints, and land-use concerns; supporters included Energy Northwest, local governments, labor/environmental Democrats, and pro-nuclear groups. Opponents, including the Sierra Club, Columbia Riverkeeper, tribal representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and several environmental advocates, said the bill gives nuclear special treatment, relies on private funding that could bias the study, and risks advancing projects at Hanford without early, meaningful tribal consultation. Tribes requested explicit consultation, independent and publicly funded analysis, and attention to treaty rights and historic nuclear impacts. Testimony also sharply divided over cost, waste, and land use, with supporters emphasizing reliability and footprint and opponents citing high costs, unresolved waste disposal, and the immaturity of small modular reactors. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voting stations are open for 30 button. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds.
• Voting stations are open for 30 the red. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds.
• Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds.
• Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds.
• Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Don't count us out because of where we grew up.' Education and economic mobility are inseparable.
• Here in central New Mexico, as all around the world, and how it is on our own backyard.
• Many families live near wells, compression stations, and power-generating facilities.
• Wells, compression stations, and power-generating facilities.
• Where I come from, our relationship to the land and water is central to who we are.

Bills: SB12, SB36, SB92, SB120, SB133, SB151, SB18, SB96

Keywords: tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news

Transcript Highlights:

• CRESTVIEW AND WORKED MY WAY UP THROUGH EVERY SECURITY RANKING IN THE SYSTEM AND SPENT TIME IN THE CENTRAL
• I COUNTED THE PROGRESS ON THAT WE BEGAN OUR PROCUREMENT IN NOVEMBER 2024.
• A LOT OF SITE LOGISTICS ARE ONGOING NOW WITH POWER UTILITY LIVE STATION UPGRADES AND SO FORTH.
• ALSO WE HAD SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE SECURITY STATION.
• THE SCREENING STATION WAS INSIDE THE MAIN LOBBY OF THE COURTHOUSE.

Transcript Highlights:

• James DeRusse, Peter Ojeda, and with the counting we have Kerr Wardlaw, Fernando Garcia. and David Martinez
• And so folks in our district, they really know. they can count on the food bank when they need a meal
• Every year our large cities conduct a point-in-time survey to count their total homeless populations
• Central Texas, but all have a water need so when we say transport if we're going to go to the region
• I'll point out the vulnerability Houston has with the Lynchburg pumping station because it's provides

Bills: SJR 12, SCR 39, SB 7, SB 8, SB 27, SB 29, SB 125, SB 241, SB 371, SB 396, SB 406, SB 464, SB 568, SB 578, SB 608, SB 617, SB 660, SB 689, SB 693, SB 707, SB 731, SB 732, SB 763, SB 779, SB 836, SB 854, SB 857, SB 875, SB 878, SB 879, SB 906, SB 920, SB 921, SB 922, SB 942, SB 965, SB 985, SB 996, SB 1029, SB 1035, SB 1036, SB 1059, SB 1084, SB 1098, SB 1101, SB 1185, SB 1188, SB 1321, SB 1332, SB 1366, SB 1388, SB 1396, SB 1453, SB 1484, SB 1494, SB 1536, SB 1563, SB 1596, SB 1610, SB 1619, SB 1737, SB 1738, SB 1741, SB 1816, SB 1822, SB 1841, SB 1939, SB 2155, SB 2188, SB 2230

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions revolved around the passage and modification of various Senate Bills, including SB1388, which pertains to family support services under the Health and Human Services Commission. Senator Kolkhorst advocated for the bill, emphasizing its focus on pro-life, family-centered care. The committee passed the bill after thorough examination, showcasing a collaborative effort among the members to ensure its alignment with successful past initiatives. In another session, Senator Hughes presented SB942, aimed at retroactive child support linked to prenatal care, which sparked a constructive dialogue reflecting bipartisan support for maternal and child welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two-member delegations from each of the other counties in which a rail station on the route is located
• It's great to be before you to talk about this concept as it begins to leave the station.
• It's great to be before you today to talk about this concept as it begins to leave the station.
• There is substantial interest in central Washington for restoration of passenger rail service between
• And most folks I talked to waiting in the station, including the volunteer at Lacey, had no idea who

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard briefings and public testimony on four bills. HB 1823, a Transportation Improvement Board cleanup bill, would remove obsolete references, update terms, and repeal outdated sections; a proposed substitute would restore remaining bond authority that the original bill would have inadvertently removed. The sponsor and TIB supported the technical corrections, describing the bill as good-government cleanup, and there were no questions or opposition. HB 2092 would create a Washington State Amtrak Cascades Passenger Rail Advisory Committee to provide regular user feedback to WSDOT; the bill was presented with a fiscal note of about $82,000 this biennium and $156,000 ongoing for staffing. The prime sponsor and multiple advocates supported the concept, while committee members and witnesses raised possible amendments to broaden membership, include disability representation, and possibly add rail industry and statewide passenger rail interests. HB 2111 would allow the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project toll facility bond retirement account to retain its share of interest earnings instead of sending them to the general fund. The sponsor, the Treasurer’s Office, and a business community witness said the change would keep dedicated toll-related revenue with the project and avoid accounting and tax concerns; the bill was described as a technical fix with fiscal impact expected to benefit the project account. HB 2114 would require the Department of Licensing to waive replacement plate fees for defective plates within two years of issuance and allow waivers between two and five years in some cases. The sponsor said the bill responds to widespread plate delamination, especially in eastern Washington, and county auditors and subagents testified in support as a customer-service measure, though they noted the fiscal note seemed high relative to the small number of replacements estimated and asked for clearer definitions and implementation guidance. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chair closed public hearings on HB 1823, HB 2092, and HB 2111 after testimony, and temporarily closed HB 2114 to allow a later opportunity for a witness who had audio issues to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• That means the gas stations, the markets, the liquor stores.
• In the city of Shafter, a small Central Valley community in my district, local leaders worked in good
• And I appreciate your concerns about, say, double counting.
• The bill is out, and that concludes our bill count, and that will conclude this hearing. Aye.
• The bill is out, and that concludes our bill count, and that will conclude this hearing.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local government finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco retail locations. The author and a physician witness argued the bill would raise awareness of a highly underused screening that can save lives, while retailers and fuel/convenience groups raised implementation concerns about signage size, notice, and penalties. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a 4-0 vote after the committee later took up the on-call item. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without triggering reassessment, so long as the property was destroyed in a governor-declared disaster. Supporters, including the L.A. County Assessor, the California Assessors Association, Realtors, and taxpayers groups, said the bill would reduce uncertainty and help families rebuild without higher property taxes. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dodd, would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a primary residence after a disaster; it drew one opposition witness from the California Teachers Association but otherwise had no public opposition and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place caps and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to cases in Shafter and Dinuba where revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. Local government and business groups supported the measure as a guardrail, while some members expressed concern about Sacramento limiting local control; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; transit agencies and local officials supported it, while taxpayer groups opposed it, and it passed 4-1. SB 1404 by Senator Stern would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with supporters arguing the fee would broaden funding and opponents calling it an unfair tax on rural and wildfire-prone residents; it passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help recruit and retain nurses in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• you were putting in a Walmart or a Target, without any recognition of the 500, 600, 1,000 student stations
• were putting in a Walmart or a target without any recognition to the 500 600 a thousand student stations
• that's producing interesting. to the 500, 600, 1,000 student stations that's producing.
• Today we're going to take up confirmations for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida
• Pullum, new appointee for the Central Florida Expressway Authority. Daniel K.

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard and advanced several bills dealing with roadway safety, utility relocation, emergency vehicles, motor vehicle services, charter school siting, and specialty license plates. SB 1782 by Senator Pizzo, as amended, would expand reckless driving per se to include certain extreme speeding behaviors and retain mandatory court appearance while removing impound language; it was supported by AARP and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and reported favorably. SB 818 by Senator McLean would streamline utility relocation for road and rail projects and shift certain relocation costs to the authority in some cases; county groups opposed it as an unfunded mandate, while Charter Communications supported it, and the bill was reported favorably after amendment. SB 1644 by Senator Rodriguez, as amended, would expand warning-signal privileges for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles responding to emergencies; it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1348 by Senator Trumbull, which revises Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and tax collector processes for title/document delivery, driver licensing, disabled parking permits, and related services; a strike-all removed penalties and some CDL retesting provisions, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 636 by Senator Martin would restrict use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic/environmental conditions, with a civil fine and DOT signage requirements; it was reported favorably. SB 1152 by Senator Arrington would raise the cost of the Florida Wildflower specialty license plate from $15 to $25 to generate more funding for wildflower research, education, and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. SB 1188 by Senator McLean, which would limit local government authority over charter school siting and concurrency-related restrictions, drew the most debate. Supporters argued local ordinances were being used to block or delay charter schools, while opponents said the bill would tie the hands of local governments and could create traffic and public-safety concerns. After extensive discussion, the bill was reported favorably, with recorded no votes from Senators Arrington and Davis. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to transportation-related boards and authorities, including the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been many years since we could just count on the capacity that was available and have generators
• It's been many years since we could just count on the capacity that was available and have generators
• We have generators moving forward that are counting on transmission projects. forward.
• So we're basically counting on the market to make sure that the supply is available when we need it.
• And the final thing I would leave for our chair, and that is we're counting on the tax credit as the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy first heard AB 710, which would expand dynamic pricing/time-of-use rates and require utilities to develop plans for advanced metering infrastructure. The author and supporters said the bill would help customers shift electricity use to cheaper, cleaner hours, reduce curtailment of renewable energy, and lower rates. Opponents, including PG&E and SDG&E, argued the bill was premature, could disrupt ongoing CPUC rate proceedings and billing modernization efforts, and that real-time or day-ahead pricing remains untested at scale. After questions about the bill’s scope and timing, the committee passed AB 710 on an 11-0 vote and also approved the consent calendar 15-0. The committee then held its first oversight hearing on implementation of the California Transmission Accelerator created by SB 254. Representatives from GoBiz, CAISO, and the Department of Finance described the accelerator’s role in financing eligible transmission projects, coordinating with state agencies, and offering a 20% tax credit for qualified expenditures. They said the program is intended to lower borrowing costs, support public-private partnerships, and complement CAISO’s competitive transmission procurement process. Committee members focused on coordination among agencies, supply-chain bottlenecks, regional transmission planning, and whether additional statutory clarification is needed for roles, risk allocation, and the I-Bank’s authority. Public commenters largely supported the goal of faster, cheaper transmission but urged caution to preserve California’s competitive developer framework. Transmission developers and industry representatives warned that unclear ownership structures, timing, and risk allocation could discourage private participation and reduce competition, while a wildfire survivor coalition emphasized the need for clear responsibility and wildfire safety oversight. The hearing ended with the chair saying the committee would continue oversight and work on implementation details, and no votes were taken during the oversight portion.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you counted all the beds, probably close to 1,000.
• If you counted all the beds, probably close to 1,000.
• If you counted all the beds, probably closer to 150.
• If you counted all the beds, probably closer to 150.
• Are they stationed in the communities or working out of mobile units?

Bills: SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.