Transcript Highlights:

• We're starting to operate without drivers. That's going on. That was the vision.
• When the doors blew off of Boeing airplanes, no one sues the pilot for operating it.
• Tesla's Robo Taxi operation.
• We haven't launched the system yet, so we don't have very clean metrics to share.
• You know, as we like launch the service. All right.

Bills: SB1493 , SB1598 , SB1895 , SB1919 , SB2039 , SB2226 , SB2243 , SB2425

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mary Franklin, DHS, Division of County Operations. Thank you.
• Mary Franklin, DHS, Division of County Operations. All right, good morning.
• We did a soft launch. We're in a soft launch right now. We started on July 1.
• And what soft launch means is that we are using the data we have available now in our system and sending
• We just don't have a clear-cut operational path yet.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The subcommittee met to hear from DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Mary Franklin on Arkansas’s upcoming Medicaid community engagement/work requirements for the Our Home expansion population. DHS said the federal changes, tied to the 2025 budget bill, are being soft-launched now, with full implementation set for January 1, 2027, and a shorter six-month renewal cycle for most adults. They outlined who would be exempt or excluded, including certain parents/caretakers, pregnant and postpartum individuals, former foster youth, people with disabilities or serious medical conditions, SNAP/TANF participants, inmates and recent releasees, and some others. They also explained compliance standards such as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work programs, or education, and discussed how income, student status, and caregiver hours would be counted. Members asked about the fairness of the income threshold, how part-time and non-credit education would be verified, how disability exemptions would be documented, and whether appeals would be available. DHS said notices include appeal rights and that it is using ex parte data checks, provider forms, and claims data to identify exemptions. A major theme was implementation capacity and outreach. DHS said it is preparing a customer service center and outbound verification system to contact beneficiaries by text, email, phone, and mail, and is using notices, social media, town halls, and a web page to inform recipients. Members raised concerns about manpower, low-tech access for people without internet, and whether beneficiaries could be connected to workforce or education opportunities rather than simply being screened for compliance. DHS said it is also expanding use of AI tools to automate routine eligibility tasks, while keeping a human in the loop, and that the new call center contract will include AI and closed-loop referrals. Members also asked about the interaction with SNAP/TANF work rules and whether local offices could connect clients to workforce and training resources; DHS said it is already doing some of that through SNAP E&T, TANF, and notices, and is discussing broader partnerships with Workforce Connections and local initiatives. The committee then shifted to Arkansas Medicaid expansion and the state’s waiver renewal. Secretary Mann said CMS has changed its budget neutrality rules, and Arkansas believes its current waiver will not meet the new standard. DHS has asked for a two-year extension and said it is optimistic coverage will continue on January 1 while a new delivery system is worked out. Members asked about possible alternatives, and DHS said it is considering fee-for-service and managed care options, including different managed care structures, but is not considering ending coverage for the expansion population. Questions also focused on possible effects on private insurance, hospitals, premium tax revenue, and state costs if the expansion population were moved off the current model. DHS said it is still modeling those impacts with actuaries and the Insurance Department. At the end, DHS also provided a brief update on assisted living reimbursement rate work, saying the cost report is out for public comment and a recommendation will follow. The chair closed by reviewing committee timelines, noting the DHS report is due in January and the workforce report is due to ALC on October 1, with a possible request for a short extension.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bottom line operations of those projects don't meet.
• The bottom line operations of those projects don't meet.
• So there's an incredibly challenging operational environment for projects.
• Rent collections, the revenue side of operations, continue to be a struggle.
• But they were launched.

Summary: The committee met for a series of information sessions focused on housing stabilization, rental assistance, senior housing, and heat resilience. In the first panel, OHCS and NOAA described the state’s affordable housing preservation work, including the $35 million in 2025 stabilization funding used to reduce debt and keep distressed affordable rental projects operating, plus manufactured home park preservation efforts. OHCS said the portfolio remains under strain, with about a third of projects at debt coverage ratios of 1.0 or less and rising insurance and operating costs. NOAA urged faster closings on the stabilization awards, more funding in 2027, and broader rent assistance and process reforms. Committee members asked about the gap between current appropriations and need, and OHCS explained that the new Article 11-Q bond preservation program is structured differently and requires full refinancing rather than simple cash infusions. The committee then heard a detailed discussion of the state’s eviction prevention and rental assistance program, ORDAP. OHCS said the program is administered through community action agencies, prioritizes households at imminent risk of eviction, and is now funded at a much lower level than in the prior biennium, reducing expected service to about 8,200 households this biennium. The Oregon Law Center, a county community action agency, and Multifamily Northwest all agreed the program prevents homelessness and is effective, but they differed on whether assistance should be tied so closely to eviction court. Legal aid and community action witnesses said the current system is underfunded and that eviction filings are the clearest indicator of need, while Multifamily Northwest argued the process can push people into court unnecessarily and should be moved earlier when possible. Legislators raised questions about whether a pre-eviction model could be developed and about the costs of court involvement; one member shared a personal story about how rental assistance helped keep their family housed. Next, the governor’s office, OHCS, and OHA presented on the new senior housing initiative and healthy homes work. The governor’s housing director said Oregon is making progress on homelessness and housing production, with reductions in homelessness outside Multnomah County and an estimated 50,000 future units added to the pipeline through recent state actions. OHCS outlined the senior housing programs launched in May: a debt-financing program using elderly and disabled bond authority, an older adult housing development program funded through the senior property tax deferral revolving account, and a rehousing program for older adults that will use bridge funding and services to move at least 400 unsheltered older Oregonians into housing. OHA also described its Healthy Homes Grant Program, including $24.6 million already awarded, a new $5 million grant round for seniors and people with disabilities, and examples of home repairs and weatherization that help people remain safely housed. The final information session focused on home cooling and heat resilience. OHA presented data showing rising extreme heat days, more heat-related emergency visits, and likely undercounted heat deaths, especially among older adults, people with disabilities, low-income communities, and people without access to healthy homes. ODOE reviewed implementation of Senate Bill 1536, including a cooling needs study that found 58% of surveyed households in the studied housing types needed permanent cooling, with estimated statewide costs of $582 million to $1 billion. ODOE said its rental home heat pump and community heat pump programs have supported 4,638 installations so far, with a temporary reopening planned using remaining funds. The session ended with a remote presentation from a Community Action Partnership of Oregon representative, continuing the discussion of how community action agencies help deliver energy and anti-poverty services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, as a result, the African-American Forum was launched.
• </c> The African American Forum was launched The African American Forum was launched on<00:03:38.640>
• </c> African-American Forum was launched. African-American Forum was launched.
• ,</c> that launch, that launch, this<00:05:21.280><c> became</c><00:05:21.720><c> our</c><00:05:21.880
• </c> Launched the Arts Partnership Program.

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met and first heard a presentation from Johnny Cole III, president and CEO of the African American Forum in Lexington. Cole described the organization’s 30-plus year history, its signature events and programs, and its mission to promote African American arts, culture, education, and community development. He said the group has reached more than 60,000 people through events and more than 90,000 students through its arts partnership work, and estimated its programs have generated about $4.5 million in local economic impact. He also outlined a proposed legacy project in Lexington’s First Council District that would include a facility, culinary kitchen, food court, mobile truck, and expanded communications and internship opportunities, and said the organization was seeking a $3 million state request to help purchase a building and expand its mission. The committee then discussed a juvenile justice funding proposal presented by Senator Catoria Herring. Herring said the bill would create a juvenile justice fund for prevention, early intervention, alternatives to detention, re-entry, and wraparound services, with money coming from state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds. She said the proposal was based on her experience in juvenile justice and on concerns that the state has invested heavily in detention facilities but not enough in upstream services. She cited recent facility spending and said the bill would seek $9 million. Members asked how the fund would work, who could apply, and how it would be overseen; Herring said she envisioned a grant program open to local governments, law enforcement, nonprofits, and school districts, with reporting requirements and oversight through the juvenile justice system. No vote was taken, and the discussion ended with general support and a suggestion to adjust the request amount to a round $9 million figure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We launched the kinship caregiving pilot program.
• We're so excited to have launched it.
• So, right now we've launched in Ria Riba.
• That we can operate out of.
• our operating budget to sustain those operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, moving on to the operating adjustment: there are two operating adjustments included in this proposal
• Okay, moving on to the operating adjustment: there are two operating adjustments included in this proposal
• Okay, moving on to the operating adjustment: there are two operating adjustments included in this proposal
• </c><00:26:51.799><c> a</c> support districts in launching a support districts in launching a registered
• These Workforce Development Fund dollars will immediately support the launching operations of our current

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Border security operations, providing 39 service members in four aircraft in support of Operation Vigilant
• It has had record launches this year. It has had record launches this year, and as well as transit.
• In the space industry, we have eight active launch sites, and as I mentioned, we broke an annual launch
• Operation Lone Star... Operation Lone Star on the southern border and Operation Vigilant Century.
• Operation Lone Star on the southern border and Operation Vigilant Century.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Rural Health Transformation Program that are more appropriately classified as maintenance and operation
• the Rural Health Transformation Program that are more appropriately classified as maintenance and operation
• the Rural Health Transformation Program that are more appropriately classified as maintenance and operation
• the Rural Health Transformation Program that are more appropriately classified as maintenance and operation
• won't take much time on this, but let me quickly read you what this says is the Justice Department launched

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee considered several appropriation and fund transfer requests. In Section B, it approved temporary appropriations for the Department of Military to match a federal grant for design work at the 39th Brigade Headquarters, for State Police to rebuild the Troop I CDL facility damaged by a tornado, for State Police equipment replacements, and for DF&A to reclassify Rural Health Transformation Program contract costs. In Section C, it approved a $4.2 million Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriation for the Department of Energy and Environment’s statewide energy plans and programs, with members asking for more detail on the grant uses. In Section D, it approved a $40 million transfer within the Department of Education from teacher salary equalization and school funding contingency to minimum teacher salary and raise, and in Section E it approved a $243,000 restricted reserve transfer for the Military Department’s National Guard matching funds. In Section F, the committee reviewed federal grant appropriations including $729,000 for the National Guard headquarters project, $35.6 million for workforce apprenticeship expansion, and $6.7 million in DOJ grants for extreme risk protection order programs, crisis intervention court proceedings, and gun violence reduction initiatives. Senators asked detailed questions about the DOJ grants, and DFA officials said Arkansas would use safeguards in grant agreements to ensure the funds would not be used to infringe Second Amendment rights. The committee then reviewed a small Department of Health pay plan appropriation for a critical staff member. During reports, members discussed the Department of Agriculture’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. Officials said the program is in its final year, with about 205 projects awarded and roughly 81 still under construction, and that the remaining funds are intended to finish existing projects rather than start new ones. After no further questions on the remaining reports, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our work goes far beyond the projects that we build, operate, or maintain.
• We're also on the third year launching our heavy equipment operators academy.
• On the third year, launching our heavy equipment operators academy, 180 people.
• Caltrans didn’t operate those programs.
• Derek Barnes, Director, Operating Engineers, in support. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, a rule waiver, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved multiple appointments not required to appear, including members of the Board of Behavioral Science, the Contractors’ State License Board, and the Medical Board of California, with most votes either 3-2 or 5-0. It also approved a reference of bills to committees, a waiver of SR 55 to allow guests on the Senate floor for an adjourn-in-memory of former President Pro Tempore John Burton, and floor acknowledgments, all by 5-0 votes. The committee then heard testimony on the appointment of Dina El-Tawansy as Director of Caltrans. In her opening remarks, she emphasized her 28 years at the department, and said her priorities would be safety, equity, climate resilience, economic prosperity, workforce development, and a multimodal transportation system. Senators questioned her on a range of transportation issues, including impacts from federal and state disputes over immigrant truck drivers, the Highway 58 truck climbing lane, DBE certification changes, asphalt recycling and waste disposal, climate adaptation on coastal infrastructure, and the future of road funding as electric vehicles reduce gas tax revenue. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is pursuing project prioritization, climate vulnerability assessments, partnerships with local governments, DBE reevaluation guidance, recycling efforts, and research into road user charges. Members also asked about toll lane agreements, homelessness encampments and litter on Caltrans property, and the Los Angeles-San Diego rail corridor and broader transit integration. El-Tawansy said Caltrans is moving toward more consistent statewide toll agreements, has signed or is negotiating delegated maintenance MOUs with local agencies to address encampments and litter, and is expanding rail and transit planning. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with representatives from transportation agencies, contractors, local governments, labor, and technology firms backing the nomination. The committee voted 5-0 to move El-Tawansy’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, obviously, this is still an ongoing operation.
• type of money to raise, is a operating support.
• So we launched this in 2016, and we created this program really to help create a fully operational network
• , during the fair, we operate, or partner with a group, and they operate something called. and it's an
• We also operate junior historians.

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• . operations. operations.
• operators of a Minnesota<00:33:02.880><c> dairy</c><00:33:03.200><c> cow</c><00:33:03.519><c> operation
• </c><00:33:04.159><c> that</c> Minnesota dairy cow operation that Minnesota dairy cow operation that
• </c> beginning, uh General Mills launched beginning, uh General Mills launched their<00:45:38.640><c>
• Um so initial cost operating today.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• The two auxiliary lanes had a slightly increased footprint, with additional operational improvements
• I think the other thing to note is that as we are launching tolling, there is the expectation to try
• I think the other thing to note that is as we are launching tolling, there is the expectation to try
• So having operational transit in 2036, 2030 through 2036, so having operational transit in 2036 pending
• So it will support those reliability benefits for the buses operating in that space.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge met remotely with Washington legislative members to receive updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including environmental review, cost and funding, tolling, and procurement for construction. Program staff said the final supplemental environmental impact statement was published in April 2026, with a federal record of decision expected in early summer. They described the recommended design as a single-level fixed-span bridge, centered I-5 alignment, C Street ramps, one auxiliary lane in each direction, and dispersed park-and-ride parking. Members raised concerns about transparency, the closed chat function, and the decision not to include two auxiliary lanes; staff said the one-lane option was recommended through consultation with partner agencies and analysis, but the final decision would come with the record of decision. Staff also said the diversion analysis projected less than 3% traffic diversion to I-205 in 2045, though members from Oregon and Washington expressed concern about impacts to their communities and asked for more detail on mitigation and decision-making. The committee also reviewed a major cost update. Staff said the full five-mile program is now estimated at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion, up from a 2022 estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, citing inflation, schedule delays, scope changes, and more detailed risk modeling. They said the first funded phase has been reduced to a $5.68 billion package focused on the Columbia River bridge replacement, connections to I-5, Hayden Island and SR-14, bridge demolition, tolling infrastructure, and advancing light rail design. Funding for that phase was described as $5.69 billion, including $2.1 billion federal funds, $1 billion from each state, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue. Members asked what would happen if costs rise further; staff said the estimate includes substantial contingency, the project will use progressive design-build to manage risk, and the team will continue updating the finance plan annually. A separate tolling and traffic-revenue presentation explained that four toll scenarios were analyzed using regional travel demand modeling, a toll diversion model, and a post-processing review. All scenarios assume pre-completion tolling beginning July 1, 2028, a 50% low-income discount for eligible users, and exemptions for tribal preemptions, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and organized militia. Staff said the low-income discount would affect about 4% to 6% of annual transactions and reduce annual revenues by roughly 2% to 3%. They said Scenario 2 was used for the financial analysis and is sufficient to support the $1.5 billion toll contribution in the funded phase. Members asked about toll collection costs, revenue impacts of the discount, and how the scenarios differed; staff said collection costs are expected to be in line with other WSDOT toll facilities, but exact costs are not yet set because toll rates are not final. Finally, WSDOT staff outlined procurement and delivery steps for construction. They said WSDOT will be the lead contracting agency, using progressive design-build, with a request for qualifications targeted for early July 2026, a request for proposals in October, contractor selection in April 2027, construction starting in 2028, and tolling beginning in 2028. Staff said the approach is intended to consolidate scope, reduce interface risk, and allow transparent negotiation with an independent cost estimator, while preserving an off-ramp if a fair price cannot be reached. Members asked for more detail on timing, cost allocation, and the share of the first phase funded by tolls; staff estimated tolls account for about 26% of the first phase cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• We compete with other states that have made those investments, and often our timeline to launch for those
• To local government entities and eligible critical infrastructure operators to help them identify their
• The funds have to be used to support terrorism security operations within the state.
• But there are multiple ways, anything from launching nets to interfering with guidance signals to the
• Anything from launching nets to interfering with, There are multiple ways, anything from launching nets

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on the effects of tariffs on Washington’s economy, agriculture, and small businesses, followed by updates on emergency management, cybersecurity, disaster resilience, tsunami preparedness, and World Cup security planning. Office of Financial Management economist Abdelamintrawe Trieri said tariff increases are expected to raise prices, reduce output and employment, and lower state revenue over a four-year horizon, with the hardest-hit sectors including aerospace, food and beverage manufacturing, and agriculture. Members asked about updated tariff scenarios, crop-specific impacts, inflation versus deflation in different goods, and whether some manufacturing sectors could benefit; staff said updated numbers would need to be rerun as tariff rates changed. Washington Department of Agriculture representative Ryan Hamm described how tariffs raise costs for farm inputs such as equipment, parts, packaging, and fertilizer, while also affecting exports of key commodities like wheat, potatoes, apples, cherries, dairy, and wine. He said some sectors support tariffs on competing imports, but retaliation and market restrictions have hurt exports, especially to China and, in the wine sector, Canada. Department of Commerce representative Andrea Chartock outlined export assistance, business finance, recruitment, and industry-sector development programs, and proposed expanding tariff-resilience support through market diversification, supply-chain optimization, and efforts to attract investment and federal funding. She also noted uncertainty around delayed federal STEP funding for small business export assistance. Emergency Management Division Director Robert Ezell warned that federal disaster and mitigation funding is becoming less reliable, citing the denied bomb cyclone disaster declaration, delays in FEMA grant processing, and possible restructuring of FEMA that could shift more responsibility to states. He said Washington may need stronger state-funded public assistance, individual assistance, and mitigation programs, along with broader coordination among state agencies and local governments. Cybersecurity staff described state efforts to support local governments through the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, threat intelligence sharing, vulnerability assessments, and a proposed volunteer incident response team, while noting the loss of MS-ISAC funding and the importance of continued state matching funds for cybersecurity grants. Hazard mitigation and tsunami staff emphasized the need for sustained investment in flood, wildfire, earthquake, lahar, and tsunami resilience, including vertical evacuation structures and language-access outreach. Ezell also briefed the committee on World Cup security preparations and federal grants for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, explaining that the state can buy mitigation capabilities but current authority to use them remains largely federal; the committee asked follow-up questions about fan zones, training, and the meaning of drone mitigation. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, we launched our Love 120 initiative with the goal of reaching all 120 Kentucky counties.
• We provide guidance on shelter operations, fundraising, transport logistics, and we connect them with
• </c><00:08:28.879><c> We</c> emotional, and operational burden.
• We emotional, and operational burden.
• /c><00:08:57.440><c> raise</c><00:08:57.839><c> $37</c> launched our campaign to raise $37 launched our

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Alyssa Gray, president and CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society, on the organization’s statewide animal welfare work and its request for a $5 million matching contribution from the General Assembly for a new Kentucky Animal and Community Campus in Louisville. Gray said KHS, an independent nonprofit founded in 1884, serves cats, dogs, and horses, reaches 96 counties, provides shelter relief, spay-neuter services, low-cost veterinary care, and disaster response, and has supported communities during recent tornadoes and floods. She described the new campus as a hub for disaster housing, shelter transfers, veterinary training, and expanded services to reduce overpopulation and relieve pressure on county shelters and local governments. Members asked about the campus’s location, staffing, veterinary student involvement, and the scope of KHS’s services. Gray said the new site would be next to KHS’s current spay-neuter clinic on Preston Highway, that the facility would include shelter medicine, high-volume spay-neuter, and a low-cost clinic, and that it could host veterinary students and interns for hands-on training. She also explained that KHS works with county officials and shelters to move animals during crises or cruelty cases, can connect counties with partner organizations when KHS is full, and provides mobile clinic services and occasional grant support for rural shelters. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed how KHS could fit into disaster recovery planning. One member suggested the organization could be folded into long-term recovery efforts because of its role in post-disaster animal care. The presenter said KHS wants to be a formal disaster response resource and already works with the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and other partners. No vote on the funding request was taken during the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the committee noted it still lacked a quorum, so approval of the minutes was postponed to the next meeting, tentatively scheduled for October 15. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are operational deployments happening in real-world conditions across the state. an important operational
• through various fleet operators.
• Sierra is proud to own and operate the only hydrogen fuel cell switcher locomotive currently operating
• I'm happy to run with this a little bit because I am an operating railroad with operations throughout
• Hydrogen fueling operations are similar to the existing fueling operations today, and hydrogen technologies

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 87 district courts spread across the state, operating in 103 different locations.
• </c> sustained four recently launched sustained four recently launched treatment<00:15:34.440><c> courts
• </c><00:16:11.480><c> in</c><00:16:11.639><c> the</c> we have launched in the we have launched in the
• We'll operate under the framework for approximately a year and then evaluate how it is working.
• So we're operating on a 34-year-old standard. Why is that? What's going on?

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Government Operations Agency, or GovOps.
• This was published by the Government Operations Agency back in November of 2023.
• So I have some background: in August of 2023, Governor Newsom launched the development of the California
• This expanded program. to launch this expanded program on an ongoing basis.
• Again, authority, not dollars, to staff and maintain and operate Building 18.

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:41.279><c> with</c><00:14:41.440><c> that</c> operator that is playing with that operator that
• in Minnesota by 8 to 10 operators.
• Now, we can go to Representative Huot. operators. operators.
• </c> only way that fraudsters are operating only way that fraudsters are operating in<00:43:18.960><c
• </c> fraudsters that are currently operating fraudsters that are currently operating here<00:55:33.839

Bills: HF3642 , HF2700 , HF3615

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we just can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the use of a boat launch.
• They launched from south of 190.
• It's just primarily the launch issue. The bags and everything remains the same.
• But if you don't incentivize operators to come back here, I don't know.
• It became an underlying principle where the state was going to start operating.

Summary: The committee first considered several local property-transfer and wildlife/fisheries bills, including SB 229 (Bojeur Parish property transfer), SB 71 (Lafayette Parish property transfer), and a series of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries measures. SB 203 simplified possession rules for fish on multi-day trips and remote camps; SB 429 created an administrative path to register “orphan” boats with lapsed registrations; SB 204 removed a residency-based restriction on certain commercial fishing gear licenses; SB 205 reduced duplicate registration requirements for federally documented boats; SB 213 clarified titling rules for vessels and outboard motors; and SB 257 removed Social Security number requirements from certain commercial fishing tags. Each of these bills was reported favorable, generally without objection, after brief explanations from sponsors and department counsel about reducing red tape, improving enforcement, or modernizing records. The committee also heard SB 214, which would allow the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District to stop pumping during an imminent flood threat identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, addressing liability concerns and giving local officials more flexibility in emergencies. SB 274, as amended, required lead hazard risk assessments for certain child care, early learning, and pre-kindergarten facilities and required hazards found in assessments to be addressed before licensing. Both bills were reported favorable. SB 379, a technical reorganization bill for the Department of Conservation and Energy, received two amendment sets: one changing investment language and another standardizing judicial-review procedures and online notice requirements; it was reported favorable after those amendments. The committee then adopted HCR 62, urging FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects, with members discussing the burden of flood insurance and the need for FEMA to recognize levees, pump stations, and elevated homes. HCR 78 was also reported favorable, memorializing Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 in support of Louisiana’s seafood industry. HB 662, as substituted, was reported favorable after being rewritten to codify the department’s internal protocol for seized sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, prioritizing release, rehabilitation, placement, and euthanasia as a last resort. Finally, the committee considered two more contentious items. HR 216, which urged repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, drew extended debate over whether the plan had been adopted without legislative input and whether it could affect permits or future policy; after discussion, the sponsor voluntarily deferred the resolution to return with a revised approach focused on a legislative hearing or review. SCR 24, dealing with chronic wasting disease rules, was introduced with amendments that would raise the prevalence threshold, cap samples, allow zone removal after three years without new detections, and lift baiting/feed prohibitions above a higher prevalence level; the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is in the planning and faculty recruitment phase, with work to launch this coming fall, 2025.
• </c> recruitment phase with work to launch recruitment phase with work to launch this<00:24:44.679><c
• Minnesota State launched a partnership with Mantra Health in September of 2024.
• </c> initiative we were able to launch initiative we were able to launch because<00:31:18.360><c> of<
• </c><01:34:35.320><c> to</c> of it was used to support operations to of it was used to support operations

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy