Transcript Highlights:

• So we're supportive of all the programs.
• support for the California Housing Partnership.
• We are supportive of it. We think it's a good idea.
• We also support an extension to the REAP 2.0 expenditure deadline.
• And we thank you for your support. Thank you. Any last comments?

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We supported it when it was criminalized.
• Let's go online, up to 3, those in support, and if you're not in support, would you please remove your
• 3, those in support, and if you're not in support, would you please remove your hand?
• OK, we're talking about support. Jessie, are you speaking in support? Please unmute. Please unmute.
• We support Senate Bill 155.

Transcript Highlights:

• out of the comprehensive uh support out of the comprehensive uh support improvement<00:28:44.799
• > a<00:56:00.240> $565,000 change was supported by a $565,000 change was supported by a
• student learning to created to support student learning to support<01:21:38.320> innovative<01
• <01:42:23.040> the as much as we can to uh support the as much as we can to uh support the
• support to um to make everything happen. support to um to make everything happen.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I, too, stand in support of Dakota's Law and Nero's Law.
• The support I received from both the SISM critical incident stress team and the Boston Police peer support
• I'm here today to provide testimony in support of House Bill 2728.
• I'm speaking in support of H. 2634.
• I'm also in strong support of House Bill 2634, which, as you heard from many of... ...support of House

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public safety bills, with strong support from law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders. Several measures focused on police and correctional officer wellness and protections, including bills on critical incident leave and post-incident support for officers, a bill to improve POST Commission representation, and a bill to protect correctional officers from assaults and exposure to synthetic drugs like K2. Witnesses described traumatic incidents, rising assaults in prisons, staffing shortages, and the need for confidentiality in peer-support debriefings. Committee members asked questions about assault classifications, K2 smuggling, tablet-related contraband, and whether counseling records would remain confidential. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to canine-related bills. Testimony supported creating a fund for retired police dogs and expanding emergency care training for working dogs injured in the line of duty. Speakers described police dogs as partners who locate suspects, missing persons, drugs, and weapons, and said retirement and medical costs are currently borne by handlers or nonprofits. The committee also heard testimony in favor of a purple alert system for missing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with advocates citing wandering risks, drowning dangers, and data from other states showing faster recovery times. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the definition of sexual assault by an officer to cover situations beyond formal custody, including investigations and other encounters where police have coercive power. Advocates for sex workers and anti-trafficking organizations said the change would close a loophole, protect vulnerable people, and address documented abuses. In addition, testimony was taken on a bill to protect Massachusetts residents from federal surveillance through fusion centers, with critics calling for stronger oversight of BRIC and related databases. Representative Jeff Turco also testified on bills to change POST Commission membership, arguing for more law enforcement representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must continue to support policies that support our number one industry so that the future of farming
• I rise in support of H.R. 99.
• I rise in strong support of S.J.R. 7.
• You've supported policies that have increased our prices astronomically, and you've supported tax after
• Today I rise in support of SJR 7.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a delayed quorum call, then moved through routine procedural actions, including unanimous-consent requests on guest seating and committee referrals. A motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to withdraw AB 2624 from committee failed on a roll call vote, 14-44. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions and held an Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony with a prayer, pledge, and moment of silence. The main floor action centered on H.R. 97, commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Assembly Member Schultz and numerous colleagues spoke in support, emphasizing historical recognition, solidarity with Armenian Californians, and opposition to denial. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. Later, H.R. 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day also drew extensive support from members highlighting the state’s agricultural economy, farmworkers, and the need for continued investment in agriculture; it was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. Several bills were also considered and passed: AB 1838 on contractor wage-and-hour disclosure for public works bids, AB 1562 authorizing counties to randomly select poll workers, AB 2297 standardizing restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 improving school re-enrollment support for justice-impacted youth, AB 1974 creating an optional temporary firearm storage program for law enforcement, AB 2402 updating health studio fee rules, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. AB 1607 drew sharp opposition over fee funding and broader policy concerns, but passed 66-1. The Assembly also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, and considered a Senate joint resolution on tariffs, with members split over whether tariffs or state policies were the main driver of higher costs; the transcript ends during debate on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's supported by ad valorem taxes. Mr.
• I mean, I'm supportive of this.
• It's supported by their fees and funds.
• And that's why we're so supportive here.
• I'd like to see a resolution in support of it.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh next up Justin Vermont ver support.
• <00:04:45.680> of units and we are urging the support of units and we are urging the support
• Chair, if we stand on our testimony and support. Thank you. Thank you.
• Uh, I just, yeah, I support this House concurrent resolution.
• Anybody else Council uh in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard HCR 142, which urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display art in all neighbor island airports. Testimony from CARES supported the measure, emphasizing that public art and youth art competitions help educate keiki, strengthen cultural understanding, and support economic development through Hawaii’s creative industries. No one testified in opposition, and members raised no questions. Both committees recommended passage of HCR 142 unamended. The measure was adopted by voice vote in each committee, with some members excused. Later, the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard HTR 102, which concerns translating the real estate salesperson exam into Japanese for timeshare-related sales. Supporters, including DBEDT and ARDA Hawaii, argued the change would help Japanese-speaking applicants, improve workforce recruitment, and support Hawaii’s timeshare industry and Japanese visitor market. A representative from APAC Hawaii supported the idea but suggested considering additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. Some senators questioned whether the proposal adequately addressed continuing education and long-term English proficiency, and the Real Estate Commission explained it does not currently issue a limited timeshare salesperson license and that the proposal would not restrict licensees from selling other real estate products. The committee also heard HCR 156, which asks the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to support economic diversification, high-wage jobs, innovation, and national security. HTDC and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council supported the resolution, citing the recent federal discontinuation of the local Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Innovate Hawaii, and the loss of related staff positions as reasons to reinforce state support. Testimony and discussion stressed cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, automation, and the need to sustain manufacturing momentum in Hawaii. Both HTR 102 and HCR 156 were recommended for passage as is and were adopted by the committee, with some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• So by supporting this initiative, we can ensure that every student has access to the care and support
• Thank you all for your time and support. support many young people in the Twin support many young people

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these loans um I really actually support these loans um I really actually support the<00:18:17.440
• wages and benefits and has a supportive wages and benefits and has a supportive workplace<01:09:
• individuals to become CNAs to support individuals to become CNAs to support organizations<01:09:
• And I am asking you today, all of you, to support Senate File 1673 so that we can support the youth,
• And I am asking you today, all of you, to support Senate File 1673 so that we can support the youth,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:44.879> um you all to note the letter of support um you all to note the letter of support
• support of the A2 amendment say I. I. support of the A2 amendment say I. I.
• it's one of the reasons I'm supporting it's one of the reasons I'm supporting this<00:36:44.079>
• support this bill. Thank you. support this bill. Thank you.
• Um, thank you, committee support.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For Opportunity Austin, supporting the bill. Right, thank you. You may begin.
• I am especially thrilled to be here today to support Senate Bill 1961.
• My name is David Signs, and I'm here to testify in support of SB 1961.
• We're fully supportive.
• I'm in support of this bill. I own two businesses here in Texas.

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I stand in strong support of HCR 192 HD1.
• And I stand in strong support of HCR 192 HD1.
• And I stand in strong support of HCR 192 HD1.
• nation of Hawaii and strongly support nation of Hawaii and strongly support HCR<00:20:32.520>
• I support this resolution. Ready to lead.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to express my strong support for House Bill 2196.
• We are excited here to support, um, House Bill 2196.
• I support House Bill 2196, and here's why.
• Supporting HB 2689 is a vote for our Texas economic prosperity and growth.
• By the Texas Workforce Commission, they're supported by many grants.

Bills: HB117

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• It also supports rural communities with flexible resources.
• We are very excited about this legislation and very supportive.
• And we fully support the bill 100%. Thank you, Chris.
• I'm here today to support this bill.
• So our main ask is, and we, in support of this bill, So our main ask is, and we in support of this bill

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and heard several bills, with SB 1742 on condos temporarily postponed. SB 1298 on building construction was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about continuing education for building professionals, rural sharing of building officials, residential inspector limits, a planning examiner internship, permitting modernization, and contractor transition liability. SB 638 on home inspectors was also reported favorably after discussion of increasing required education from 120 to 200 hours, adding subject-specific exam and course requirements, and requiring $300,000 in errors and omissions insurance. SB 960 on elevator accessibility requirements was reported favorably, allowing additional shorter support rails in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch rail requirement. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a block of board and commission appointees. The committee adopted amendments and reported favorably CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation platforms, aimed at stopping bots and unauthorized resale of restaurant reservations; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Booking Holdings supported the bill, and members discussed how the measure would preserve direct restaurant-platform relationships like OpenTable and Resy while targeting third-party marketplaces that resell reservations. CS/SB 196 on foods containing vaccines or vaccine materials was reported favorably after amendments that defined mRNA vaccine use and added a cosmetics-related amendment addressing harmful chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and mercury compounds; the Florida Retail Federation raised concerns but said it was working with the sponsor. CS/SB 1418 on heated tobacco products was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying the definition of heated tobacco products and excluding hookah, with support from the Florida Retail Federation and comments that the bill would distinguish these products from cigarettes for tax purposes. The committee also adopted a strike-all amendment and reported favorably CS/SB 1262 on construction contracting, which adds consumer protection and financial literacy topics to contractor continuing education, increases penalties for unlicensed contracting, creates a standardized disciplinary reporting system, and requires timely refunds and project completion standards; the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. Finally, CS/SB 1304 on solar facilities was reported favorably after extensive testimony from county commissioners and local officials supporting greater local oversight and decommissioning requirements for utility-scale solar on agricultural land; the bill would remove the current statewide by-right treatment for solar on agricultural land and authorize counties to adopt decommissioning ordinances. The meeting ended with members recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• policy together by keeping criminals in prison, bringing transparency to sentencing guidelines, and supporting
• It has been a bipartisan priority in the past, and I'm hopeful it will continue to be supported by both
• local police and sheriffs the support local police and sheriffs the support support<00:09:59.880
• they're requesting and that they support they're requesting and that they deserve<00:10:03.120> we
• he bipartisan support for any of<00:10:40.480> the<00:10:40.720> proposals<00:10:41.320

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT LEVEL OF SUPPORT TO HELP THEM REACH SUCCESS. VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.
• TO THE COMMUNITIES TO SAY WHAT CAN WE DO'S TO SUPPORT THOSE HOMES.
• WITHOUT THE SUPPORT SYSTEMS THEY FACE UNCERTAINTY AS THEY TAKE THE NEXT STEPS.
• RIGHT NOW WE ARE BEING FUNDED AT $500,000 PER YEAR TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAM.
• ALSO SUPPORTS FTES. ALSO ALLOWING US TO PROVIDE 28 ANNUALLY AND THE MENTORS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to 0 the Judiciary Committee supported this amendment, and we ask for Senate support. this is the group
• <00:11:08.959> this committee committee supported this committee committee supported this
• the Senate for their support. the Senate for their support.
• <00:16:24.320> uh poll a majority agreed to support uh poll a majority agreed to support uh
• support it now.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• need to plan effectively and support need to plan effectively and support students<00:15:18.440>
• for the support to provide services to support those students despite our slight decline.
• um to provide services to the support um to provide services to support<00:39:16.280> those<00
• to support these teachers.
• Are they getting support in the class, in school, or outside of school support with the families?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:56:00.640> supported<00:56:01.040> deci supports the extension of supported deci supports
• of Minnesota's largest support groups. of Minnesota's largest support groups.
• um, support the amendment. Thank you. um, support the amendment. Thank you.
• would be happy to support it. Awesome. would be happy to support it. Awesome.
• That I wouldn't support.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for your favorable support. Thank you.
• And Monica Rodriguez with Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, waving in support.
• I ask for the members' favorable support.
• , waving in support.
• Waiving in support. Thank you. And we have Kerry Hebrink with Kingfish Holdings, waving in support.

Bills: S0118, S0450, S0678, S0680, S1074, S1520

Keywords: recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, ad valorem, homestead exemption, disabled veteran, veteran surviving spouse, first responder, line of duty, service-connected death, tax exemption transfer, remarriage, primary residence, Florida Statutes 196.081, property appraiser, local government revenue, surviving spouse tax relief, alcohol distribution

Summary: The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard several bills, most of them focused on tax policy and property-related exemptions. CS/SB 118 clarified how non-ad valorem special assessments apply to recreational vehicle parks, and an amendment removed a requirement that local governments consider RV park occupancy rates when apportioning assessments. The bill was supported by a Florida Retail Federation representative and was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SB 1520, which modifies Live Local Act property tax exemption provisions by extending the vesting period for the missing middle exemption and expanding the data used for local government opt-outs; SB 678, which reestablishes the framework allowing distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax; and CS/SB 680, which creates a sales tax exemption to address double taxation on electricity used at EV charging stations. Each of these bills had support from industry or trade groups, and CS/SB 680 drew comments from Senator Gaetz praising the bill as a solution to prior tax collection confusion. The committee then approved CS/SB 450, which updates property tax exemption rules for surviving spouses of permanently and totally disabled veterans by allowing transfer of a larger portion of the exemption to a new homestead; an amendment raised the transferable amount to up to 120% of the prior exemption. The final bill, CS/SB 1074, was amended to establish uniform rules for rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel in light of the Federal Reserve’s suspension of penny distribution, while preserving tax calculations and providing liability protections; it also included safeguards for pawn and recycling transactions. All bills considered were reported favorably, Senator Gaetz asked to be recorded as voting yes on all bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.