Transcript Highlights:

• that in the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 a lot of positive things came out of it.
• the larger offices, have the money to go one step further in bettering some of the re-entry services
• And staffing, 90% of most of our facilities...
• Historically, all of the sheriffs— as a matter of fact, we were a little sick of Zoom by the end of the
• In and out of the correctional system for most of his life, he's now one of the first residents of this

Summary: The meeting was the third public session of the Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration. Members introduced themselves, and the commission approved the prior meeting minutes. The main presentation came from the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, led by several sheriffs, who described the role of sheriffs’ offices as independently elected county institutions that operate jails and houses of correction, regional lockups, civil process, 911 communications in some counties, school resource officers, and investigative units. They emphasized that most of their population is pretrial, that admissions and releases are far higher than the Department of Correction’s, and that their facilities now house more people overall than DOC despite having a smaller budget. The sheriffs argued that their work has shifted toward rehabilitation, reentry, and public health, highlighting extensive programming in mental health, substance use treatment, medication-assisted treatment, education, vocational training, and gender-specific, trauma-informed services. They said standardized risk/needs assessments and better funding would help make services more consistent across counties. They also described specialized units and models such as regional evaluation and stabilization units, older-adult housing, emerging adult and gang-intervention programs, and reentry centers that connect people to housing, employment, family support, and community services. Several examples were cited, including Suffolk’s Project Evolve, Middlesex’s older-adult unit, Hampden’s MAGIC program, Worcester’s STOP program, and county reentry centers across the state. A major theme was that these programs are expensive but, in the sheriffs’ view, reduce recidivism and improve safety by stabilizing people before release and supporting them afterward. They pointed to COVID-19 as a period when sheriffs adapted facilities for quarantine and medical care, and said they continue to work with public health partners. They also stressed that their facilities are heavily audited by state and federal agencies and that maintaining humane, safe conditions requires significant staffing and operating costs. Commission members responded favorably at points, noting the importance of the turnover in sheriff populations and the need to understand the different correctional mission compared with DOC. The meeting ended with discussion of future commission dates and a note that the presentation materials would be shared electronically.

Transcript Highlights:

• I suspect that the majority of it will be treated prior to entry.
• the direct importation—so the first port of entry—doesn't go to Molokaʻi; it's being done on another
• But I mean, it's only a matter of time unless we have, you know, also have biosecurity at our ports.
• first</c><02:19:09.439><c> Port</c><02:19:09.639><c> of</c><02:19:09.760><c> Entry</c> importation so
• the first Port of Entry importation so the first Port of Entry isn't<02:19:10.639><c> it</c><02:19:10.719

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sort of famously, most ports in the United States of America run on ship-to-shore cranes, which the federal
• Sort of famously, most ports in the United States of America run on ship-to-shore cranes, which the federal
• devices and packages coming in and out of ports, where China could see into those devices through certain
• The speaker said these devices come in and out of ports because of certain scanners.
• And that's why I just think if we're just talking about inspecting this at a port of entry, I get it,

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• the directions of our sergeants.
• directions of our sergeants.
• them out of opportunities they are fully capable of delivering on.
• Are there any other members of the public in support of this bill?
• But again, the truth of the matter is that one of the first elements of this strategic plan is going

Summary: The committee heard several measures focused on economic development, procurement, workforce equity, federal infrastructure funding, and food security. SB 1044 by Senator Reyes would raise and then index to inflation the cap for streamlined state contracts awarded to certified small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises for services and IT work; supporters said the current cap is outdated and limits access, while opponents representing goods suppliers and some small business groups argued the bill could disadvantage goods contractors and should preserve lower thresholds for those contracts. After discussion about the ceiling versus floor effect of the cap and the impact on different types of businesses, the bill was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations. SB 247 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a bid preference for projects that hire workers from disadvantaged communities; supporters framed it as a way to connect public infrastructure spending to family-sustaining jobs, while union construction employers opposed it because they said they cannot control worker dispatch through hiring halls and the bill would be difficult to implement. The committee advanced the measure to Appropriations despite those concerns. The committee also approved SJR 6 by Senator Cortese, which urges the federal government to honor commitments under the bipartisan infrastructure law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, with supporters emphasizing the importance of certainty for California infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor investments. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would establish an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food assistance efforts and develop a statewide food security strategy; supporters from a Kern County food bank and the University of California said the state’s response to hunger is fragmented and needs better coordination, while committee members asked about deliverables and timelines. The bill was sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 700 and SB 1340, which were moved on consent to Appropriations, and the hearing ended with the remaining votes recorded and the bills advanced. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly discussed the need for clearer implementation details, data on program impacts, and how to balance equity goals with operational realities for state agencies, contractors, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that your gallon of gas is a gallon of that your gallon of gas is a gallon of gas<00:04:52.919><
• </c> is sort of um they have a lot of is sort of um they have a lot of consumer<00:14:36.399><c> financial
• of a summary of like um so this is kind of a summary of the<00:15:34.440><c> for</c><00:15:34.959><c
• Department of Energy, there are 2,276 charging ports across Minnesota, and so there is an effort by the
• um</c><01:20:07.679><c> real</c> little bit of a collection of um real little bit of a collection of

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• and so much more, all for the well-being of the people of this great state of Arizona.
• benefits of their... ...ruling so that each of their constituents will experience the benefits of their
• of thousands of Americans.
• of entries; SB 1274 appropriation; SB 1283 special play police foundation; SB 1288 appeals court division
• Point of order.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:16.800><c> of</c> and is the sole access to the ports of and is the sole access to the ports
• Highway 13 provides direct access to the ports of Savage, where approximately 90% of materials arrive
• In fact, the ports of Savage handle about 2 million tons of material annually, making it the second-highest
• That was one of my requests on this kind of a late entry here, but thank you for getting it on the agenda
• c> late</c> of my requests on this kind of a late of my requests on this kind of a late entry<00:45:59.920

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• as a member of the House of Representatives of the State of Hawaii to the best of my ability.
• </c> member of the House of Representatives member of the House of Representatives &gt;&gt; as<00:16:
• </c><00:16:32.080><c> my</c> of the State of Hawaii to the best of my of the State of Hawaii to the best
• of protection of a state-backed layer of protection of a certificate<02:44:32.240><c> of</c><02:44:32.400
• </c><05:13:59.360><c> of</c> is in support of this kind of kind of is in support of this kind of kind

Transcript Highlights:

• Warren Hendrickson, Washington State Aviation Alliance and Director of Operations for the Port of Olympia
• Warren Hendrickson, Washington State Aviation Alliance and Director of Operations for the Port of Olympia
• of the House of Representatives to Harry R.
• of the House of Representatives to Harry R.
• So there's tons of examples of people doing this.

Summary: The meeting was an Aviation Caucus gathering hosted at Paine Field and Boeing, with legislators, aviation groups, airport representatives, WSDOT, AOPA, Boeing, and other stakeholders introducing themselves and discussing aviation’s role in Washington. Representative Tom Dent opened by emphasizing the caucus’s purpose of educating lawmakers about aviation and aerospace, building relationships with legislators, and protecting the industry from policies he said could harm it. He highlighted a priority to repeal sections of a recent transportation revenue bill that imposed a luxury/privilege tax on aircraft, arguing airplanes are tools rather than luxuries and warning the tax could drive aircraft and business out of the state. Several speakers focused on the economic value of aviation. WSDOT Aviation Director Ann Richard said the industry’s story needs to be framed around broad public benefits, including business activity, medical access, emergency response, and wildfire support, not just recreation. John Dobson presented data claiming aviation and aerospace account for about 12.5% of Washington’s GDP, support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and generate substantial tax revenue, while also arguing that aviation infrastructure is underfunded and that aviation-related fuel taxes and other revenues should be redirected to aviation uses. Boeing representatives described the company’s Washington footprint, recent safety and training reforms, supplier and workforce investments, the permanent site at Moses Lake, and the Core Plus Aerospace workforce pipeline. The meeting also included advocacy updates on mental health in aviation and industry coordination. Brian Baumoff of the Pilot Mental Health Campaign described federal legislation aimed at improving the process for pilots seeking mental health treatment and a Washington proposal to provide leave support for pilots navigating medical certification. Haley Coffey of the Aerospace Futures Alliance invited attendees to an upcoming Hill Day to advocate for aerospace. AOPA’s Brad Schuster warned that the aircraft tax proposal and possible offsets like higher jet fuel taxes could have severe consequences. The caucus also recognized Harry R. Anderson with House Resolution 4645 for becoming the first person to both fly and sail solo to all seven continents. The meeting ended with a short quiz, reminders about badges, and instructions for the Boeing factory tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Port Authority, who will give an overview of the project. Welcome to the committee.
• Again, my name is Todd Hurley, and I am the President and CEO of the St. Paul Port Authority.
• of units of affordable and supportive housing.
• of Beacon.
• In the state of Minnesota, over 70% of households are homeowners, yet only 28% of Black Minnesotans own

Bills: HF1143 , HF1548 , HF1340 , HF2549 , HF2559 , HF1673 , HF2740 , HF2507 , HF2461 , HF2381 , HF2695

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• by 10% of the farms, and about 90% of the farms produce about 10% of that economic value.
• in anticipation of some of these challenges.
• of a sector.
• Of our apples, 20% of our cherries.
• ports.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, workforce, and competitiveness. Director Derek Sanderson of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and WSU Dean Raj Kosla described the size and diversity of the state’s farm sector, declining farm numbers, major export markets, and pressures from labor costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pests and disease. Kosla emphasized WSU’s land-grant role in education, research, and extension, including precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the need for state support to help producers adopt new technologies and train the next generation of agricultural workers. Members asked about retaining farmland, increasing workforce capacity, and the role of precision agriculture. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages and water scarcity, but adoption is limited by cost and rural broadband gaps. He explained precision agriculture as tailoring inputs to the right place, time, amount, and manner, and said WSU is working on low-cost sensor technologies and other innovations. Members also asked about how widely precision agriculture is used and whether it improves farm bottom lines; Kosla said adoption varies by tool and that he would follow up with more data. The committee then heard from Dr. Randy Fortenberry of WSU’s Impact Center on an agricultural competitiveness study and the effects of tariffs and trade. He reported that Washington’s competitiveness has generally declined relative to peer states in dairy, grapes, hops, apples, and wheat, with potatoes as the main bright spot. Surveyed producers said a substantial share of revenue is tied to regulatory compliance, with labor-related costs a major driver, and small diversified farms reported land access, capital, and profitability as bigger barriers than regulation. On trade, Fortenberry said Washington agriculture is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted markets, while noting current uncertainty around China and India. The committee asked follow-up questions about compliance time, peer-state comparisons, and regulatory burdens; no votes were taken, and the department said it plans an interim report by the end of the year and a final report by June 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• by 10% of the farms, and about 90% of the farms produce about 10% of that economic value.
• in anticipation of some of these challenges.
• of a sector.
• Tree fruit: 30% of our apples, 20% of our cherries.
• ports.

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, competitiveness, and the effects of federal policy and trade. Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sanderson outlined the agency’s role in inspections, food assistance, pesticide and fertilizer oversight, disease control, and marketing, and described Washington agriculture as a diverse, export-oriented sector facing declining farm numbers, high labor and input costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pest and disease pressures. WSU CAHNRS Dean Raj Kosla emphasized the land-grant mission, extension network, education programs, and research capacity, highlighting precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the importance of research and outreach to support growers and rural communities. Members asked about farm loss, workforce challenges, precision agriculture, and the cost of technology. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages but is often cost-prohibitive and dependent on rural broadband; he described it as applying the right input, in the right amount, place, time, and manner. He also noted that WSU’s research and extension system supports crop development, soil health, forestry, youth programs, and agricultural training, and that the college is eager to partner with the legislature on priorities. Sanderson said the department is working on local food systems, farm-to-school grants, infrastructure, market development, pest and disease response, climate resilience, and access to land for new and underrepresented farmers. The committee then heard from WSU economist Randy Fortenberry on an agricultural competitiveness study and trade impacts. He said the study used producer surveys, case studies, and shift-share analysis for dairy, grapes, hops, potatoes, apples/tree fruit, wheat, and small/diversified farms, comparing Washington to national trends and peer states. His findings indicated that Washington’s competitiveness is declining in most sectors, with potatoes as the main exception; labor and regulatory compliance costs were especially significant in dairy, grapes, potatoes, and tree fruit, while small farms were more constrained by land access, capital, and profitability. On trade, he said Washington is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted access to China and India, while noting current uncertainty around Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and India. No votes were taken. The committee discussed next steps, including a December interim report on food security and agricultural viability and a final report expected by June 2026. Sanderson said the department had already held a stakeholder workshop and is continuing internal and external review, while the chair asked WSU to connect the committee with policy experts who could help identify practical solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• > offers</c><00:03:37.840><c> its</c> of Delegates of Maryland offers its of Delegates of Maryland offers
• :14.640><c> bill</c> one of the underlying parts of the bill one of the underlying parts of the bill
• </c> of the cost of the bridge to Maryland. of the cost of the bridge to Maryland.
• > through</c> from the port of Baltimore cuts through from the port of Baltimore cuts through community
• </c> period of years to a cap of 5 billion. period of years to a cap of 5 billion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will spare you guys all the details of kind of what got me here.
• And as of the end of 2021, a casino would be able to repatriate $50 million of taxes, not income.
• And as of the end of 2021, a casino would be able to repatriate $50 million of taxes, not income, That's
• the end of 2021 the us the numbers as of the end of 2021.
• I'm a resident of the port community of Woods Hole, and I urge the Joint Committee on Transportation

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of mention some of the tools and some of those or accelerate ERs.
• impact of tourism to the state of Florida.
• Of course, we do all of our marketing out of state to draw people to Florida.
• Also important part of what we do. We create and maintain digital assets of the state of Florida.
• of travel of any state are proud of that were head and shoulders above the next closest.

Transcript Highlights:

• of justice of all.
• In my district, Flotilla 5-9 in San Pedro, the Port of Los Angeles includes activities such as...
• In San Pedro, the Port of Los Angeles includes activities such as water patrols, recreational boating
• We'll be permitting the use of displays on the floor at the request of Senator Menjivar on behalf of
• SB 1360 is part of the Civil Rights Act of 2026.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files. The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes. The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• directions of our sergeants.
• them out of opportunities they are fully capable of delivering on.
• them out of opportunities they are fully capable of delivering on.
• Are there any other members of the public in support of this bill?
• But again, the truth of the matter is that one of the first elements of this strategic plan is going

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c> important of something of concern and important of something of concern and this<01:41:11.920
• thwart the you know the issue of of thwart the you know the issue of of people<01:42:12.000><c> um</c
• because it feels like, you know, nurseries have been kind of historically our entry point of a lot of
• </c> stuff of it but realistically sale in of stuff of it but realistically sale in of itself<02:10:06.159
• kind of historically our entry have been kind of historically our entry point<02:11:10.800><c> of</c>

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• My district is one of many, but it certainly has the distinction of being a hub of innovation in California
• The entry-level standard, and the majority of the manufacturers that I have personally asked about, pay
• The entry level standard, and the majority of the manufacturers that I have personally asked about, pay
• First of all, we're not talking about some of the environment in the state of California.
• of that.

Summary: The Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation held a hearing on California’s industrial policy and manufacturing competitiveness. In opening remarks, the chair and Senator Wahab emphasized manufacturing’s role in good jobs, climate leadership, and regional economic growth, while noting barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, energy costs, permitting delays, and the loss of manufacturing jobs over time. They highlighted California Jobs First, workforce development, and the need to keep innovation and manufacturing in-state rather than losing scale-up opportunities to other states. The first panel featured California Forward and the Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy, along with an industry representative. Witnesses argued that California needs a durable, regionally based economic development system with ongoing funding, stronger state coordination, and sector-specific industrial roadmaps. They focused on advanced manufacturing and clean industry, especially batteries, bioeconomy, offshore wind, and heat pumps, and said industrial policy should help bridge the “missing middle” between research and commercial production. The industry witness stressed that power reliability, time to power, and coordinated utility engagement are decisive in site selection, and that California must better align utilities, state agencies, universities, and labs to compete for major projects. Senator Niello raised concerns about California’s business climate, including regulations, labor laws, energy reliability, K–12 education outcomes, and the cost impacts of climate policy. Panelists responded that California can compete by improving coordination, packaging existing state resources, and targeting strategic industries rather than racing to the bottom on taxes or wages. The second panel, from labor organizations, supported a worker-led industrial policy with strong labor and environmental standards, public financing, procurement, and targeted support for manufacturing firms. They cited examples such as union apprenticeship pathways, revolving loan funds, and programs with labor standards, and argued that manufacturing jobs can support both climate goals and middle-class employment. The final panel began with Fremont city officials, who described Fremont as the state’s leading manufacturing city and a model of intentional local policy. They said the city has protected industrial land, streamlined support for manufacturers, and doubled its manufacturing technician workforce over the past decade. The hearing concluded with discussion of how state and local governments can better coordinate to attract and retain manufacturing investment, with members and witnesses agreeing that California has strong assets but needs more proactive, integrated economic development tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Department of of Revenue and the Department of of Revenue and the characterization<00:01:36.960>
• The rest of it tends to come through legal ports of entry, brought in by U.S. citizens who are trafficking
• ><c> ports</c><00:28:25.480><c> of</c><00:28:25.640><c> Entry</c><00:28:26.000><c> brought</c><00:28:
• 26.240><c> in</c> through legal ports of Entry brought in through legal ports of Entry brought in by<
• </c><01:22:13.199><c> of</c><01:22:13.520><c> of</c> utilization over the course of of of utilization

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety