Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, because some of them, given their funding, realistically, given today's prospects, will not get
• It's hard for us to allocate our share, but it's certainly an exciting prospect. we can come up with
• I just want to clarify that colleges are only submitting one application per campus per year; they can't
• It's important for you to understand that those applications were submitted based on the rules that were
• might make to which projects are priorities under Proposition 2, we would ask that that only be prospective

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's another piece that we can do better and make sure that application has that.
• We would be running the application.
• Moving on to the prospective pay.
• I am here to support moving to prospective pay.
• in-application guidance and hands-on learning aligned with real business workflows.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy budget hearing focused on child care, child welfare, and immigration-related services, with most of the discussion centered on child care funding, slot utilization, and rate reform. Department of Social Services officials said the Governor’s budget would provide $6.8 billion for child care programs in 2026-27, including $11.5 million in Prop. 64 funds for mini-grants to licensed facilities affected by 2025 disasters. They also described federal CCDF and Prop. 64 revenue reductions that would reduce general child care funding by about 4,176 slots, while emphasizing that the cuts should not affect currently enrolled children. The LAO supported aligning spending with lower revenues and asked for more detail on the disaster grant program. Members questioned why so many awarded slots remain uncontracted or unfilled, and DSS said delays are largely due to providers building new infrastructure, licensing, staffing, and enrollment work. One senator criticized the repeated explanation, argued unspent funds revert to the General Fund instead of being redirected to child care, and urged shifting more funding from contract slots to vouchers and increasing flexibility for infrastructure and expansion costs. DSS said it is exploring more flexibility, better readiness screening, and quicker redistribution of relinquished slots. The committee also discussed the Emergency Child Care Bridge program, with DSS saying it can redistribute funds among counties to avoid disenrolling children. A second panel addressed the state’s broader commitment to expand child care and move toward a single rate structure. DSS reported that since 2021-22 nearly 125,000 new slots have been awarded across CCTR, CAPP, CMAP, and the Emergency Child Care Bridge program, bringing monthly service levels to more than 366,700 children. The department and CDE described progress on rate reform, including completion of the alternative methodology and joint recommendations from the labor-management committee on a single-rate framework. County and provider testimony emphasized persistent unmet need, especially for infant and toddler care, and argued that current reimbursement disparities between CDSS-funded programs and state preschool create inequities and discourage expansion. Stanislaus County Office of Education said rate differences can materially affect local program revenue and staffing, while Parent Voices California described the child care system as difficult to navigate and inequitable, especially for Black families and survivors of domestic violence. The California Budget and Policy Center argued that only a small share of eligible children are served, that Universal TK has concentrated investment in school-based settings, and that providers are still paid far below the cost of care. Members pressed the administration for deadlines on automation and implementation of the single-rate structure, and DSS said some work can proceed before collective bargaining concludes, though policy decisions are still needed. The committee also reviewed several trailer bill proposals. For the COLA, DSS proposed applying the 2026-27 increase through cost-of-care-plus payments, but acknowledged it had inadvertently excluded CalWORKs Child Care and the Emergency Child Care Bridge from the initial calculation; the LAO recommended making the COLA increase uniform across child care and state preschool programs. On the alternative methodology survey, DSS proposed replacing the market rate survey with the federally approved alternative methodology and aligning the timing with the federal CCDF state plan cycle. On licensed family child care homes, DSS proposed limiting temporary absences to 20% of monthly care hours and allowing more flexibility for medical appointments, jury duty, training, and union activities. On excessive unexplained absences, DSS proposed a statutory definition to align state policy with federal rules allowing disenrollment after 30 days of unexplained absences. The committee also discussed a proposal to require contractors to collect family fees directly so the full voucher value reaches providers, with DSS saying it is working with Riverside County on implementation and CDE asking that the same policy apply to state preschool. Finally, the committee reviewed an Early Childhood Policy Council reappropriation and reporting proposal, with DSS explaining that prior funds were underused because participation costs are hard to estimate and that additional staffing and contractor support would be needed for the expanded annual report requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the change would avoid confusion or misdates in applications.
• buyer upon application.
• </c> park declined the application park declined the application without<02:24:04.000><c> any</c><02:
• ><02:32:05.359><c> and</c> they're providing clear application and they're providing clear application
• </c><04:49:34.320><c> of</c> because the consistent application of because the consistent application

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, just for your information, although this bill is prospective and only looking at new generation
• that violate any applicable guidelines.
• To be clear, under current law, at least for personal lines, an applicant for coverage can already get
• To proactively explain why an applicant or a policyholder was denied, non-renewed, or canceled.
• The non-renewal and cancellation aspect is different from the applicant being denied.

Bills: SB388 , SB455 , SB917 , SB925 , SB1006

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, the State Liquor Board is authorized to grant and deny applications for liquor
• We’ve had health and safety mentioned... ...and those applications of code, like the LEED.
• Thank you, ...prospective residents are protected, much like the APS registry.
• Thank you, prospective residents are protected much like the APS registry.
• The ADOA currently utilizes PageUp, a comprehensive applicant tracking system.

Bills: SB1108 , SB1205 , SB1241 , SB1286 , SB1366 , SB1431 , SB1473 , SB1477 , SB1478 , SB1479 , SB1492 , SB1517 , SB1563 , SB1586 , SB1665 , SB1671

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: cash transactions, mandatory rounding, swedish rounding, public notice, Arizona Revised Statutes, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, SB1241, private permitting provider, private permit, private certificate of completion, building permit, building plan review, inspection, single-trade residential construction, residential construction, municipal permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• options to applicants.
• Acting on applications within set time periods and providing repayment options to applicants based on
• At first, I couldn't even get a copy of the application.
• After the audit was complete, child support sent me a copy of the application.
• After the audit was complete, child support sent me a copy of the application.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This NDI is creating a new team that will be solely focused on this prospective education.
• Nearly 328,000 licensees or applicants have claimed their account in MoPro.
• Nearly 328,000 licensees or applicants have claimed their account in MoPro.
• Applicants can print off a license instantaneously themselves.
• We looked at every single application, every question—was it necessary?

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are all Medicaid coverage services under the prospective payment system.
• My recommendation is to take a look at her application and just say, this is what we want to do at a
• The term nurse practitioner is replaced with the term applicant.
• And additionally, the word The term nurse practitioner is replaced with the term applicant.
• Let's do it and keep our fingers crossed that our application is complete and accepted.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in this paragraph, what is considered of the applicant with the discretion?
• , the applicant... to make sure happen with this, because we've seen it happen historically, is that
• Along the same vein, that information would be provided by the applicant.
• The applicant would have to demonstrate to the department the hardship that it's going to create.
• So what you're looking for, if I come in and say this $300, what is it, $350 for the application fee?

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 11, 2026, opened with roll call and adoption of prior minutes, interim amendments, and the committee rules for the new session. Members then took up several bills, with technical amendments adopted on multiple measures before final committee action. The committee also deferred House Bill 267 because the author was absent. House Bill 853 by Representative McMakin, dealing with misleading solicitations by non-government entities, drew the most discussion. The committee adopted technical amendments and a concept amendment tying enforcement to the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, with members and Secretary of State Nancy Landry discussing the meaning of “may” versus “shall,” the scope of “foreign” entities, and whether the bill covered mail, email, and other digital solicitations. The Secretary of State’s office supported the bill as a consumer-protection measure against deceptive government-like mailings, and the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. House Bill 618, also by Representative McMakin, would adjust Louisiana Economic Development fees and related cost provisions. Secretary of LED gave a detailed presentation on the department’s recent restructuring, investment totals, job creation, small-business support, and the Source Louisiana platform, while members questioned fee impacts, hardship waivers, competitive effects, and how LED tracks incentives and job data. After adopting technical amendments and an amendment removing biannual inflationary adjustments, the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. House Bill 207 by Representative Henry, revising the Louisiana Auctioneer’s Licensing Board’s membership, domicile, and related provisions, was amended to keep consumer members and clarify venue in East Baton Rouge Parish before being reported favorably. House Bill 300 by Representative Riser, raising the appraisal threshold for certain state bank residential loans from $250,000 to $400,000, was reported favorably after discussion of federal alignment and appraisal safeguards. House Bill 464 by Representative Riser, requiring more centralized reporting of damaged utilities through 811 and related notifications, received support from utility and 811 representatives and was also reported favorably. The committee adjourned after adopting a motion to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• One reason we're able to do that is because of the Medi-Cal prospective payment system, or PPS, which
• One reason we're able to do that is because of the Medi-Cal prospective payment system or PPS, which
• So far this year, we have completed 190 new Medi-Cal applications and 819 renewals.
• This will ensure really that uniform application of Medi-Cal.
• This will ensure really that uniform application of these rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I think our to prospective buyers.
• So, if we move from advertising to saying that the two-page disclosure will be given to the prospective
• </c><01:21:34.960><c> buyer</c><01:21:35.679><c> upfront,</c> given to the prospective buyer upfront,
• given to the prospective buyer upfront, you<01:21:37.920><c> know,</c><01:21:38.320><c> whether</c><
• </c> on the qualifications of its applicants on the qualifications of its applicants and<01:58:03.040

Bills: HB1739 , HB1741 , HB2606 , HB2362 , HB2608 , HB2294 , HB2431 , HB2375 , HB2582 , HB2585 , HB2231 , HB1601 , HB2424 , HB1956

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer. HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's compassion and caring, human interaction, intuition, and application.
• Over the weekend, we do fieldwork, excavation, prospecting, collecting—whatever needs to be done.
• We absolutely need more applicants.
• All right, next: how many applicants do you normally get a year for each class?
• Because in Clovis, there are zero applicants and zero students in our corrections program.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Likewise, for an applicant to receive a multi-state license, as written, the compact requires passage
• And for a state to maintain membership in the compact, the member state has to require that applicants
• To be licensed as a music therapist, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, be in good standing
• under the supervision of a licensed music therapist for up to six months if their application meets
• whose application meets licensure requirements while they await approval.

Bills: HB2286 , HB2324 , HB2363 , HB2098

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: social work, licensure, alternative routes, education requirements, professional regulation, tuition waivers, veterans, education, children of veterans, higher education, military families, music therapy, temporary exemptions, healthcare, therapy practice, funding, tuition, financial aid, state budget

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> about 20% of the flagged applications about 20% of the flagged applications and<00:08:06.879><c>
• State requires an annual application to verify that you are qualified to be in this program.
• </c> organization provided by prospective organization provided by prospective Education<01:07:52.720
• We support easing the application process.
• Most school districts now have online application opportunities, certainly support that.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, I carried legislation that told CSU to automatically admit, without the need for an application
• The delay also takes a toll on the public servants processing these applications.
• by state agencies for state systems and protocols, but it also, as most legislation does, looks prospectively
• that the assembly, But it also, as most legislation does, looks prospectively at the assumption that
• there could and will be a continued expanse of this deployment, new applications, and use of this technology

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Summary: The committee began with an informational hearing on the second amendment to the tribal-state gaming compact with the Yurok Tribe. Governor’s office staff and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph James explained that the amendment is a narrow, technical one that extends the existing 2006 compact through December 31 to preserve the status quo while longer-term negotiations continue. Members asked about the compact process and why Bureau of Indian Affairs approval is not needed for a simple extension; staff said only substantive compact changes require federal approval. No vote was taken on the informational item. The committee then heard AB 2156, which would designate March 31 as Farm Workers’ Day in California. Supporters, including the authors’ representatives and members of the committee, described the bill as a way to honor farmworkers and the broader farmworker movement, especially in light of recent allegations involving the holiday’s prior namesake. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the floor. The committee also approved several consent calendar items and later advanced SB 1044, which raises the small business procurement cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and indexes it to inflation; supporters from the Hispanic and Asian Pacific chambers of commerce and veteran business groups said the change would expand access to state contracts for small, micro, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. That bill was sent to Appropriations. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 1114, which would restrict state agencies from sharing LGBTQ-related SOGI and intersex data with federal agencies except where legally required. Equality California and other supporters said the bill would protect trust and prevent misuse of sensitive data, while no opposition testified. The committee passed the bill to Privacy. Cabaldon also presented SB 1248 on automated decision systems in state government, arguing it would create baseline guardrails, require human review for adverse decisions, and improve service delivery. Labor groups opposed it, saying the bill authorizes use before establishing enforceable standards and that workers were not adequately included in stakeholder discussions. After extensive debate about AI, collective bargaining, and implementation, the committee voted to send the bill to Privacy. The committee also advanced SB 1273, which would allow short-form social media videos to promote instructional events at wineries, and SB 917, which would loosen farmers’ market rules so more small wineries can sell wine there; both were supported by wine industry representatives and sent forward on due pass motions. The transcript then began SB 1240, which would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and payment systems, with strong support from nonprofit organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, I carried legislation that told CSU to automatically admit, without the need for an application
• The delay also takes a toll on the public servants processing these applications.
• state agencies for state systems and protocols, but it also, as most legislation does, is looks prospectively
• that the assembly, But it also, as most legislation does, is looking prospectively at the assumption
• that there could and will be a continued expansion of this deployment, new applications and use of this

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in discussions with over 30 prospects, which now include large defense contractors.
• (NMSA) attending exhibitions and trade shows and conducting various marketing efforts which draw prospects
• You can go on their website, and you can look at the process, but there's a grant application, and I
• All of our candidate companies, all of our prospects, it helps them understand what all the different
• Or are you just doing the one application to the Water Trust Board?

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• No justification or immunity set forth in this section shall affect the legal standard applicable to
• I just had one question: is this going to have prospective application?
• Going to have prospective application?
• Because you and I are going to be prospective jurors.

Bills: HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• So really what this means is we’re looking at an expedited BEAD application.
• That 30-day period is really geared toward getting full applications from our local applicants, reviewing
• And bear in mind this is all in the process of an open application period too.
• Community Advisory Board to develop a structured application and scoring process.
• Earlier this year, we received 27 applications.

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology in government, AI, broadband, and digital equity. Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd described the city’s AI strategy, emphasizing responsible use, privacy, security, community input, and data strategy. He said Seattle is using small pilots and partnerships to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and permitting, while keeping humans as the final decision-makers. Members asked about bias, liability, training on best practices, labor involvement, and public records; Lloyd said AI should remain an assistant tool, not a replacement for human judgment, and that Seattle is still testing solutions for records requests and permitting. WATech CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby discussed the state’s broader AI policy, the generative AI executive order, a sandbox with more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal, cybersecurity, and wildfire detection. They stressed consent, closed systems, human-centered design, and the need to govern all forms of AI, not just generative AI. Committee members raised concerns about federal data access, labor issues, and wildfire detection effectiveness. Spokane County IT staff described a more restrictive approach to AI, citing privacy, bias, and cyber risks. The county standardized on Microsoft Copilot as its only approved chat-style AI tool, blocked other AI chat platforms, and requires human review of all AI-generated content. They said AI is also being used by criminals for phishing and deepfakes, underscoring the need for strong policy and security controls. The committee also received an update from the Attorney General’s AI Task Force. Yuki Ishizuka said the task force has 19 members and eight subcommittees covering ethics, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, cybersecurity, and industry/energy. The task force is working toward an interim report due December 1, 2025 and a final report due July 1, 2026, and is reviewing recommendations through public forums and advisory committees. Ishizuka warned that a federal budget reconciliation provision could bar states from enforcing AI regulations for 10 years, and several members voiced support for state authority and asked about possible 2026 legislation. The committee then heard updates on broadband and digital equity. Commerce’s Dave Pringle said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance, which removed or reduced emphasis on several prior priorities, and Washington is now working under an expedited process to submit its state application by September 4. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive applications in round two, and that the state is trying to keep applicants engaged through office hours and a shortened review window. The Office of Equity and the Digital Equity Forum reported increased participation, new members, and ongoing outreach to tribal, rural, and underserved communities, while previewing recommendations such as creating an interdepartmental digital equity team and improving data use. Finally, Lumen’s Robert Thoms described private-sector broadband deployment challenges, including permitting, regulation, and the economics of extending fiber, while noting continued investment in overbuild projects, a $30 low-cost service option tied to the former ACP, and work with the state, tribes, and libraries. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• options to applicants.
• Acting on applications within set time periods and providing repayment options to applicants based on
• At first, I couldn't even get a copy of the application.
• After the audit was complete, child support sent me a copy of the application.
• I returned the application, and it took three more months to receive a response.

Committee: House Judiciary