Transcript Highlights:

• The investment will allow us to continue our work on the Alzheimer's State Plan and also the important
• So the money that is sent to the Department of Health Services for the Alzheimer's State Plan, one of
• These include almost $433 million from the state highway fund to ADOT to plan and construct state highways
• This is a billion-dollar insurance plan for state employees and retirees. It is insolvent.
• That was the plan, and we implemented it.

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal funding and oversight are important, but implementation must be led by the states.
• During my time in West Point, we completely reconstructed wastewater treatment plan with state revolving
• of state revolving fund-based capital grant, states will have to begin cutting important programs and
• Personally, as a state and as state drinking water administrators, we've got to do a better job with
• So your point is spot on in terms of states need to have that flexibility to implement their programs

Keywords: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, water infrastructure, lead service lines, federal reauthorization, sustainability, cybersecurity

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.

Transcript Highlights:

• here in the state of Florida?
• here in the state of Florida?
• It updates encounter reporting data requirements for the prepaid health plans so the state receives more
• Our health plan has a PBM.
• Our members can demonstrate cost savings to the plan and plan sponsor when the affiliated manufacturers

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition. Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.

Transcript Highlights:

• OUR STATE ALONE ACCOUNTS FOR OVER 60 PERCENT OF ALL LAUNCHES.
• UCF, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, USF, FIU AND INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE.
• LAST MONTH WE UNVEILED FDOT'S BUSINESS PLAN FOR AAAM IMPLEMENTATION WHICH INCLUDES THE ESTABLISHMENT
• FLORIDA BECAME THE FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
• WE HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN THAT WE JUST ROLLED OUT. IT'S AGGRESSIVE.

Transcript Highlights:

• planning and implementation.
• planning and implementation.
• planning and implementation.
• planning and implementation.
• planning and implementation.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard a series of resolutions covering cultural preservation, civic education, dark-sky protection, Taiwan relations, aviation safety reporting, waterborne cargo subsidies, and Maui transportation planning. Testimony on the Hawaii Theatre resolutions (SCR 131/SR 110) came from the Hawaii Theatre Center in support, with a question about whether acquisition funding was in the current budget; the witness said he was not aware of any such funding. The state archivist strongly supported SCR 169/SR 138 on expanding public outreach and civic engagement, and a student testifier supported the measure while urging stronger language to include Indigenous culture and closer work with Native communities. On STR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week, testimony emphasized light pollution’s effects on birds, marine life, human health, and astronomy, and suggested stronger lighting ordinances and possible dark-sky reserve efforts. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan received support from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, while STR 180/SR 150 on aviation safety reporting drew support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters but opposition from the Department of Transportation, which said much of the requested information falls under FAA jurisdiction and would be voluntary at the state level. STR 150 on waterborne cargo subsidies was supported by DOT, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, with DOT asking that the working group be smaller to speed a report to the 2026 session. STR 37/SR 21 and STR 38/SR 22 on Kihei road planning drew support from the Kihei Community Association, which described severe congestion and safety concerns in South Maui. In decision-making, the committee advanced SCR 131/SR 110 on the Hawaii Theatre as introduced. SCR 169/SR 138 was advanced with amendments to address comments about Indigenous culture. STR 12/SR 8 on International Dark Sky Week was deferred for further discussion until the following Tuesday. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. STR 180/SR 150 and STR 150 were both deferred to the same later decision-making date to allow further work on possible amendments and jurisdictional issues. STR 37/SR 21 was passed as introduced, and STR 38/SR 22 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. In each vote taken, the measures were adopted without recorded opposition from the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:01:43.960> but<00:01:44.159> more implement this uh this plan but more implement this
• allow for this thing to be implemented allow for this thing to be implemented and<00:02:00.119><
• That the state agencies are saying we're ready, we're on track for implementation, businesses are ready
• I think this is the only state in the country that is offering a plan that goes all the way down to every
• And if so, what is that plan? Mr. Chair, I think what my plan is to get through this hearing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Enterprise Resource Planning System.
• of the Enterprise Resource Planning System.
• of the enterprise resource planning system, also known as Core.NB.
• Associated with the implementation of the enterprise resource planning system, also known as Core.NB.
• So let's plan on adjourning.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So far, states that have implemented work requirements have not seen improved workforce participation
• I think, how are we implementing those practices in our state so that we can improve those rates?
• ...to whether we have a basic cost of living plan for the state and even regionally.
• Then we really have to think through the implementation schedule and build out our hiring plan to ensure
• I own an assisted-living home in another state, not this state. ...state, but I wouldn't own one in this

Transcript Highlights:

• planning, I didn't want an overall cost. ...local coastal plans to do sea level rise planning.
• , emergency response plans, and capital improvement plans.
• Number one is pre-planning and emergency response plans.
• With that said, though, we do believe that these plans throughout the state can be strengthened by adding
• And so when I read the language and I just see the failure to implement any actions in the plan, that

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• enclave in those areas of state concern.
• It also directs the State School Board to adopt rules to implement and enforce the screening and intervention
• implementation plans to the list of items that collective bargaining may not preclude.
• ... ...implementation plans to the list of items that collective bargaining may not preclude.
• We talked about the salary supplements and the teacher's salary increase implementation plan.

Summary: The committee first confirmed six appointees on a single roll-call vote, then took up a series of bills, many of them on land use, housing, public safety, child welfare, education, and professional licensing. Early debate centered on CS/SB 208, which would require development fees to better reflect review costs and impose objective compatibility findings for residential projects. An amendment folded in additional housing-related provisions, including manufactured housing and a study of urban development boundaries, prompting extended discussion about Miami-Dade’s Everglades protection area and local control. A late-filed rural-boundary amendment was withdrawn. The bill was reported favorably after support from business, housing, and advocacy groups, with some senators voicing district-specific concerns. The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after amendments added conservation easement, wildlife corridor, and critical state concern protections, plus a further Everglades-related amendment. Members discussed balancing smart growth, infrastructure costs, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Other land-use and growth bills also advanced, including CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment, CS/SB 1138 on qualified contractor pre-application review, and SB 218 limiting the reach of prior hurricane recovery zoning protections in counties not affected by the 2024 storms. SB 1474 on biosolids management was amended to reduce the distance threshold for land application restrictions and delay the effective date, and SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent-practice requirement to address shortages. Several public safety, health, and family-related measures also passed. CS/CS/SB 436 expanded felony battery enhancement to include resisting an officer with violence and certain law-enforcement battery offenses. SB 830 extended public-records protections to county and city administrators and related family information. CS/CS/CS/SB 600 revised bail bond rules, and an amendment preserved the current treatment of charitable bail funds and nonprofits; the committee heard testimony from The Bail Project and others on both sides. CS/SB 914 expanded dry-needling supervision options for occupational therapists, CS/SB 1092 clarified podiatric use of certain cellular/tissue products, and SB 1504 and SB 1718 updated insurance licensing and educator certification pathways. On the education side, CS/CS/SB 7038 made broad postsecondary changes, including tuition waivers, residency clarification, and licensure rules, while CS/SB 186 required seizure-response training and action plans in schools. The committee also advanced multiple child welfare and health bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 560 streamlined psychotropic medication procedures for children in state custody and added youth-voice and insurance-review provisions. CS/CS/CS/SB 902 combined several Department of Health changes, including medical marijuana distance rules, autism microcredential eligibility, a neurofibromatosis grant program, and NICU nutrition information. SB 1002 expanded child welfare definitions to address parental drug abuse and neglect, and SB 1708 eased endorsement licensure for out-of-state veterinarians. Most bills were reported favorably on roll-call votes, with several amendments adopted along the way and limited opposition or abstentions noted on some measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Education that have impacted states.
• However, we have six field offices across the state of New Mexico.
• Need in the draft of the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan because it is a keystone species with an important
• What happens if they don't submit the evaluation plan?
• You know, the executive agencies implement funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• million for state park improvements.
• State defenders as well.
• In recognition, the state provided free admission to Florida State Parks.
• We see state government overreach with the state using funding to limit decisions that should be made
• We are in the state, in the state house. We are at the local, the Senate, the federal.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark, um, let's do the work plan. OK.
• Um, what has worked in other states, what has not worked in other states.
• Edwards for the, the work plan.
• All right, can I get a motion for um the work plan, approval of the work plan? 2nd. OK, thank you.
• Any opposition to the work plan? All right. Uh, plan, OK, um, do we have public comments or?

Transcript Highlights:

• It's required by state maintenance plan.
• implementing their corrective action plans and other internal control improvements within their operations
• implementing their corrective action plans and other internal control improvements within their operations
• implementing their corrective action plans and other internal control improvements within their operations
• implementing their corrective action plans and other internal control improvements within their operations

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and their families that are in the state employees plan?
• We work with health plans, the state employee plan, for example, to design their benefit.
• We work with health plans, the state employee plan, for example, to design their benefit.
• an me use the state employee plan as an me use the state employee plan as an example<01:34:17.560
• c> plan<01:34:31.000> for health plans the state employee plan for health plans the state

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll start with the state agencies and local governments.
• A bipartisan coalition of 40 state attorneys general and over 260 state legislators have sent letters
• state action with nothing.
• not many other states have done; it is very unique to Washington State.
• Challenges across the state. Next slide.

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:

• PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE IS ALSO WORKING WITH FAMILIES ACROSS THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
• OUR REGIONAL LITERACY TEAMS ARE MADE UP OF 30 STATE LITERACY DIRECTORS ACROSS THE 20 REGIONS OF THE STATE
• ALSO, OUR STATE LITERACY DIRECTORS ALSO FACILITATE ONE OF THE TWO STATE APPROVED LITERACY COACH ENDORSEMENT
• OUR STATE REGIONAL DIRECTORS ARE ABLE TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS REALLY ACROSS THE STATE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
• IF YOU ARE A PROPERTY OWNER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA YOU CAN SEE WITH THE STORMS THAT HIT THE STATE OF

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to serve a geographic area of the state."
• We're trying to meet the needs of the state.
• As stated, my name is John Martinez.
• The state should eliminate all state and local subsidies for renewables and make the generators pay for
• Develop a recommended timeline to implement the plan for the protection of all hazards and resilience

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• We are continuing to implement the state strategic facilities plan that reflects space efficiency and
• So, the state strategic facilities plan, the implementation of that plan was well underway before I came
• c><00:58:48.000> um<00:58:48.079> the state strategic facilities plan, um the state strategic
• > plan<00:58:49.520> was<00:58:49.839> well implementation of that plan was well
• So, in line with the state strategic facilities plan, yes, it took some money to implement that plan,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When the state implemented its black bear policy in 2022, black bear killings decreased 84% from 100
• So let me state a couple things.
• I have spoken with other states.”
• a plan should one... ...create an estimate of what it would take to actually implement a plan should
• SB 1250 makes wildlife connectivity a core part of how Caltrans plans and manages the state highway system

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.