Transcript Highlights:

• We live in the worst air pollution in the nation in our home.
• We live in the worst, the worst air pollution in the nation is in our home.
• I did live theater in my 20s.
• I did live theater in my 20s.
• You know, this is an alternative to actually filming live reenactments, right?

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Arts held an informational hearing on California’s first sector-specific creative economy strategic plan, developed under AB 127 by the California Arts Council with an interagency work group and outside research support. Committee members and panelists described the plan’s purpose as strengthening the state’s creative workforce, stabilizing creative businesses, expanding equity and access, and building infrastructure for long-term implementation. The opening presentation highlighted major forces shaping the sector over the next decade, including AI, climate disruption, affordability, access to capital, and social cohesion, and outlined six action areas: workforce preparation, business growth, cultural tourism and identity, cross-sector incentives, ROI/data tracking, and state capacity-building. Testimony from the California Department of Education and the Workforce Development Board focused on existing workforce pipelines, including updated arts/entertainment/design CTE standards, the Entertainment Equity Alliance, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways, and High Road Training Partnership investments. Speakers said these efforts are producing strong placement outcomes, including paid on-the-job training, union placements, and support for workers facing barriers, while also emphasizing the need for entrepreneurship training and wraparound supports. Committee discussion also centered on a major unresolved issue: how to define and measure the creative economy consistently across agencies, since current labor data often misses gig, contract, nonprofit, and business activity. A second panel of practitioners and advocates described local examples of the plan in action. The Handy Foundation, Arts for LA’s Creative Jobs Collective, the Arts Council of San Bernardino County, and the California Arts Council chair all argued that artists and creative workers should be treated as essential contributors to education, community health, local economies, and resilience, not as peripheral workers. They urged stronger school partnerships, more arts access, and better recognition of creative careers. Members also discussed AI’s impact on creative work, with panelists saying it should be treated as a tool that requires guardrails, training, and union and educator involvement rather than as a replacement for human creativity. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members expressed support for continued implementation, better data systems, and additional funding in future budget and policy actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next, we have, and when we get rid of a service, we transition individuals to new services, so your
• transitioning those 300 individuals to a different service, and in the future this service will not
• support services.
• services.
• These services are provided to support individuals to live in the community who would otherwise require

Summary: The Budget Committee heard the Department of Mental Health’s FY 2027 budget presentation, with Director Valerie Hoon outlining a $4.4 billion department budget, including $1.7 billion in general revenue, and describing the department’s roles in substance use, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities services. Early questioning focused on marijuana-related mental health impacts, but the main discussion centered on the department’s new decision items, funding sources, and expected wait lists. The director explained several increases tied to Medicaid growth, mental health youth services, outpatient competency restoration, crisis residential services, developmental disability waivers, and provider tax adjustments, along with offsets such as reduced wraparound funding at the Kansas City Assessment and Triage Center and cuts to some youth and self-directed DD services. A major portion of the hearing focused on competency restoration for people found unfit to stand trial and currently held in county jails. Members pressed the department on the cost, effectiveness, and legal implications of keeping people in jail while awaiting services, noting a reported wait list of roughly 524 to 538 individuals and average holds of about 14 months. The department said it currently has eight outpatient competency restoration beds in the community, is seeking funding for 50 additional outpatient slots, and also operates jail-based restoration for about 40 people at a time. Members repeatedly asked for breakdowns of violent versus nonviolent cases, success rates, cost per person, and the split between state and federal funding, while the department explained that Medicaid can cover only the treatment portion, not residential housing or other non-billable costs. The committee also discussed broader capacity constraints in state hospitals and developmental disability services. Hoon said Fulton, Center for Behavioral Medicine, and FTC North are full, with 183 vacancies across the department, and that the department is working on a new Kansas City hospital that would add 150 beds, though completion is now expected closer to 2029 or 2030. In the developmental disabilities section, the department warned that the governor’s recommendation would create wait lists for in-home waiver services and crisis residential services, and members questioned proposed reductions to self-directed services rates and other provider payments. No votes were taken, and the committee recessed before finishing the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> your u to your lives as as candidates. your u to your lives as as candidates.
• Are we, um, looking at transition?
• Are we we um looking at transition?
• </c> there's so been so many service outages. there's so been so many service outages.
• </c> would be equivalent to the live event. would be equivalent to the live event.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:27 Legislative Research Commission 00:01:15 KentuckyWired Operations Company 00:17:30 Wireless Internet Service Providers Association 00:40:15 Administrative Office of the Courts 01:08:55 Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts 01:33:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the July 9 minutes without objection and heard from Jay Hartz and Jonathan Harris of the Legislative Research Commission. Members asked about Capitol and legislator security in light of recent targeted shootings in other states. Hartz said LRC had removed members’ home addresses from its website, was reviewing other state-government records for similar information, and was working with the Speaker, Senate President, Kentucky State Police, and outside security experts on broader safety measures. He also said LRC is exploring commercial products to help block personal contact information from public view, but declined to name vendors publicly. Harris added that driver’s license scans at the Capitol are handled by Kentucky State Police, while LRC has a process for flagging high-volume or concerning contacts for police review. The LRC also reported that redistricting work has already begun, with census coordination underway, evaluation of redistricting software including Mapitude and open-source tools, and plans to make the same tools available to the public in the LRC library. The committee then heard from Kentucky Wired Operations Company CEO Robert Morphonius, COO Tom Snyder, and counsel Patrick Hughes about the Kentucky Wired network. They explained the corporate structure: Kentucky Wired Operations Company is a private for-profit special purpose entity that designs, builds, operates, and maintains the network; Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Company is a nonprofit instrumentality used for financing; and Open Fiber Kentucky handles commercialization of excess capacity under a wholesale agreement. They said Kentucky Wired Operations is in the operations and maintenance phase, with those obligations continuing until 2045, and that technical changes to the network generally require KCNA approval through formal change-order processes. They also said the company conducted a market test in June 2023 under Schedule 19 of its contract, considered proposals including Open Fiber and the incumbent service provider, and retained the existing provider. Members asked about KCNA’s role, procurement, network customers, and revenue. The witnesses said Quac operates outside normal state procurement because its process is governed by contract, while KCNA acts as the Commonwealth’s oversight authority and filter for changes. They identified current network users as including AOC, KCTCS, postsecondary education, and other Commonwealth agencies, with all requests routed through KCNA; they also said a separate change process for Exceliccom is in litigation. On funding, they said the operation is paid through monthly appropriations, with roughly a million dollars a month for the service provider and a couple hundred thousand for Quac’s oversight, not including debt service, which is bundled into the availability payment. The discussion ended as members began asking about responsibility for damage-related costs such as squirrel-related outages.

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans possess tremendous skills from their service that are invaluable.
• Veterans possess tremendous skills from their service that are invaluable.
• Veterans possess tremendous skills from their service that are invaluable.
• The truth is their service doesn't end. It evolves. They're still active.
• Thank you for your time and service and dedication. God bless you.

Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185

Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about recognition, dignity, and a real shot at rebuilding their lives.
• Forest Service and later on with Cal Fire.
• For decades, incarcerated firefighters have been on the front lines, risking their lives, completing
• I'm the senior director of fiscal services for Sage Oak Charter Schools, and I support AB 2519.
• Essentially, obviously artificial intelligence is changing our lives. It is a positive thing.

Summary: The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition. The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations. AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not running, but I'm living in an area where theft like that is extremely rare.
• Every transit trip begins and ends with a walk.
• These are key destinations that many people reach by walking, biking, and transit.
• We urge you to support SB 6311 to help ensure safe access to transit and mobility for all.
• These are key destinations that many people reach by walking, biking, and transit.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation bills. ESSB 6262 would raise the maximum vehicle weight subject to transportation benefit district vehicle fees from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds for vehicles subject to gross weight license fees; the sponsor and city representatives said it would close a loophole, make fees more equitable, and help fund road maintenance, while the fiscal note was described as indeterminate. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, aligning Washington with other states and supporting RV dealers; the bill drew support from the RV industry. SB 6110 would exclude certain faster electric vehicles from the e-bike definition and create a Department of Licensing work group to recommend a framework for electric motorcycles; testimony generally supported the effort but urged clearer e-motorcycle definitions and earlier work-group action, with some concern about youth safety and local enforcement. SB 5833 would allow a person to leave a vehicle running for up to 30 minutes to heat or cool a pet inside, with locking and brake requirements; the sponsor and a sheriffs’ association witness discussed balancing pet safety with auto-theft concerns, and the committee heard no fiscal impact. The committee also heard ESSB 6066, which would establish crash prevention zones in areas with unusually high serious-injury or fatal-crash rates, initially for a specific stretch of U.S. 395 and later more broadly beginning in 2029. The bill would allow local governments and WSDOT to designate zones, conduct engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, use speed cameras in the zones, and dedicate related revenues to safety improvements; supporters from Pasco and county risk pools backed the approach, while the sponsor asked for broader geographic coverage. ESSB 6311 would require continuous, accessible pedestrian passage during construction near hospitals, parks, and school routes, with temporary routes, safety plans, inspections, and enforcement tools such as stop-work orders and penalties; the sponsor said it was modeled on local practices and aimed at protecting pedestrians during construction, and contractors and transportation advocates supported it with a requested amendment clarifying design responsibility in design-bid-build projects. No votes were taken; the chair closed each public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> being built out by a new youth services being built out by a new youth services coordinating<00:
• that they need so that they can continue to live quality lives.
• for those whose lives are currently For those whose lives are currently impacted.
• And the reason is this service.
• </c> their lives. Thank you for your time. their lives. Thank you for your time.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lombardo of Billerica continues: the gradual transition to zero-emission vehicles, or ZEV, is a notable
• We continuously see residents leaving the Commonwealth for more affordable places to live.
• opportunity for those residents in the neighborhoods and communities in which they live and work.
• Immigration shapes all of our lives.
• That's money for schools, infrastructure, and the services that we all rely on.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday. The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin. The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have case management services Neuromuscular stimulation, independent living training for those kiddos
• Yet, during that time, we have expanded our catalog of services and the number of services we're providing
• Very familiar with JD McCarty's, and I we Hear services a lot, and I know we keep talking about services
• I know that this is something that our transition services probably need to be beefed up a little bit
• independent living.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing is being streamed live on YouTube.
• The first being HCR 33, requesting the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service to relocate
• The other thing, too, is with transit-oriented development, we hope that there will be a good area for
• United States Postal Service to relocate United States Postal Service to relocate the<00:00:43.840><c
• The other thing, too, is with transit-oriented development, we hope that there will be a good area for

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard two concurrent resolutions. HCR 33 proposed asking the U.S. Postmaster General to relocate the Pearl City Post Office from Kamehameha Highway and Acacia Road to Navy property on the Pearl City Peninsula. Testifiers, including Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Verrett and resident Lena Ala Baiton, supported the move, citing severe congestion, narrow access, safety concerns, and the potential to improve traffic flow and support transit-oriented development. Members noted a similar Senate measure had already passed, and HCR 33 was recommended to pass unamended. The committee then considered HCR 157, which would establish a task force to simplify permitting for enhanced economic development and coordinate state and intergovernmental permitting processes. Testimony in support was submitted by representatives connected to DBED/HHFDC and others. In discussion, members questioned whether such a task force was necessary, what projects it would address, how often it would meet, whether it could include housing and local-level projects, and what the cost might be; the response was that the resolution would provide more structure, no similar project had been executed before, and costs were not yet known but could be addressed later. The committee ultimately recommended HCR 157 pass unamended, and the recommendation was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you look at what is really driving people's lives.
• And, you know, we're going to get a new generation of transit.
• ...who are trying to live in the hipster parts of Los Angeles.
• So I live in, and I represent, Silicon Valley.
• And you almost have a living wage.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes bookstores, food services, housing, student unions, and support services.
• They’re mainly operating student services and support services programs.
• to a live Live assistance by first requiring large businesses to offer access to a live human representative
• “Service for both products, or could customer service be open on Saturday for the consumer product but
• Recently, the rising prevalence of live service games requiring online server connections has raised

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a living laboratory.
• This is a living laboratory.
• This is a living laboratory.
• This is a living laboratory.
• </c> their lives. their lives.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:08.440><c> through</c> provide those in Home Services through provide those in Home Services
• </c> of the unmet demand for a Services of the unmet demand for a Services Statewide<00:37:22.000><c>
• </c> agency we provide immigration services agency we provide immigration services for<00:46:12.160><
• </c> fire that now maybe the family is living fire that now maybe the family is living outside<00:54:
• </c> our community for our full service our community for our full service Community<01:09:21.080><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, living in a world of divisiveness, living in a world of people not getting along, this particular
• Speaker, that run up the cost of living for regular working Washingtonians.
• Speaker, that we are going to protect the cost of living for working Washingtonians.
• And they offer these services to transport them.
• We have a vast network of HOV lanes, transit-equipped lanes, that we are able to use.

Bills: HB1175, HB1376, HB1500, HB1796

Keywords: HB1175, small business, residential zoning, land use, zoning reform, neighborhood store, neighborhood cafe, convenience store, minimarket, corner store, mixed-use, local government, city zoning, town zoning, code city, parking regulations, hours of operation, alcohol service, food requirement, commercial use in residential areas

Transcript Highlights:

• oversees the homeless services.
• We bring in an FQHC that provides health services.
• We have Bay Area Legal come to provide immigration services, and we have housing navigators.
• I grew up in Woodlake in a farmworker family, and I live in the Central Coast.
• Families have to double up, triple up to live and afford any of their housing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . services. services.
• And live and let live in a large sense.
• and let live in a large in a large live and let live in a large in a large sense. sense. sense.
• </c> from road transit. from road transit.
• </c> services for kids. services for kids.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When in-home respite services are authorized, we see some regional centers state that the services can
• This bill streamlines access to services, reduces barriers to service, and supports dignity, independence
• Most of them live in state, but about 200 to 300 live out of state. They live with their family.
• As a provider, I have lived this.
• I know because I lived it.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some people enjoy living on small lots, and I praise them for that.
• where they live.
• They said, 'We live in a five-bedroom house. We want to downsize.
• where they live.
• </c><01:45:32.840><c> next</c> decide who they don't want living next decide who they don't want living

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pharmacists are now providing smoking cessation services and helping people.
• Jessica Gott, on behalf of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, in support.
• Jessica Gott, on behalf of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services and Support.
• Here to testify in support is Jennifer Snyder. ...this natural transition.
• As you've heard, the demand for CPA services is growing faster than those entering the profession.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, health care, and workforce bills. Measures discussed included AB 957, which would prohibit tobacco sales in licensed pharmacies; AB 447, which would allow patients to take home certain unopened medications started in emergency rooms; AB 427, joining the Social Work Licensure Compact; AB 667, allowing interpreters for certain licensing exams; AB 742, prioritizing descendants of slaves in licensing review; AB 873, changing infection-control training timing for dental assistants; AB 360, requiring a report on menopause education for physicians; and AB 1175, modernizing CPA licensure requirements and mobility. Testimony generally emphasized public health, access to care, workforce shortages, language access, and economic opportunity, while opposition or concerns focused on implementation, worker protections, compact authority, and constitutional issues in AB 742. Several bills drew broad support from sponsors, professional associations, and advocacy groups. AB 957 was backed by cancer and pharmacy advocates and pharmacists who said pharmacies should not sell tobacco; AB 447 was supported by emergency medicine and hospital representatives as a way to reduce waste and help patients leave with needed medication; AB 427 drew support from social work and mental health groups but concerns from AFSCME about standards and displacement; AB 667 was supported by immigrant-rights and community groups, with questions about whether translated exams would be preferable to interpreters; AB 360 received extensive support from women’s health advocates and medical groups, and opposition from CMA and ACOG was removed after amendments; and AB 1175 was supported by the Board of Accountancy and CPA groups as a way to expand the pipeline and improve mobility. The committee took votes after quorum was established. AB 360, AB 427, AB 447, AB 667, AB 873, AB 1175, and AB 742 were all approved and sent to their next committees, with AB 742 going to Judiciary and AB 1175 to Appropriations. AB 957 was initially held on call, then later passed after additional votes were recorded. The consent calendar bills AB 375, AB 1107, and AB 1496 were also approved. Most measures passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with some members not voting on certain items during the roll calls.