Transcript Highlights:

• It is. It is a wash. I mean, it is just a flow-through from the Board of Regents.
• I'll get it later.
• It is currently being passed out. It is available online.
• It is currently being passed out. It is available online.
• It took a lot of effort.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 13, 2026, and considered the main budget bills for fiscal year 2026-27. Members heard a broad overview of House Bill 1, the general appropriations bill, including the governor’s proposed budget, major funding items for education, workforce, corrections, health, and economic development, and a plan to use surplus funds to pay down LASERS’ unfunded liability. The committee discussed a 29-page amendment set that shifted savings from retirement and other areas into one-time expenditures, including FEMA Katrina debt, LSU, firefighter pay raises, crime victim reparations, rehabilitation services, and additional school choice support. Questions focused on the MFP per-pupil adjustment, the crime victim reparations shortfall, LSU funding, waiver slots, and whether the bill remained at a standstill overall. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 1 favorably as amended, making it Special Order No. 1 for April 16. The committee then took up House Bill 312, the supplemental appropriations bill, which also redirected the full $144.3 million surplus payment to LASERS and used savings from MFP, Medicaid forecast changes, and other reductions to fund statewide initiatives. Those included LED, corrections, DOTD road projects, public safety, IT modernization, school safety, firefighting equipment, community and technical college workforce programs, and DCFS shortfalls. Members raised questions about mental health funding and the retirement payment strategy; the amendments were adopted and HB 312 was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 4. House Bill 313, the funds bill, was amended to make additional deposits into the State Emergency and Response Fund, Voting Technology Fund, oil and gas regulatory funds, geological storage, reading enrichment, Imagination Library, and conservation accounts; it was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 5. House Bill 314, the revenue sharing distribution bill, received amendments inserting fiscal year 2027 distribution numbers and was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 7. The committee also advanced House Bill 383, the ancillary expenses bill, which covers self-generated, dedicated, and federal funds for agencies such as Group Benefits, Risk Management, Prison Enterprises, and Technology Services; a technical amendment updated accounting-standard references, and the bill was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 6. House Bill 983, the judiciary budget, was amended with a technical date correction and reported favorably as amended; members discussed funding for judges, staff pay, FINS, and whether pending legislation affecting Orleans Parish judges would later change the budget. House Bill 1126, the legislative branch budget, was reported favorably without amendment after brief questions about the Law Institute increase, and HCR 3, the hospital stabilization formula resolution tied to Medicaid hospital reimbursements, was reported favorably and set as Special Order No. 8. The committee also made HB 983 Special Order No. 9 and HB 1126 Special Order No. 10 for April 16, authorized technical corrections on adopted amendments, and adjourned after the chair thanked members and staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• it ongoing um.
• Would it, would it make more sense?
• OK, um, and it seems to me, although, you know, I don't have data in front of me, but it, it seems to
• I, I get it.
• Got it.

Transcript Highlights:

• "It is. It is a wash. I mean, it is just a flow-through from the Board of Regents.
• I'll get it later.
• It is currently being passed out. It is available online.
• It is available online.
• It took a lot of effort.

Bills: HB1, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB383, HB983, HB1126, HCR3

Keywords: state budget, appropriations, education funding, public health, social services, government operations, state institutions, budget, funding, state general fund, local government, fiscal year, economic development, state treasury, emergency response, education, voting technology, sustainability, revenue sharing, fund distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• If Arizona can do it, so should Idaho.
• it comes to small lot size.
• So we specifically put in this bill that it is prospective, so it only moves forward.
• And I would prefer that it were retroactive, that it just get rid of any rule that says that you can't
• Is it taking place in the house? Is it taking place in the house?

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I mean, it is what it is. We cope with it.
• A couple of days in the Tarrant County jail is worth it for them to post it on YouTube and make money
• off of it.
• And it may be their position that it should apply to all of these.
• leads to deaths, it leads to child endangerment, and they basically get away with it.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate it. Okay. When we get a question... ...for it.
• Chair and members, appreciate it. Thank you.
• I think it gets to the issue that we're looking for.
• I equate it to the earthquake authority.
• No, thank you for making it promptly here, actually. It really helps.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties and direct future funding toward areas with the greatest wildfire risk and social vulnerability; supporters included CSAC and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a permanent fire innovation unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew support from Megafire Action, fire agencies, and several advocacy groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open gubernatorial states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting emergency powers; the LAO provided technical assistance on the bill. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on Go Green to help finance home hardening and defensible space improvements, with broad support from state, local, environmental, and credit union interests. Testimony on the bills emphasized wildfire risk, the need for broader home hardening access, and the value of innovation and oversight in emergency management. Supporters of SB 894 said grants alone cannot meet the scale of needed mitigation and that low-cost financing could leverage private capital. Supporters of SB 1079 argued California needs a more formal system to connect firefighters with innovators and scale proven technologies. On SB 1020, the author and committee discussed balancing executive emergency authority with transparency and accountability. There was no recorded opposition to the measures during testimony. After discussion, the committee accepted amendments on the bills and voted to pass SB 894, SB 973, SB 1020, SB 1270, and SB 1079 as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The transcript shows multiple roll calls as quorum was established and absent members were called; each bill ultimately received unanimous support from members present and was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate it. Okay. When we get a question, ...for it.
• Appreciate it. Thank you.
• It outlines existing issues within governor-declared states It outlines existing issues within governor-declared
• I equate it to the earthquake authority.
• No, thank you for making it promptly here, actually. It really helps.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard five wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties based on wildfire risk and social vulnerability, with the author and county representatives saying the program should better target home-hardening assistance where need is greatest. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a Fire Innovation Unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new wildfire technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew broad support from fire, environmental, local government, and industry groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting the governor’s emergency powers. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on the state’s Go Green financing platform to help homeowners afford wildfire hardening and defensible-space improvements; supporters included the State Treasurer’s office, counties, fire-safety groups, local governments, and credit unions. There was no opposition testimony on any of the bills. Committee members generally expressed support, with comments emphasizing wildfire risk, the need for home hardening, innovation, and accountability in emergency powers. Senator Rubio asked to be a coauthor on SB 894, and the chair noted the bill’s importance for making mitigation more affordable at scale. All five measures were approved by the committee on motions for “do pass as amended to appropriations,” with roll calls taken over several quorum interruptions. The bills were advanced out of committee, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Initially, with the initial bill, it was... With the initial bill, it was structured for millions.
• I think it's, uh, it will be a nice short program that you go very much.
• Mece us, I will do it. I'm Steven Morris.
• One of those is to make it less general.
• Let's rewind a little; first of all, it all goes back to the beginning.

Bills: SB67, HB295, SB104

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and member, appreciate it. Thank you.
• I think it gets to the issue that we're looking for.
• It outlines existing issues within governor-declared states It outlines existing issues within governor-declared
• I equate it to the earthquake authority.
• No, thank you for making it promptly here, actually. It really helps.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I believe that I will be able to handle it because it is.
• to have sponsored it.
• It probably. Let's do it on Monday.
• The ayes have it. It is so ordered. The Senate will stand in a moment of silence. The ayes have it.
• The ayes have it. Do you have it so order. We are adjourned.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was wonderful to see their young lives unfolding.
• It was devastated by the Palisades fire.
• It supports thousands of jobs, many of which are in a small.
• It is also highly sought after for its low carbon footprint and renewable properties and stands as a
• Rob lived life to its fullest.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• all see it.
• It has been a real orientation, and he has really moved this department into the modern century.
• It is extremely important.
• Oh, she just said it. Wah. Oh, she just said it. González, aye. Ayes are 34, noes zero.
• It is clear. Thank you, members. No other business on the desk. It is clear. Thank you, members.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• can all see it.
• It has been a real orientation, and he has really moved this department into the modern century.
• Oh, she just said it. Wahab. Oh, she just said it. González, aye. Ayes are 34, noes zero.
• Anne embodied public service in its truest form.
• It is clear. Thank you, members. No other business on the desk. It is clear. Thank you, members.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer marking World Water Day, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then suspended Senate Rule 55 to allow guests on the floor. Several special introductions followed, including California Wildlife Photo of the Year winner Alice Cahill, outgoing Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegría, and a Cal Poly Pomona student delegation participating in CHESS/CSU Lobby Day. Members praised Bonham’s long service and the students’ advocacy on higher education issues. The Assembly’s passage of AB 2156 was announced, and the Senate approved the March 16–19 journals as corrected. The chamber then took up SCR 132, designating March 22, 2026 as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized robotics and STEAM education as hands-on preparation for careers in engineering, AI, manufacturing, and other technical fields, and highlighted partnerships with industry and programs such as FIRST Robotics. The resolution passed on a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced robotics students and industry representatives, including Ethan Wynn of Poway High School and leaders from Garner Holt Productions, to recognize their work in STEAM education and robotics. The Senate next considered five gubernatorial appointments, all brought by Senator Grove: Paul Toopee to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Each nominee was described as experienced in the relevant field and each was confirmed unanimously, 34-0. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow the Committee on Governmental Organization to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice. In closing, Senator Blakespear requested adjournment in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and civic leader remembered for decades of public service, environmental stewardship, and community planning. The Senate agreed to memorialize her, then announced that members would proceed to the Assembly chambers for the joint convention and State of the Judiciary address, with the next floor session scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• . it. it.
• <c> it</c> America and its its government, how it America and its its government, how it works.<00:55
• The bill as amended modernizes the state's home education framework by revising its definitions, administration
• The bill as amended modernizes the state's home education framework by revising its definitions, administration
• The bill as amended modernizes the state's home education framework by revising its definitions, administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How do we collect it? How is it linked?
• How do we use it to How is it linked?
• that</c><00:42:57.359><c> all</c> 1990 and it in it specifies that all 1990 and it in it specifies that
• c><01:07:19.680><c> and</c> and have to prepare it and cook it and and have to prepare it and cook it
• </c> about it. about it.

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:17 - Approval of June 18, 2025 Minutes 00:02:33 - Introductions and Discussion on Priorities 00:07:27 - Health Data Discussion-KY Health Information Exchange (KHIE) 00:34:02 - Health Data Discussion-Public Health Data 01:19:24 - Health Data Discussion-Other Health Data Platforms 01:42:40 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations (Except 201 KAR 005:010) 01:44:48 - Discussion of Optometry Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 02:25:29 - Hearing on Unified Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Application for FFY 2026 - 2027 Funds 02:33:40 - Administrative Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 Vote Clarification 02:34:03 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action. Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions. Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll even write it down and you can all witness it.
• I'll even write it down and you can all witness it.
• I'll even write it down and you can all witness it.
• </c> what it said it's introduced by and it what it said it's introduced by and it was<01:24:38.440><
• <02:04:04.559><c> possible</c><02:04:04.920><c> I</c> down but it but it it is possible I down but it

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard Senate Bill 1322, SD2, HD1, a comprehensive measure revising Hawaii’s mental health code. The bill would clarify emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization procedures for people who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and deemed imminently dangerous, expand notice requirements, allow certain information-sharing for assisted community treatment petitions, and add liability protections for emergency responders and providers. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill as a collaborative update to the law, while the Department of Health asked for a copy of provider-generated emergency transport documentation within five days for data and planning purposes. Testimony was sharply divided. Queen’s Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HHSC, and the Institute for Human Services supported the measure or parts of it but requested amendments, including clarifying whether a second psychiatric exam is required, restoring a 72-hour rather than 48-hour stabilization window, and adjusting where patients are taken when an MEO cannot be reached. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi strongly opposed the bill, arguing it weakens due process and civil liberties, especially around involuntary commitment, assisted community treatment, emergency transport by police, and reduced procedural safeguards; it urged the committee to hold the bill and consider an interim working group. Louie E.K. of the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center also opposed the bill, focusing on immunity from negligence, the use of police for transport, and the reduction of a three-provider review to one in state-hospital treatment orders. Other testimony included support from an individual who said the bill could improve mental health care delivery amid provider shortages, and a comment from Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center warning that the substance use portion of the bill lacks evidence of effectiveness and could be misused. In response to committee questions, the Attorney General’s office said the measure was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, hospitals, the ACLU, HHSC, and IHS, and that it aims to make assisted community treatment more accessible and effective by streamlining the legal process and improving consequences for noncompliance. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . this, um it it says that DHS will pay this, um it it says that DHS will pay the<00:34:56.800><c> doctors
• So this bill gives corporate practice of medicine its own section and clarifies protections against modern
• So this bill gives corporate practice of medicine its own section and clarifies protections against modern
• The amendment is adopted. makes the bill um more it it is not a um makes the bill um more it it is not
• To me it it it I<01:55:05.280><c> don't</c><01:55:05.280><c> know.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> office for HUD um and it is it it's it's office for HUD um and it is it it's it's kind<01:09:44.199
• it is it a could take away here is is it is it a robust<01:20:41.639><c> and</c><01:20:41.840><c> well
• </c><01:35:07.360><c> um</c> administration it it could slow that um administration it it could slow
• </c> was it a surprise are you passing it was it a surprise are you passing it knowingly<01:43:31.960
• 49:16.199><c> of</c> we may look at it but um it is part of we may look at it but um it is part of that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And normally when we bring seminal research, we couch it in other modern research that supports the idea
• There it is. There it is.
• It doesn't matter if it was under a prompt pay. It doesn't matter if it was here.
• We have it and we don't use it.
• But it got out of its box.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Modern car design works against us, and going 80 feels like it used to feel when you were going 35 miles
• If you could do it with modern technology and driver simulators, that would be great.
• </c><00:43:42.880><c> modern</c><00:43:43.359><c> technology</c> you could do it with modern technology
• you could do it with modern technology and<00:43:44.319><c> driver</c><00:43:44.720><c> simulators,<
• </c> way to deal with it, criminalize it. way to deal with it, criminalize it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all