Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we need to build it now it's time for us we need to build it now it's time for us to<02:12:02.159
• </c> the ingredients the things that made us the ingredients the things that made us who<02:25:50.479
• We have to put an end to this madness. called on us to reject business as usual called on us to reject
• </c> functions best when the rules allow us functions best when the rules allow us to<04:32:49.319><c
• of handouts on the House floor, ninth use of electronic equipment on the House floor, and tenth use

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and now, uh, Colonel David West, if you would please, you know, inform us, let us know what's going
• I use a bunch of different terms, so forgive me if I, if I use a military term.
• We use the the library on main campus occasionally we use the sports facilities, um, and obviously we
• Over time, I think that it's gonna be a game changer for us in terms of making us attractive to more
• And I truly believe that the intersection between STEM and policy allows for us to build equity and use

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So the problem is that so many US So the problem is that so many US governments<00:04:09.920><c>
• </c> approved to use the word in in the bill. approved to use the word in in the bill.
• to use these systems.
• to use these systems.
• </c> US citizens. US citizens.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• us as we go along.
• So to me, there's plenty of industry that can be used by using the ocean.
• and make us safer.
• You give us that.
• Thank you. used to grow.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The last point on electric vehicles being used, and more being used in the future, especially The last
• point on electric vehicles being used, and more being used in the future, especially with these higher
• That shouldn't be used against us.
• us.
• something useful, but it is in fact not that useful.

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard an informational presentation on transportation fuel supply in Arizona from Gordon Shemp of Nemecu Analytics. He described Arizona’s dependence on pipeline deliveries, limited terminal inventories, and the resulting vulnerability to outages and price spikes. He also discussed recent refinery closures in California, increased imports from overseas, and a proposed Kinder Morgan project that could add east-to-west capacity into Phoenix. Committee members asked about fuel formulations and how many fuel types move through the system; Shemp said the project would not change destination fuel specifications and that multiple fuel products already move through the pipelines. The committee then took up House Bill 2758, which would allow groundwater transport from the McMullen Valley basin to an initial AMA and related uses, with provisions for eligible entities, transportation fees, and water improvement programs. Supporters, including Stan Barnes, Jim Downing, and Barry Arons, argued the bill follows the 1991 transfer-basin framework, provides needed water augmentation for urban Arizona, and includes local benefits and guardrails. Opponents, including La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin, Devonna Sater, and Ed Curry, said the bill would worsen groundwater decline, subsidence, and well failures in Salome and Wenden and favored rural communities being used to solve urban water shortages. The committee approved HB 2758 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered HB 2078, which clarifies that certain aggregate mining reclamation notice requirements apply only to new reclamation plans and new aggregate operations, not existing mines. The sponsor said the bill fixes confusion from prior legislation, and the committee passed it 5-0. HB 2031, extending the deadline for applying for a certificate of grandfathered right in the Wilcox AMA from 15 to 27 months, also passed after some members argued the extension was needed for affected applicants while others said it would delay needed protections. HB 2102, allowing county improvement districts in certain basins to use eminent domain for a well and standpipe site and to operate domestic water delivery systems, and HB 2103, allowing gifts and fee revenues to support water hauling and local water improvement programs, both passed 4-3 despite opposition that they were only partial fixes. Later, HB 2117, which increases the annual distribution cap for conservation district education centers and shifts Environmental Special Plate Fund disbursements to the Natural Resource Conservation Board, passed 5-2 after supporters called it a technical cleanup and one member objected to changing the administering entity. HB 2261, revising agricultural property tax valuation terminology and requiring income-based valuation for agricultural real property, passed 4-3 after assessors and county representatives warned it would remove agricultural improvements from the tax rolls and shift costs to homeowners, while farm groups said it would clarify and stabilize agricultural taxation. Finally, HB 2262, transferring the Resource Analysis Division from the State Land Department to the Arizona Geological Survey and changing related geospatial advisory duties, was presented with State Land Department concerns that the bill left several duties and funding questions unclear; the transcript ends before any final action on HB 2262.

Transcript Highlights:

• to us and to the state of Massachusetts.
• to us and to the state of Massachusetts.
• us for a little bit.
• The production, use, and disposal of consumer products are responsible for a The production, use, and
• What this grant did for us was enable us to buy a refrigerated van.

Bills: S2542

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Keywords: climate resilience, resilience bond bill, environmental bond, infrastructure spending, flood control, coastal resilience, PFAS, clean water, wetlands, nature-based solutions, housing permitting, flood disclosure, land conservation, biodiversity, forest reserves, municipal vulnerability preparedness, MVP grant program, food security, agricultural resilience, solid waste

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, we use something called the 4CP methodology that's measuring So currently, we use something
• Barclay's proposal would take us.
• Davis is with us. One second, John. Let the record reflect: Ms. Davis is with us. Welcome, Ms.
• So you used a good term; what term did you use?
• They're working with us on it.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This teaches us answer their prayers immediately. This teaches us a timeless lesson.
• Now, many of us are blessed with support systems, family, friends, Now, many of us are blessed with support
• And I will let all of you know that Senator Bracey Davis, she used a trick on us in committee.
• to be used. ...to protect people from using his name in a manner in which was not acceptable to be used
• manner they want to use the name.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but to connect us, to ground us, and to move us forward.
• And, you know, I think I speak for most of us. I count us in. Just want to ask Ms.
• us, once in a generation.
• It used to be 20%, now it's 40%.
• So where does this leave us?

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on how recent federal actions are affecting arts, culture, humanities, libraries, museums, and the creative economy in California. Chair Ben Allen and Vice Chair Chris Ward opened by describing the hearing as a response to proposed and ongoing federal cuts to the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and public broadcasting, as well as grant terminations and leadership changes at cultural institutions. Several members emphasized the economic and civic importance of the arts, while one Republican member argued for greater ideological diversity in the arts and noted the loss of music programs in small schools. Testimony from Aaron Harky of Americans for the Arts and Jolie Fisher of SAG-AFTRA described the impact of federal policy on grants, jobs, and production. Harky said executive orders and the FY 2026 budget proposal threaten arts agencies and arts education, and that rescinded grants are causing hiring freezes, shutdowns, and losses for small organizations, especially in rural and underserved communities. Fisher focused on runaway film and television production, outdated tax rules, and the need for federal incentives, intellectual property protections, and action on AI and digital replicas. Members also discussed bipartisan support, the role of business and tourism partners, and the need to include more diverse voices in arts advocacy. The second panel featured Rick Noguchi of California Humanities, Greg Lucas of the State Library, and Danielle Purcell of the California Arts Council. Noguchi said NEH funding was cut immediately, putting California Humanities’ grantmaking and documentary programs at risk and prompting consideration of litigation and possible state support. Lucas reported that IMLS funding for California libraries was briefly canceled but partly restored, though a budget gap remains. Purcell said the California Arts Council is still awaiting federal award language for state partnership funds, but NEA grant terminations and the proposed elimination of federal cultural agencies create major uncertainty; she also said the council is assessing the damage and tracking impacts on grantees. Members asked about measuring outcomes, AI’s threat to creative work, documentary funding losses, and possible state and national strategies to protect cultural institutions and jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for having us here today.
• have to use that fund.
• It's going to take a little time, probably longer than all of us. us hope, but hopefully they can give
• We're also using state dollars now that you've given us over the last two sessions.
• for us to have.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what we're trying to do is tighten up the use of how the RAN monies are used.
• So what we're trying to do is tighten up the use of how the RAN monies are used.
• So what we're trying to do is tighten up the use of how the RAN monies are used.
• </c> being used for anything but special ed. being used for anything but special ed.
• </c> We're just saying go use it, right? We're just saying go use it, right?

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that number's out there for us.
• Do you use these dollars?
• What would you caution us about?
• They used 100; TEA used 40. Forty was the existing. The 100 had to be appropriate.
• And what do y'all use it for?

Bills: SB 1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> staff and the contractors that we use. staff and the contractors that we use.
• We don't use court reporters.
• We don't use court reporters.
• except for us when we using it except except for us when we sign<00:31:25.279><c> um</c><00:31:26.320
• The budget bill also allows us and has allowed us to use, um, to give increases.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:55.680><c> to</c> those five enablers that allow us to those five enablers that allow us to
• </c> gotten I wish we had used some of these. gotten I wish we had used some of these.
• </c> landed a project yet have uh sent us landed a project yet have uh sent us comments<00:20:11.039>
• </c> and all the comp the states around us and all the comp the states around us that<00:26:39.360><c
• Another would be, do we reserve or do you guide us to reserve funding that might be used in a way?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, joined by Matt Wingate and Terry Bradshaw of the Kentucky Association of Economic Developers, on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and the closing fund. The presentation focused on how KPDI helps communities develop shovel-ready industrial sites by funding infrastructure, engineering, geotechnical work, and other site-preparation costs. Noel emphasized that the program is designed to reduce uncertainty for companies, improve speed to market, and support statewide job creation and investment, especially in rural and eastern Kentucky where development costs are often higher. Testimony highlighted the complexity and expense of preparing sites, with examples of road, water, power, and rock-removal costs, and the importance of third-party evaluation in scoring applications. Noel said the program has 116 total projects statewide, with 20 active projects stemming from pilot efforts and 35 projects already resulting in about 6,381 jobs and $4.4 billion in investment. He cited examples including Crown Holdings, Flash Metals, Phoenix Paper, Pratt Paper, AESC, Sound Elements, Kitchen Foods, Latte, Krueger, Biomass, and Anna Munsman. Bradshaw added that even communities that have not yet landed a project have benefited by building spec buildings or improving access to industrial property. The speakers said the last KPDI round drew $81 million in requests but only $35 million in available funding, and they urged lawmakers to consider whether additional funding or program adjustments are needed. Suggested changes included modestly increasing eligibility or funding flexibility for rural and eastern Kentucky, while maintaining third-party performance metrics, and continuing to prioritize finishing existing parks and creating strong regional sites. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Help us to pass laws that reflect the lives of the people we serve and let us never forget to make no
• </c> to our fellow citizens today remind us to our fellow citizens today remind us of<00:05:07.320><c
• </c> employees and turn a profit help us employees and turn a profit help us remember<00:05:38.400><c
• </c> practice for us to say to schools let us practice for us to say to schools let us take<01:12:19.360
• </c><04:14:43.080><c> use</c> effective use use effective use use of<04:14:44.920><c> taxpayers</c> of

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray that in our time together today you allow us to share differences of opinion, allow us to converse
• And then, God, I pray for all of us. And then, God, I pray for all of us.
• And then, God, I pray for all of us.
• That leaves us $113 million.
• You've supported us. You've helped us.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• at</c><00:08:21.800><c> the</c> it's being used it's being used at the it's being used it's being used
• </c> even if the municipality doesn't use even if the municipality doesn't use that<00:09:43.680><c>
• That is something that we really hope to not have to use.
• </c> specific language we want to use specific language we want to use regarding<00:24:31.399><c> cannabis
• </c> describe the amendment for us describe the amendment for us okay okay okay um<00:48:59.880><c> yeah

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• us.
• And when any advocate comes to us and asks us not to do that, we should be strong and we should be able
• I hope people don't use apps on their phone.
• The alternative was for us to have fee-for-service.
• “I stand here today because the American dream belongs to all of us or belongs to none of us.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That means to you or should mean to us, what does that volume tell us about the scope of the claims,
• We use a holistic intake process so that when a family comes to us with one civil legal issue, we are
• used?
• That's how the funding gets used.
• We have the same set of panelists who are here before us, so that'll save us a little time.

Summary: The committee heard budget and workload presentations from the Office of the State Public Defender, legal aid organizations, and the Judicial Branch. OSPD requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the work has become ongoing and now includes additional Supreme Court briefing, habeas proceedings, investigations, expert analysis, and data requests. The State Public Defender also presented the AB 625 public defense workload report, which found statewide staffing shortages, caseloads above recommended standards, and major gaps in investigators and support staff. Senators asked about racial bias claims, the volume of data requests, and the impact of Prop. 36, and OSPD said it would provide additional written information. The legal aid panel asked for a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access work, while also supporting Access to Justice Commission requests for loan repayment assistance, immigrant family preparedness services, and innovation grants. Witnesses described legal aid as homelessness prevention and cited examples involving eviction defense, domestic violence survivors, and immigration detention cases. Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia discussed eviction data, low tenant representation, and court pilots in Compton and at Stanley Mosk that combine mediation, rental assistance, and legal help. Senators asked for service maps, outreach materials, and more detail on funding needs and federal funding losses. For the Judicial Branch overview, the Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including $70 million for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, and funding for appellate counsel, case processing, and courthouse construction. They said rising costs, staffing retention, and interpreter shortages continue to strain the courts, and described efforts to reallocate interpreter funds and recruit hard-to-find languages such as Mixteco. Senators pressed the branch and the Department of Finance on courthouse facilities, noting that the long-term need is far larger than the current budget proposal; Finance said the branch’s facility needs were estimated at about $22.5 billion over 10 years to start 68 projects and $29.4 billion to complete the remaining projects. The committee requested follow-up information on facilities, judgeships, and interpreter needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are abusive systems that have failed us, and... ...these are abusive systems that have failed us
• Recognizing that these systems, I use the term Babylon, were never meant to keep us safe.
• Because if a program or something set in place for us that's meant to help us and help us grow, and if
• Well, thank you so much for hearing us out. Mr. Patterson, thank you for joining us. Yes, sir.
• Or when you're sitting over there, that's what they sit us, when they take our belt from us, and they

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its first meeting of the session at the Youth Justice Coalition’s former courthouse space in Los Angeles, after members spent the morning visiting Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Chair Isaac Bryan framed the hearing around hope and healing, youth justice reimagined, youth perspectives, and multisector supports for boys and men of color. Several members, including Assembly Members Mike Fong, Mia Bonta, and Jasmeet Bains, emphasized the need to repair harms from mass incarceration, reverse underinvestment, and expand education, apprenticeship, and community-based opportunities. The first panel featured advocates from the Young Women’s Freedom Center, Students Deserve, the Social Justice Learning Institute, the California Youth Justice Project, and the Youth Justice Coalition. They argued that probation and incarceration are harmful, costly, and ineffective, and pointed to alternatives such as the Liberation Fund, Beloved Village, the Department of Youth Development, Measure J-funded community programs, and the Black Student Achievement Plan. Speakers described successful efforts to divert money from policing to restorative justice, counseling, mentorship, ethnic studies, and other supports, while warning that these gains are under attack or slow-walked by county systems. Committee members asked for concrete examples of cost-effective alternatives and implementation models that could be replicated statewide. The second panel was made up entirely of youth and young adults with lived experience. They described how Hoops for Justice, the Young Women’s Freedom Center, and the Youth Justice Coalition provided safety, mentorship, sponsorship, counseling, internships, education, and leadership opportunities that probation did not. Testimony focused on the need for youth-centered spaces, long-term jobs, mental health care, family support, and staff who understand lived experience. Speakers also criticized probation’s training and conditions in juvenile facilities, and several said the state should invest more in community-based organizations and put youth in leadership roles. Committee members responded that the testimony underscored the need to divest from probation and elevate youth voices in policymaking. The hearing then moved toward a third panel on supporting boys and men of color across sectors.