Transcript Highlights:

• Test bed here in Albuquerque because we're putting in half the money for that.
• They will be testing their Mach; we'll get up to Mach 3.
• You know they're here; they're testing. My goal is how you use Spaceport.
• They first tested their missile at Spaceport.
• They tested and fired their hypersonic missiles at Spaceport.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• participate in the statewide assessment test, or they could submit a portfolio review.
• When submitting scores for the achievement tests, and that includes the statewide achievement tests and
• </c><00:11:02.720><c> tests</c><00:11:03.000><c> and</c><00:11:03.200><c> the</c><00:11:03.520><c> uh
• </c> statewide achievement tests and the uh statewide achievement tests and the uh national<00:11:04.440
• uh achievement tests, CSF national uh achievement tests, CSF required<00:11:06.440><c> parents</c><00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting. The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access. Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her test scores are now up.
• There is no testing for admissions.
• Other data that we've been looking at: we go through a STAR testing program, which is St.
• Louisiana can compare apples to apples without forcing one test on every school.
• Louisiana can compare apples to apples without forcing one test on every school.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He has great skill levels, but he can't pass the test to get his driver's license. He can drive.
• </c><00:23:22.480><c> to</c><00:23:22.720><c> get</c><00:23:22.799><c> his</c> he can't pass the test
• to get his he can't pass the test to get his driver's<00:23:23.440><c> license.
• Number one, it reduces the amount of standardized testing by transitioning the on-demand and writing
• Number one, it reduces the amount of standardized testing by transitioning the on-demand and writing

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:26 Report of Committees 05:13 Orders of the Day/ HB 6 06:22 HB 480 14:13 HB 562 17:55 HB 136 25:53 HB 257 29:47 HB 490 35:54 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 52:44 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:49 ConC/Rules Report 57:12 Floor Amendments 58:49 Adjournment 58:59, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They'll do pressure testing, water testing of all the exterior elements.
• They'll do pressure testing, building.
• They'll do pressure testing, water<00:16:18.320><c> testing</c><00:16:18.720><c> of</c><00:16:18.800>
• water testing of all the exterior elements. elements. elements.
• We do full building automation equipment testing, boiler testing, chiller testing, all of the equipment

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 13 meeting and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, with members repeatedly voting to review items without objection. The chair noted the agenda included 227 contracts totaling about $89.5 million, all with vendors registered with the Secretary of State. Most items were approved after brief discussion and roll-call votes. Several contracts drew questions. Kentucky State University explained two four-month contracts tied to its online academic program: one for continued implementation support and one for marketing. University officials said the program is in a transition year under a management improvement plan, that the university owns the intellectual property, and that the marketing effort is aimed at growing enrollment in targeted programs such as business and social work. They reported online enrollment had grown from 74 students to 612, with an overall university enrollment of 2,872, and said the goal is to reach about 1,000 online students by fall. The committee approved both items, though Senator Douglas said he would keep watching university spending. The Department of Education presented a contract cancellation for administrative reviews of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Officials said USDA changed the review requirement from every three years to every five years, making the outside contract unnecessary because internal staff can now handle the work. The committee approved the cancellation. The Transportation Cabinet also explained an increase to a professional services contract for engineering work on a section of KY 54 in Owensboro, describing it as preliminary design and commissioning work for a multi-section roadway project; the committee approved that item as well. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation sought approval for an amendment tied to its iLottery platform. Officials said the increase reflected higher sales volume, since the contract structure causes prize and platform-related expenses to rise as sales grow. The committee approved the amendment. The Department of Public Health also discussed a perinatal psychiatry consultation program funded by a five-year federal HRSA grant; members raised concerns about what would happen if federal support changes, but no action beyond discussion was noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:28.480><c> testimony</c> and we're submitting test testimony and we're submitting test testimony
• </c> science um the vs as um the other test science um the vs as um the other test of<00:36:08.800><c
• Vaccines are not tested for safety when given at the same time or near the same time as other vaccines
• </c><00:39:51.760><c> for</c> vaccine vaccines are not tested for vaccine vaccines are not tested for
• which included a a physical fitness test which included a 600<01:09:42.199><c> yard</c><01:09:42.719

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on April 1 at 2:04 p.m. and first heard HCR 129/HR 125/HD1, which asks state and county transportation and education agencies to work together on pedestrian safety and traffic congestion around Haiku Elementary School. The Department of Education said it stood on its written testimony, and no other testimony was offered on that measure. The committee then took up HCR 173/HR 169/HD1, urging the Department of Health to begin education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools with vaccination rates under 30 percent, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The Department of Education and Department of Health both supported the resolution and stood on their written testimony. Support also came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Nurses Association, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Health Committee, and Free Citizens of Malua. A number of testifiers opposed the measure, arguing that vaccination efforts do not belong in schools, that the proposal would pressure families and undermine parental rights and religious freedom, and that it could create liability and misuse public funds. Several opponents also raised concerns about informed consent, government overreach, and vaccine safety. One supporter, Kye Swan, said vaccines are the way to fight infectious disease and asked the committee to pass the resolution so children could be vaccinated before the school year starts. No vote or final committee action on the resolutions was announced in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the second finding, during current year testing of 15 asset retirements, we identified one asset totaling
• Also, during current year testing of 42 items, we discovered two cameras valued at about $8,500 that
• If we notice errors in our testing, we will expand our testing, and if we stop seeing errors, we'll stop

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then heard audit reports from Tom Bullington, including two reports with findings and three without findings, which were filed without objection. The Department of Public Safety FY24 audit had two findings: a duplicate vendor payment of nearly $3,700 that was later recouped, and a $2.5 million collateral shortfall tied to bank-held cash funds because securities were not properly pledged in the State Police’s name. Agency representatives from Arkansas State Police and the Department of Public Safety answered questions, and members discussed how collateralization works for deposits above FDIC coverage. The committee next reviewed the Department of Transformation and Shared Services FY24 audit, which contained five findings. These included an $800 career service overpayment caused by a rehire data entry error, delayed deactivation and inventory issues for assets including stolen cameras, a double count of more than $940,000 in year-end cash records, $10.3 million in health claims that should have been recorded as fiscal year 2024 payables, and repeated deficiencies in vehicle mileage logs. Agency officials explained that the stolen cameras were recovered through restitution, that inventory reviews are being expanded, and that the vehicle log problems are expected to be addressed through a statewide electronic GPS/telematics system. Members asked about the scope of audit testing, asset tracking, vehicle oversight, and whether the new vehicle system would allow monitoring of use, fuel purchases, geofencing, and possible sharing of vehicles across agencies. Shared Administrative Services said it would administer the statewide system, with departments retaining operational responsibility and access controls. After discussion, the committee filed the report without objection and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be held June 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the second finding, during current year testing of 15 asset retirements, we identified one asset totaling
• Also, during current year testing of 42 items, we discovered two cameras valued at about $8,500 that
• If we notice errors in our testing, we will expand our testing, and if we stop seeing errors, we'll stop

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, here they are prepared for the test, they've completed their schoolwork, there now they're stuck
• Well, while they're In trade school, that test and all those examination questions are fresh on their
• mind, so this bill allows them to go ahead and test while it's fresh on their mind, but they still have
• to work for a year in the trade to be able to be a journeyman, but they don't have To set for the test

Bills: HB2929 , HB2956 , HB2955 , HB3128 , HB3880 , HB4294 , HB2970 , HB3338 , HB3443 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB3818

Committee: House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Transcript Highlights:

• They all sound really solid right up until they get tested.
• And I think my beliefs have probably been tested a little more than most on this floor.
• I think my beliefs have probably been tested a little more than most on this floor.
• Public service has a way of testing you.
• It tests your patience, your priorities, and your principles.

Bills: HCR1026 , SB1130 , SB1134 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1142 , HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions and presentations. Members honored Vice Admiral Jeff Trusler as Veteran of the Week, recognized the Prague Kolache Festival royalty and candidates, unveiled an artwork for the Capitol’s Hall of Heroes, and introduced the Doctor, Psychologist, and Nurse of the Day, along with the OSBI cold case team. The House also adopted HCR 1026, a resolution tied to Earth Day and “Lights Out Day” in Oklahoma, aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting migrating birds. A major portion of the meeting consisted of farewell remarks from Representatives Mike Osborne and Kevin West. Both reflected on their years of service, thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, and emphasized themes of public service, hard work, conviction, and working across differences. Osborne’s remarks focused on freedom, immigration, service, and doing good in public life, while West stressed standing on principle, listening to others, and choosing courage over convenience. After the presentations and personal privilege speeches, the House moved into consideration of legislation. Chairman Caldwell presented the joint committee report on Senate Bill 1130, relating to the University Hospitals Authority, saying it would help ensure Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma have one of the world’s leading pediatric cardiology units. The transcript ends as members begin considering the bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• women wants: they saw something that they didn't like and that they wanted me to do another diagnostic test
• women wants: they saw something that they didn't like and that they wanted me to do another diagnostic test
• which was really surprising because I really thought it was all part of my free preventative mammogram test
• This bill removes that financial barrier and allows the continuum of the testing to occur just to get
• This bill removes that financial barrier and allows the continuum of the testing to occur just to get

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced a series of Senate bills focused largely on mental health, public health, child welfare, and insurance coverage. SB 1113 would allow screening or evaluation agency employees to personally serve court documents on patients in involuntary mental health proceedings; supporters said this would reduce burdens on police and be less disruptive for patients. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment limiting reimbursement to services provided under county contract, and SB 1113 was given a due pass recommendation 12-0. SB 1122 would limit Access from imposing over-100% prepayment review on certain behavioral health providers serving American Indian Health Program members unless a corrective action plan is in place; Access was neutral and said it had worked with the sponsor, and the bill passed 12-0. SB 1123 would remove a board-certification requirement so trained, licensed forensic pathologists can supervise pathology trainees during autopsies; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and efficiency measure, and it passed 12-0. SB 1125 would require DCS to make annual efforts to enter MOUs with Arizona tribes and improve coordination on tribal children in state care; DCS said it was already working on pending MOUs, and the bill passed 12-0. The committee also heard several bills tied to breast cancer screening and court-ordered treatment. SB 1165 would prohibit cost-sharing for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental screening services in private insurance; the sponsor and advocates described it as removing financial barriers that can delay diagnosis, and it passed 12-0. SB 1243 would require guardians to be notified before discharge or release of patients under court-ordered treatment and allow guardians to seek continuation of treatment; family members and advocates testified that missed renewals can create dangerous gaps, and the bill passed 10-0 with two absent. SB 1318 would repeal a state breast-density notice requirement that now overlaps with a newer federal FDA standard; ADHS said the change would reduce confusion and duplicate notices, and it passed 11-0 with one absent. Later, SB 1188 would align Arizona controlled-substance schedules with federal FDA/DEA scheduling; the sponsor said it would speed access to new treatments, while one member opposed it over concerns about relying on federal agencies, and it passed 8-2. SB 1193 would bar DHS from selling or disclosing EMT personal identifying information for commercial purposes without consent; the sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns about vendors buying licensee data, and members discussed whether broader privacy protections should be considered, but the bill passed 10-0. Finally, SB 1477 would require referral agencies serving assisted living facilities to verify background-screening practices, registry status, and insurance coverage; the sponsor and PASSRS said it would raise standards in senior placement services, and it passed 10-0 after a technical amendment. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Not delegated, I don’t guess, but set to the amount of tests you receive versus the amount of tests
• the costs for the diagnostic test, not for our time, not for our supplies.”
• Diagnostic test. Not for our time, not for our supplies.
• So in Louisiana, while you may voluntarily submit a sample for testing, it never has come at a cost to
• Those are as follows: evaluating practices being used for testing and tracking in the state regarding

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The task force met to handle routine business, including roll call, adoption of the amended agenda, approval of prior minutes, and withdrawal of one agenda item because a presenter could not attend. The main presentation came from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the recent chronic wasting disease (CWD) emergency declaration and control-area expansion after a positive deer was confirmed in Concordia Parish, including on Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area. LDWF explained the expanded control area, the enhanced mitigation zone where baiting and supplemental feeding are prohibited, the buffer zone rules, carcass transport restrictions, and the taxidermy waiver process. Officials also said the emergency declaration lasts 180 days unless extended or replaced by formal rulemaking, and that the department will pursue a notice of intent process that may or may not mirror the emergency rules. Members asked detailed questions about where the positive deer may have been exposed, how the control-area boundaries were drawn, how many deer were sampled, and how surveillance targets are set. LDWF and Dr. Roberts said the positive likely reflects prior exposure but the source is unknown, that the map follows roads, waterways, and processor locations, and that the deer was sampled through a hunter check-in process with a large sample size from the WMA. They also explained that surveillance goals are based on risk models and that sample collection is voluntary, with costs covered by the department and some federal research funds, not by hunters. Several members asked for better public-facing maps and parish-level data showing harvest, sample goals, and actual samples, while staff noted the information exists and can be stratified, but some harvest totals are delayed by DMAP reporting. The National Deer Association then read a statement saying CWD is the most serious long-term threat to wild deer and deer hunting and that hunters, landowners, scientists, and wildlife agencies must work together to slow its spread. The task force also discussed its legislative charge under HR/ACR 75, with staff outlining five areas for recommendations: testing and tracking practices, interagency information sharing and public notification, monitoring captive and wild herds, containment protocols, and needed statutory or regulatory updates. Members discussed the timeline for recommendations relative to the commission’s April notice-of-intent process and the 2027 reporting deadline. Near the end, two members reported large declines in retail sales of deer feed products since CWD feeding restrictions, and a public comment thanked the governor for assistance after a severe ice storm. The meeting adjourned without any votes beyond adopting the agenda and approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• experts that assist in examining the portal to ensure potential portal designs have undergone a robust testing
• experts that assist in examining the portal to ensure potential portal designs have undergone a robust testing
• The proposed substitute also authorizes the Secretary of State to develop and test an initial electronic
• portal design in phases, requiring the initial test phase to include a test group composed of voters
• directs the Secretary of State to provide the legislature with an annual report of any examination or test

Bills: SB6215 , SB6160 , SB6313 , SB6049 , SB6164 , SB5046 , SB5842 , SB6035 , SB5853 , SB5888

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: fraud prevention, identity theft, consumer protection, security measures, legislation, government efficiency, state agencies, reporting, bureaucracy, transparency, Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support, student privacy, employee confidentiality, public disclosure, data protection

Transcript Highlights:

• , none of us could have imagined the scale of the challenges ahead, or how dramatically they would test
• Throughout these tests, California chose action over hand-wringing and solutions over cynicism.
• But today, that spirit is being tested.
• That happened... ...with greater gains in test scores for Black and Latino kids.
• Profound natural beauty, prosperity, profound natural disasters, testing our spirit, testing our resources

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they have um either they're testing.
• And one of the projects I did was testing plants with salinity levels and testing salt on it because
• So, thank you. and testing salt on it because we live and testing salt on it because we live on<01:15
• Um, so there is the test and that's the criteria.
• </c><02:03:52.400><c> multiple</c> failing around certain tests multiple failing around certain tests

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools. After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage. In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you look at our test scores, they've been consistently high performing.
• And because Gaton's test agencies.
• test as well. well. well.
• ,</c><01:42:53.600><c> suturing</c> and testing model bridges, suturing and testing model bridges, suturing
• At the end of the day, we're not just preparing kids for tests or even for college.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, there's lack of comprehensive drug testing, or the drug testing that was obtained wasn't adequate
• drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and lack of timely notification to DCBS.
• There was no drug testing. There was no head imaging obtained.
• </c> tested positive for THC. tested positive for THC.
• So I do think that and tested as well.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In partnership with the CSF and the Public Health Institute, CBE conducted tap water testing across Southeast
• In partnership with the CSF and the Public Health Institute, CBE conducted tap water testing across Southeast
• In partnership with the CSF and the Public Health Institute, CBE conducted tap water testing across Southeast
• Our community should not have to conduct their own testing or work.
• Our community should not have to conduct their own testing or fight just to get basic information about

Committee: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, by Senator Jones, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. Supporters from the debt collection industry said the bill would reduce duplicative costs and fix issues with the advisory committee process; an opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said concerns remained. After discussion about preserving consumer protections while reducing burdens on licensees, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1131 and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water companies by removing the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information such as consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including environmental justice advocates and Los Angeles County, described problems with access to water quality information, meeting notices, and board accountability in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems. Members discussed the need for transparency while acknowledging concerns about compliance burdens; the committee then voted 7-0 to pass SB 1291 and re-refer it to Environmental Quality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Excited about this and um test.
• We're going to go home right now, and if we have to take another test, we'll take another test."
• And as we waited the weeks to get the test, the test came back that that child had nothing wrong with
• </c> said, "I I think we need to have a test said, "I I think we need to have a test done<01:13:29.199
• ,</c> and if we have to take another test, and if we have to take another test, we'll<01:14:34.400><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That recreational fishery has been closed since May of 2024, despite repeated testing with us and the
• Check test. There you go. If you hit the little button right in front, there you go.
• Check test. There you go. Good afternoon, folks. I'm John McManus.
• high, and you have to clear domoic acid before you can do that testing.
• And I would note, too, that the domoic acid testing is conducted by the fleet on a voluntary basis.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum, focusing on the state of California fisheries and the environment. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and CDFW Marine Region Manager Dr. Craig Schumann described the sector as economically important but under pressure from drought, climate change, wildfire, warm oceans, and federal uncertainty. They highlighted progress under the state salmon strategy, including barrier removal, habitat restoration, flow protections, hatchery modernization, and technology improvements, while noting that salmon closures in recent years reflected the state’s driest period on record. Schumann reported 2025 commercial landings of about 217 million pounds worth $212 million, led by market squid, Dungeness crab, groundfish, and spiny lobster, and said the state’s marine protected area network had received international recognition. He also discussed salmon season openings, in-season management, hatchery release strategies, parentage-based tagging, kelp restoration planning, domoic acid closures, and expected future opportunities for rebuilt groundfish stocks such as yelloweye rockfish and cow cod. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to the Klamath River dam removal and salmon recovery. CDFW’s Crystal Robinson reviewed the project timeline, from the 2002 fish kill through dam decommissioning and full barrier removal in October 2024, and said fish returned to historic habitat within days. Yurok Chairman Joseph James, Karuk Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery, and Dr. Craig Tucker described the dam removal as a historic tribal and state partnership and emphasized that salmon are central to tribal culture, food, and sovereignty. They said the river is already showing recovery, including the return of spring-run Chinook above Upper Klamath Lake for the first time in over a century, but stressed that continued restoration, funding, and protection of cold-water tributaries like the Scott and Shasta Rivers are still needed. Speakers also raised concerns about federal efforts to reinterpret the Endangered Species Act and rewrite the Klamath irrigation biological opinion, and urged the state to remain actively involved. The committee discussed AB 263 and AB 2218, which relate to minimum stream flows and Indigenous water rights, respectively. Members also questioned the agencies about Sacramento River salmon management, Shasta Reservoir cold-water releases, enforcement capacity, and federal disaster funding delays. Crowfoot and Schumann said the Sacramento remains the state’s most important salmon river and that the Bay-Delta Plan update and hatchery and flow actions are critical to recovery. They said marine enforcement remains limited, with about 50 officers covering the 1,100-mile coastline, and relies on technology, federal partnerships, and public tips. The committee indicated it would follow up on the federal biological opinion rewrite and on salmon-related policy issues. The final panel addressed the 2026–27 Dungeness crab season outlook. CDFW’s Joanna Grable said the season will be shaped by the “four horsemen” of whales, domoic acid, meat quality, and fleet dynamics, and warned that warm ocean conditions and a possible strong El Niño could increase domoic acid risk and whale entanglement concerns. She said the department will likely take a conservative approach, including possible season delays or gear reductions, while using new tools such as crab evisceration authority. PCFFA Executive Director Lisa Damrosch argued that the fishery has been built too much on fear and litigation, but acknowledged that RAMP now provides a framework to avoid a repeat of the 2016 crisis while still protecting whales and supporting fishing communities.