Transcript Highlights:

• I first want to acknowledge that I think that the creation of the Department of Children, Youth, and
• I think that speaks volumes to the recognition and acknowledgement around the practice change that was
• So I want to acknowledge that before what pivots to a more technical conversation.
• It acknowledges that humans are capable of evolution, that we are not perpetually relegated to being
• It acknowledges that humans are capable of evolution, that we are not perpetually relegated to being

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• You just said you, I'm just saying if you acknowledge that you had someone in your family.
• There's a bunch of things that parents don't acknowledge that they disagree with their child, and that's
• A, a parent should not lose their visitation rights because they don't acknowledge a child's gender.
• In other words, mommy or dad can't say, Well, my husband, my, my ex isn't acknowledging my child's gender
• This bill acknowledges that it directly impacts a federally protected minority in a negative way in a

Bills: HB 2646, HB 3941, HB 5153, HB 5155, HB 5394, HB 1106, HB 426, HB 4529, HB 3984, HB 4273, HB 1097, HB 3940, HB 1941, HB 4377, HB 3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• I also acknowledge the school's principal and parents up in the gallery for supporting this amazing team
• I wanted to take a point of privilege. to acknowledge a very special person and one of the highest-ranking
• AC 68 acknowledges that the powerful fact that parks bring people together across racial, economic and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:47.360> immediately<00:31:48.600> the that we acknowledge immediately the that
• we acknowledge immediately the liabilities<00:31:49.640> created<00:31:50.240> by<00:31
• And what they recommended was that instead of acknowledging all of that liability in our budget request
• He acknowledged that investment returns are a very important driver and that they have been very good
• And<01:45:51.240> you<01:45:51.360> acknowledged<01:45:51.920> to<01:45:52.040><

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:12 Approval of Minutes: 00:01:34 Actuarial Valuation Update – KPPA: 00:02:10 Actuarial Valuation Update – TRS: 00:25:32, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from KPPA officials Ryan Barrow and Erin Saratt on the annual actuarial valuations for the retirement and insurance systems. They said the systems’ funding status improved overall, with three of five insurance funds fully funded, CERS hazardous dropping from over 100% funded to 90.9% because of premium changes, and KRS receiving $650 million in supplemental funding over the biennium. They also reported strong investment returns above assumed rates, higher payroll and membership counts, and resulting actuarial losses tied to higher salaries and premiums, especially on the insurance side. Members asked several questions about what drove the actuarial losses and whether legislation affected them. KPPA said the CERS insurance loss was driven by premium increases and Senate Bill 10, while the pension-side losses were largely due to higher payroll and benefits for Tier 1 and Tier 2 members. They explained that new Tier 3 employees are designed to add no additional unfunded liability, and that the state administers the systems but does not directly control all hiring. Questions also focused on retiree health premiums, which KPPA said rose about 15% for non-Medicare retirees and 38% for Medicare retirees, with the increase attributed to utilization, prescription costs, and the Inflation Reduction Act. The committee then heard from TRS Deputy Executive Secretary and General Counsel Beau Barnes on the 2025 TRS actuarial valuation. He reported that the Retirement Annuity Trust and Health Insurance Trust both received full funding, the retirement trust’s funded ratio improved to 61%, TRS 4 remains well funded with no liability, and the health insurance trust improved to 89.1%. Barnes said TRS is on track to fully fund legacy liabilities within the amortization period, with 2044 as the point when the system reflects 100% funding and 2046 as the last year needing additional dollars for the legacy liability. He also explained that lower assumed investment returns and updated mortality assumptions increased liabilities, but that TRS uses direct rate smoothing for budgeting purposes. At the end of the meeting, the chair circulated a proposed set of “do’s and don’ts of pensions,” emphasizing that future legislation should not create unfunded liabilities. Barnes also noted he would later discuss several legislative proposals for the 2026 session, but the transcript provided ends before that discussion or any votes on those proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• They acknowledge that there is a lot of money in the system, but it's not very well distributed from
• that kind of fundamental acknowledgement that kind of fundamental acknowledgement that<00:45:28.320
• leaders are increasingly acknowledge leaders are increasingly acknowledge that<00:45:42.480>
• > is<00:45:53.160> a<00:45:53.240> lot<00:45:53.440> of They acknowledge
• And I'll just be the first to acknowledge<00:47:47.840> that's<00:47:48.400> it's<00:47

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:53.360> that tracking of this and we acknowledge that tracking of this and we acknowledge
• capital<00:10:40.079> gains Also we acknowledge that capital gains Also we acknowledge
• But we acknowledge two things.
• But we acknowledge two things.
• <00:21:37.919> not production and I acknowledge not production and I acknowledge not everyone

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We acknowledge our responsibility, because the people who feed us should never be invisible.
• WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE IF PEOPLE WHO FEED US SHOULD THE NEVER BE INVISIBLE.
• wait until every one of our students has the opportunity to come into the gallery so they can be acknowledged
• SO THEY CAN BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND To all of our students who are visiting today from Queens, we welcome

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report advancing several bills directly to third reading, including Senate Print 9630, an appropriations extender for government operations, and Senate Print 9631, an extender related to Part U1 of Chapter 61 of the Laws of 2023. The chamber then moved to the controversial calendar and debated the first extender, with Senator O’Mara questioning what the bill covered, how much funding it extended, and the status of budget negotiations. Senator Krueger said the extender covered about $1 billion for payroll and certain payments for agencies including Health, Law, OPWDD, and Veterans Services through April 7, and described the budget talks as still unresolved, with no announced follow-up Joint Budget Conference Committee meetings or table targets. She also discussed utility affordability proposals, including a three-year moratorium on A.I. and crypto data/storage facilities and support for green energy and low-income ratepayer relief. O’Mara argued the lack of urgency and absence of written proposals on climate and utility costs was concerning. Both extender bills were then passed, with the first receiving 59 ayes and the second passing 46-13 after debate over its two-year duration. The Senate then adopted the resolution calendar, excluding two items initially, and took up two resolutions. Resolution 1821, sponsored by Senator Ramos, recognized Farmworkers Day and highlighted the essential role of farmworkers, the history of organizing for farmworker rights, and concerns about immigrant workers facing fear and retaliation; Senator May added support, noting the importance of farm labor to dairy production and food supply and the impact of deportation fears on farms in her district. The resolution was adopted. Resolution 1823, sponsored by Senator Zellner, proclaimed March 20, 2026 as Behavior Analysis Day in New York, recognizing applied behavior analysis and its benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, education, healthcare, and other fields; it was also adopted. The chamber also welcomed a group of students from Queens visiting Albany, with Senator Comrie speaking about the importance of civics education and government engagement. After the introductions and acknowledgments, there was no further business, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd just like to acknowledge that district 1 and district 2 had their district nights together and permission
• I'd just like to<00:04:22.800> acknowledge<00:04:23.280> that<00:04:23.600> district
• <00:04:23.840> 1<00:04:24.080> and to acknowledge that district 1 and to acknowledge

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 33 members present, heard an invocation from Reverend Lauren Holder of St. Martins in the Field Episcopal Church, and received several chamber introductions and welcomes, including district-night guests, former Delegate Sam Aurora, League of Conservation Voters constituents, and a new group of pages from across the state. The presiding officer also noted that a presentation by the state archivist in the old Senate chamber would be the main event of the evening. On the legislative side, the chamber read Senate Bill 960 on Maryland’s Public Charter School Program and school facilities funding rules, which was referred to the Rules Committee. Two bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee: one for Carol Classical Charter School and one for Springboard Community Services’ Youth and Training Center. House Bills 28 and 226 were received from the House and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The Senate then announced that executive nominations would likely be held until the next day so more members could be present for votes. Caucus meetings were announced for the following morning, and a Senate Pass event was promoted for Thursday evening. After a quorum call showed 38 members present, the majority leader moved that the Senate recess to the old Senate chamber in about five minutes, and the motion was adopted without objection. The chamber was secured as members prepared to move for the evening program.

Transcript Highlights:

• morning from Kauai and walked into the Capitol at 9:00 a.m. to see who might be here and at least acknowledge
• see who uh might be here and<00:09:28.399> at<00:09:28.480> least<00:09:28.800> acknowledge
• <00:09:29.839> uh<00:09:30.000> them and at least acknowledge uh them and at least
• acknowledge uh them reporting<00:09:30.800> to<00:09:31.120> work.

Bills: SB2060, SB2342, SB2577, SB2580, SB2809, SB2397, SB2315, SB2442, SB2152, SB2380, SB2462, SB2055, SB2438, SB2533, SB2203, SB2087, SB768, SB877, SB1139, SB787, HB963, SB277, SB2663, SB2555, SB2140, SB2115, SB2761, SB2198, SB2032, SB2579, SB2671, SB2835, SB2356, SB2095, SB2093, SB2318, SB2323, SB2485, SB2309, SB2321, SB2405, SB2153, SB2129, SB2170, SB2259, SB2578, SB2544, SB2701, SB2861, SB2108, SB2089, SB2106, SB847, SB3326, SB2047, SB2695, SB2667, SB2919, SB2446, SB2146, SB2723, SB2210, SB2527, SB2645, SB3331

Keywords: rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance, housing development, preservation, rehabilitation, pre-development, construction financing, equity investment, credit enhancement, collateral, gap financing, area median income, AMI, perpetual affordability

Transcript Highlights:

• We must all come together to acknowledge the pain communities in Colorado and ...
• 00:46:02.000> come<00:46:02.319> together<00:46:02.880> to<00:46:03.119> acknowledge
• We must all come together to acknowledge We must all come together to acknowledge the<00:46:04.000

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with 60 members present and five excused, establishing a quorum. The journal from Friday, January 23, 2026 was approved as corrected. The remainder of the session consisted largely of announcements and introductions rather than legislative debate or action. Members highlighted several upcoming meetings, including a joint Health and Human Services SMART Act hearing, a Joint Finance Committee SMART Act hearing, the Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act, and a State Civic, Military, and Veterans Joint Committee hearing. There were also announcements recognizing Colorado 4-H Day and the presence of 4-H county extension offices, along with remarks about the National Western Stock Show student auction and a purchased hog benefiting students. Additional introductions included guests from CrossPurpose, a nonprofit offering free training and housing support, and a personal privilege speech focused on concerns about federal immigration enforcement and the deaths of Colorado-connected individuals, calling for justice and accountability. No bills were debated or voted on beyond approval of the journal, and the House recessed later in the morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to specifically acknowledge as Council Member for Grand Prairie City Council District 3, Mike
• part of the population of Texas for hundreds of years and the celebration of Black History Month acknowledges
• It's important that we send the message that on the acknowledgement of Black History Month, it's important
• Members, I'll let everyone read the amendment before we... acknowledge the author of the amendment. 790

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28, SB28, SR131, SR168, SR174, SR175

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason I'm wondering is just if actions have been acknowledged by the public and the committee as
• have been acknowledged by the public<00:44:41.839> and<00:44:42.000> the<00:44:42.160>
• the seriousness of what he did and refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy and importance of the process
• for a member who refuses to acknowledge for a member who refuses to acknowledge the<01:01:55.920
• to acknowledge the legitimacy and<01:02:00.559> importance<01:02:01.359> of<01:02:01.599

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do acknowledge that there are short-term costs associated with a larger conformity package.
• > there<00:38:08.760> are We do acknowledge that there are We do acknowledge that there are
• So, I also want to um acknowledge the private revenue ruling.
• <01:08:01.880> I acknowledge the private letter ruling.
• I acknowledge the private letter ruling.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Rudin with MnDOT Government Affairs, and first want to just acknowledge our partnership with AFSCME
• <00:19:23.720> our<00:19:24.240> our<00:19:24.720> partnership just acknowledge
• our our partnership just acknowledge our our partnership with<00:19:26.000> AFSCME<00:19:26.600
• that there's a problem and acknowledge that there's a problem and myself<00:53:47.920> and<00
• Um we also acknowledge that there you Um we also acknowledge that there you know,<00:55:26.880> surcharge

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While she acknowledges her lack of experience in civil matters, her letter is devoid of responsibility
• how late many of her acknowledge how late many of her decisions<00:32:27.480> have<00:32:27.640
• Her willingness to acknowledge her faults and work to fix them is a fine example of her commitment to
• Her willingness to acknowledge her faults and work to fix them is a fine example of her commitment to
• > her Her willingness to acknowledge her Her willingness to acknowledge her faults<00:48:39.120

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida has since acknowledged the truth. Senate Bill 694 represents the final step.
• Decades of growing up without fathers, without brothers, without sons, Florida has since acknowledged
• a historical wrong and seeks to remedy in a way that the state of Florida acknowledges a historical
• One, we acknowledge lived harm and intergenerational trauma.
• The bill acknowledges that airport names function as a brand identity rather than the separate legal

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0. The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals. The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to acknowledge that upfront.
• I'm going to acknowledge isn't easy. I'm going to acknowledge that<00:13:25.120> upfront.
• I acknowledge that. So, Representative Mooney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• <00:45:36.880> I<00:45:37.119> acknowledge<00:45:37.440> that.
• I acknowledge that. So, matter expert. I acknowledge that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met after recess to hear a Department of Health and Human Services overview of its contract structure, with CFO Nathan White explaining that DHS currently has 969 active agreements spanning service contracts, grants, data-sharing agreements, use-of-premises agreements, and MOUs. He said contracts are budgeted across multiple class lines and accounting units, often braided with federal funds, which makes the system complex; he also noted that the department’s top spending list was limited to 18 items rather than 20 and included both individual contracts and grouped regional/provider contracts. White emphasized that many contracts support direct services to residents, while others support departmental operations such as software support and staffing. Commissioner Hardy said the listed contracts are essential to serving vulnerable populations and supporting required administrative infrastructure, and she stressed that the department tries to work with providers and families rather than impose changes on them. In response to questions about area agencies and developmental disability services, DHS officials said the agencies’ duties are spelled out in contract and statute, including family support services, billing-related functions, and services tied to the state’s community-based system; they said some billing duties have already been moved outside the contract. They also explained that the department rejected a previously discussed two-tier waiver concept after stakeholder feedback in October 2023 and instead shifted to rate-based work, including CIS assessments, to better align payment with individual need. Members also raised concerns about possible waste, sole-source contracting, and subcontracting. Hardy said she had not seen specific evidence of waste beyond a whistleblower call mentioned by a member, but acknowledged that inefficient execution can occur in government and said the department is trying to improve management. On procurement, she said sole-source contracts require her approval and that competitive procurement is the default when possible. White added that subcontracting is allowed only with written state permission under the standard P-37 terms, and subcontractors must meet the same obligations as the prime contractor. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I begin, I'd like to acknowledge our Republican caucus fiscal...
• As I begin, I'd like to acknowledge our Republican caucus fiscal consultants for their dedicated late-night
• Lastly, I want to acknowledge how blessed we are to be in this subcommittee, because I know that other

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education held its close-out hearing for the 2026 budget process, with the chair saying the Senate plan fully funds Proposition 98 and continues investments in universal school meals, career education, immigrant and LGBTQ+ student supports, UC/CSU compacts, and community college stability. Public commenters largely supported those priorities, including funding for CalNEW, Dream resource centers, teacher workforce programs, community schools, special education, paid pregnancy leave, and higher education aid, while some urged rejection of proposals they viewed as underfunding Prop 98 or adding non-LEA preschool costs into the guarantee. Others raised concerns about the middle class scholarship cut, CalFresh support for college students, and the need for clearer instructional windows and English learner supports. During member comments, Senator Chao Bogh said many items were supportable but criticized placeholder language, lack of final details, accountability concerns, and some borrowing or mandate structures, including the middle class scholarship, adult learner program, Calbright common cloud platform, paid pregnancy leave, and apprenticeship backfill. The chair responded that the budget reflects major investments in K-12 and higher education, including full Prop 98 funding, elimination of the settle-up amount, middle class scholarship funding, and Dreamers resource centers, and emphasized the importance of supporting students regardless of documentation status. The committee then moved to the vote-only calendar and adopted multiple staff recommendation packages. Part A issues 2-15, 24, 26-42, 44-71, 74-90, and 92-117 were approved unanimously; Part A issue 1 passed with Senator Chao Bogh voting no; and Part A sections 16-23, 25, 43, 72, 73, and 91 were noted as agreed to. In Part B, issues 1-10, 12-24, 25A, 26-27, 29-30, 32-34, 36-44, 48-49, 51-67, and 69 were approved, as were issues 11, 40, and 68, and issues 25B, 28, 31, 35, 45-47, and 50. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nobody on this side is not acknowledging the importance of this program.
• While acknowledging the importance of this, whether or not the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee
• 16:16.600> of While acknowledging the importance of While acknowledging the importance of this
• 36:08.640> legitimate acknowledging there's a very legitimate acknowledging there's a very legitimate
• We're acknowledging there's a very legitimate market there, just like we're acknowledging that insurance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to acknowledge my fellow board member, Vice Chair Alexis Charles Hacker, and board staff in
• I'd like to acknowledge my fellow board member, Vice Chair Alexis Strauss Hacker, and board staff in
• But the regulated entities must acknowledge the obligation to spend the money necessary to eliminate
• Or should we lean into our leadership, acknowledge that matching with the federal government is not a
• But it’s not enough to simply acknowledge source reduction’s importance.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.