Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it removes a requirement for the 2038 residential energy code to achieve the 70% reduction in annual
• She said PNNL uses modeling to calculate annual savings, and this analysis looks at those savings on
• She said PNNL uses modeling to calculate annual savings, and this analysis looks at those savings on
• She said PNNL uses modeling to calculate annual savings.
• uses modeling to calculate annual uses modeling to calculate annual savings<00:30:08.080> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Representative Mecklin moved House File 3545 to the general register and offered a DE amendment that removed the commissioner’s authority to choose a more efficient standard and removed the requirement that the 2038 residential energy code achieve a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption compared with the 2006 energy use index. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was then discussed as amended. Mecklin said the bill was intended to address home affordability, arguing that energy code requirements add to housing costs and make it harder for younger Minnesotans to buy homes. Several testifiers opposed the bill, including representatives from the Center for Energy and the Environment, AIA Minnesota, Sierra Club, Fresh Energy, Housing First Minnesota, and ARXUS. They argued that energy codes are not a primary driver of housing costs, that stronger codes do not slow housing production, and that more efficient homes lower utility bills and improve comfort, safety, resilience, and climate outcomes. Testifiers cited studies and examples showing payback over time, including estimates that efficiency upgrades could pay for themselves in five to nine years and save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over 30 years. The Department of Labor and Industry said it had concerns about the bill because it would move away from a more energy-efficient standard and could create unintended consequences in the code adoption process, though it said the current technical advisory group process already considers cost concerns. Members questioned the cost and savings estimates, especially the comparison between higher upfront mortgage costs and lower utility bills. Fresh Energy explained that its figures were based on Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Slipstream analyses using a typical Minnesota home and that the savings were modeled over time. Representative Johnson expressed skepticism about the assumptions behind the savings numbers and argued that utility costs are not the main barrier to homeownership. The chair said the committee intended to take a vote on the bill that day, but the transcript ends before any final vote or disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• meeting and propose for all annual meeting and propose for all warrant<01:22:07.360> articles
• <01:27:42.000> meetings<01:27:42.400> and<01:27:42.560> deliberative to annual
• meetings and deliberative to annual meetings and deliberative sessions<01:27:43.520> of<01:27
• Lastly, she said the bill changes the date that the annual inflation index is used from January 1 to
• She also explained that the bill changes the date the annual inflation index is used from January 1 to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will allow the use of an already approved tax increment financing... ...tool tied to the Transbay
• AB 2308 allows the successor agency to redevelopment to extend an existing net tax increment, or NTI,
• Proceeds from land sales and tax increment revenues were pledged to the project, and these agreements
• I am here to present AB 2110, a bill that provides government with authority to establish tax increment
• finance districts for the purpose of financing... ...with authority to establish tax increment finance

Summary: The committee heard several local government-related bills, with testimony focused on permitting, transportation funding, EV infrastructure, and commercial revitalization. AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson would require elected local and state officials to take anti-hate speech training through existing sexual harassment training. Supporters said elected officials should understand the impact of their words on hate and democracy; opponents argued the bill lacked a definition of hate speech and could chill protected speech, especially around sex-based issues. AB 2083, also by Jackson, would authorize a regional child care special district serving Moreno Valley and Paris to expand child care facilities and programs for five years. The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions opposed the bill’s mechanism but said it was working with the author. AB 1693 by Assembly Member Suber would streamline retail tenant improvement permits by extending a process similar to a prior restaurant permitting law, with qualified professional certification and tighter local review timelines. It drew broad support from retail, business, and property groups and no opposition. Assembly Member Gonzalez presented AB 1679, which would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses to operate in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies and lower barriers for small businesses; there was no opposition, and the bill advanced. Gonzalez also presented AB 2418, which would set timelines for nonresidential plan checks and inspections and allow private plan checkers after excessive delay. Business groups supported it as a way to reduce costly delays, while local government groups had no position but continued discussions with the author; the bill advanced with amendments. Assembly Member Shevlin presented AB 1820, which would cap local permit fees for EV charging installations and create a statewide fee schedule. Supporters said fees vary too widely and can deter charger deployment, while cities and counties argued existing law already requires reasonable cost recovery and that the bill could undercut local budgets and public safety review. Assembly Member DeMaio presented AB 1783, which would prohibit state and local mileage taxes or road user charges. Supporters framed it as a defense against a new tax burden, while opponents said studying road user charges is necessary to address declining gas tax revenue and future transportation funding needs. AB 1693, AB 1679, and AB 2418 were moved forward with motions and roll calls; AB 1783 was taken up with a motion and roll call left open, and AB 1820 remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The semi-annual child welfare report from September of 2025 shows that 58% of DCS reports were for neglect
• The semi-annual child welfare report from September of 2025 shows that 58% of DCS reports were for neglect
• Meaningful changes in law here quite often happen incrementally, so just because something is... your
• so just because something is ...happen incrementally.
• Treating a fetus as a legal subject for financial obligations represents an incremental step toward broader

Bills: HB2041, HB2144, HB2239, HB2321, HB2371, HB2594, HB2661, HB2662, HB2793, HB2968, HB2995

Keywords: child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, child support, preborn children, retroactive support, medical expenses, child welfare, child care, grant program, low-income, early learning, infrastructure, economic growth, security freeze, credit reporting, dependent children, parental notification

Transcript Highlights:

• The Emergency Management Performance Grant, which is a non-disaster grant that's annually appropriated
• Annually, approximately $2 million is coming in for non-disasters, and it may vary.
• I think we will be able to have between 10 and 20 annually of those.
• So, we don't have any requests for supplemental funding, nothing for incremental funding.
• So again, I appreciate the small increments you've given me.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :18:06.080> have assessor's office yearly annually have assessor's office yearly annually have
• will be less complicated with the annual will be less complicated with the annual application.<00
• annually. Did Did I get those two right? annually. Did Did I get those two right?
• annually. It's the financials. annually. It's the financials.
• Annual<02:03:03.840> appraisals<02:03:04.480> are<02:03:04.719> performed Annual

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We offer this service annually.
• One is some pretty incremental modifications to our earned time statutes.
• long time uh we're making an incremental long time uh we're making an incremental change<02:37:08.240
• Um, I do appreciate the incremental Um, I do appreciate the incremental nature<03:16:32.239>
• Association to Colorado for its annual Association to Colorado for its annual convention<03:44:30.479

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In going through the annual process of reviewing your performance, all of that's maintained.
• I'm not a big fan of incremental change, one way or the other.
• I'm not a big fan of incremental change one way or the other.
• Valdez says, and I think I understand and appreciate his position, which is we keep incrementally trying

Summary: The committee met and took up several criminal justice, public safety, and boating measures. It first heard SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which would create mental health diversion options for eligible misdemeanor and felony defendants, expand mental health and substance abuse grant uses, require evaluations and treatment recommendations in certain cases, add Hillsborough County to a forensic diversion pilot list, and create a behavioral health data repository. After adopting a technical amendment, the bill received strong support from NAMI Florida, family advocates, sheriffs, and the Murphy family, and was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee also approved SB 86, expanding peer support programs for certain law enforcement support personnel, and SB 472, allowing inmates who complete approved education in correctional facilities to receive credit toward professional licensure requirements. Both bills were amended and then reported favorably without opposition. SB 276, which increases penalties for unlawfully sheltering or aiding an unmarried minor and creates a defense for actions taken to protect a minor from danger, drew questions about runaway youth, LGBTQ youth, and the scope of the defense; the sponsor said he was open to further amendment, and the bill passed favorably. Members then approved SB 402, updating the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute to reference the armed forces by definition rather than by branch. SB 490, as amended, would let law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers carry concealed off duty and exempt law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and active military service members from the three-day waiting period for rifle and shotgun purchases; it passed 8-1 after debate over the waiting period and equal treatment concerns. Finally, the committee passed SB 628, Lucy’s Law, to strengthen boating safety and penalties, after adopting an amendment that removed proposed changes to warrantless blood draws and boating education requirements; the bill was supported by the family of Lucy Fernandez and passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And um uh, offer on uh, tax increment.
• authorization of unobligated increment. authorization of unobligated increment.
• to spend that unobligated increment. to spend that unobligated increment.
• <00:09:06.880> uh by which the city may spend increment uh by which the city may spend increment
• requirement that 90% of increment requirement that 90% of increment generated<00:10:06.560> from

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It needs to reflect 20% on an annual basis.
• <01:02:22.720> We reflect 20% on an annual basis. We reflect 20% on an annual basis.
• This removes the $600,000 annual This removes the $600,000 annual expenditure<02:24:48.640> ceiling
• Do do you have a projected annual Do do you have a projected annual new<02:26:37.760> ceiling
• So incrementally to operate the system.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• its beginnings in the West Colfax neighborhood, the organization now serves more than 2,500 youth annually
• <00:27:59.480> than<00:27:59.640> 2500<00:28:00.960> youth<00:28:01.640> annually
• serves more than 2500 youth annually serves more than 2500 youth annually through<00:28:02.320><
• Uh, the bill also follows the trend of incremental expansion and reinforces an intrusive government role
• expansion and reinforces an incremental expansion and reinforces an intrusive<01:11:32.600> government

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 04:03.000> Additionally The amended after-comment version for 16515 replaces some of the incremental
• /c><00:04:27.919> some<00:04:28.080> of<00:04:28.199> the<00:04:28.360> incremental
• 16515 replaces some of the incremental 16515 replaces some of the incremental fees<00:04:29.720>
• version for 16735 adds continuing education for AHP providers in the amount of six clinical hours annually
• This regulation establishes the procedures for the annual certification of non-public schools.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a long agenda of administrative regulations, most of which were advanced with staff-suggested amendments and no objection. Early items included the Kentucky Public Pension Authority’s 105 KAR 1:451, which updates reporting language and adds the contractor wizard for certain employers, and a large package of Board of Veterinary Examiners regulations that revise fees, facility and AHP registration requirements, continuing education, liability, and practice rules. The Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s compact-related regulation and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors’ complaint and compact rules were also reviewed and approved with amendments, along with fish and wildlife rules affecting elk hunting, youth deer season length, bear-dog approvals, and foxhound enclosure permits. The committee also approved transportation, education, workplace standards, horse racing, and several health and human services regulations, including Medicaid waiver reimbursement updates and a child care regulation that sends certain large claims to the Office of Inspector General for review. Several agencies briefly explained their regulations when members asked questions. Fish and Wildlife said the elk population is strong and the baiting change is intended to support harvest monitoring and fair chase, while the longer youth deer season was meant to give young hunters more opportunity. The Department of Community-Based Services said the $10,000 and $5,000 claim thresholds were meant to clarify rare cases involving possible fraud or unresolved recoupment issues. The Department of Financial Institutions’ 808 KAR 5:305 drew the most discussion: it would allow certain state-chartered credit unions with a low-income designation to participate in federal programs, including limited non-member deposits and supplemental capital, but the regulation was deferred again amid continued discussions. The Kentucky Bankers Association testified against the credit union regulation, arguing that allowing non-member deposits conflicts with existing statute limiting credit union deposits to members and other credit unions, and that an administrative regulation cannot override that statutory restriction. Committee members heard the agency’s explanation that the proposal is intended to help underserved communities and that the non-member deposit authority would be limited, but no final action was taken because the item was deferred. The meeting otherwise concluded with the remaining regulations being called, discussed briefly, and approved or advanced without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• contribute to antimicrobial resistance, which is expected to result in the death of 10 million people annually
• serious threats to global public health and development, contributing to the deaths of millions annually
• So really, the question is how are we going to meet that incremental demand, right?
• 2013 and 2018, 88 countries provided a total of $540 billion in subsidies to agriculture producers annually
• You’d be surprised at how practical this could be, albeit on an incremental basis and short of the sweeping

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state. The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify. The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry. The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.

Transcript Highlights:

• will have just an incremental reduction in overall revenue.
• Some of the cities... ...or some of the state's smallest cities might receive an annual benefit of a
• Larger members, for example, like the city of McAllen, could receive an... ...annual benefit exceeding
• Implementing annual adjustments based on the CPI will further maintain the relevance and effectiveness
• And just to put that in context, their annual budget is like Less than $4 million.

Bills: HB511, HB972, HB 1035, HB2481, HB2723, HB2742, HB2894, HB2962, HB3077, HB3093, HB3307, HB3684, HJR67, HJR72

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• stops increment stops the increment stops increment stops the increment stops because<00:35:13.000
• <00:55:51.440> St made changes to the uh tax increment St made changes to the uh tax increment
• with tax increment with tax increment financing<01:01:19.640> um<01:01:20.200> that
• forward because sometimes tax increment forward because sometimes tax increment financing<01:05:
• <01:07:14.760> might sudden I think that increment might sudden I think that increment might

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is expected to pay roughly $12 million annually in property taxes, and Representative Candy Noble,
• Project TWC would attract an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 annual visitors in addition.
• This tax is estimated to generate approximately $400,000 annually if enacted at 2%.
• The event center from OVG Group shows an annual report for 2023-2024.
• We pay approximately $800,000 annually.

Bills: HB 1039, HB2289, HB2370, HB2404, HB3066, HB3076, HB3117, HB3118, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3182, HB3196, HB3241, HB3377, HB3500, HB3567, HB3715, HB3954, HB4098, HB4109, HB4222, HB4226, HB4412, HB4659, HB4682, HB4683, HB4755, HB4926, HB5165, HB5562, HB5596

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax authority, border counties, tax legislation, municipalities, hotel tax revenue, convention centers, economic development, local government authority, HB 2370, HOT tax, venue projects, convention center, municipal finance, local government code, Section 334.0082, tourism tax, debt financing, bond repayment

Transcript Highlights:

• When coupled with annual increases in department and program operating costs due to inflation in the
• When coupled with annual increases in department and program operating costs, due to inflation in the
• DFPI will monitor and evaluate its revenue and expenditures as needed annually across its programs to
• Right now, their annual fee to pay to the state of California is $2,800 a year.
• The trailer bill language would triple the annual assessments for independent mortgage banks licensed

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard presentations from Go-Biz and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on the Governor’s budget proposals. Go-Biz described California Jobs First, the state’s 10-year economic development strategy, and emphasized support for small businesses, workforce development, and targeted investment in sectors such as ag tech, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Members raised concerns about federal policy changes, tariffs, tourism, housing, child care, and whether state incentives are truly additive; Go-Biz responded that it tracks federal actions closely, works with chambers and advocates, and uses programs like California Competes to target jobs that would not otherwise come to California. The committee then reviewed the proposal to restore the California Competes grant program with $60 million. Go-Biz said the grant would help businesses that cannot use the nonrefundable tax credit, and explained the program’s five-year contracts, milestone-based awards, and recapture provisions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the grant could be effective but recommended stronger oversight and clearer eligibility criteria, while also noting the 30% cap in trailer bill language may be too restrictive given the smaller funding level. Public testimony supported the grant and suggested considering refundability or transferability for the tax credit to broaden access for smaller and startup businesses. Members also heard the CHIPS-related proposal for $25 million to support Natcast’s semiconductor design and collaboration facility in Sunnyvale. Go-Biz and public witnesses argued the state investment would help secure a major federal research facility, retain engineering talent, and leverage billions in broader investment, while the LAO recommended rejecting the item because of its dependence on uncertain federal funding and the state’s budget condition. The committee also considered a $17 million continuation of CA RISE, which supports employment social enterprises; Go-Biz and several grantees cited strong job placement and workforce outcomes, while the LAO recommended rejection absent a more rigorous evaluation, noting prior LA RISE evidence did not show long-term employment gains. Finally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented budget requests for IT security and rent increases, and a trailer bill to raise fees across several programs. DFPI said decades-old fee schedules, inflation, and new regulatory responsibilities have created a structural deficit and warned the department could face insolvency without adjustments. The LAO recommended approving the fee increases only on a three-year limited-term basis and asked for more detailed revenue plans for programs not covered by the proposal, so the Legislature can assess actual collections and market impacts before making the changes permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• One question: what is your total annual cost then?
• Is that annual at that amount?
• The next number, 3 to 11, is the annual fringe benefit increase.
• increase that's the annual increase that's the annual increase<02:52:29.920> uh<02:52:30.040
• That's the annual increase.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We pass a 6-year road plan that is funded in 2-year increments. Is that correct?
• 2-year increments. Is that correct? 2-year increments. Is that correct?
• But what's the anticipated annual tax revenue?
• But what's the anticipated annual tax revenue?
• But what's the anticipated annual tax revenue?

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did an evaluation of our performance and found incremental capacity of about 525 megawatts during
• And 525 megawatts of incremental performance. 525 megawatts of incremental performance. Okay.
• Just the number that I gave you, the 525, excuse me, the 525 was demonstrated incremental capacity based
• On an annual basis, residential consumption, or residential, comprises about 35 percent.
• In terms of growth, our office conducts annual reviews to assess our needs.

Summary: The committee first heard Issue 1 on trailer bill language to redirect funding for emergency demand-response programs. The Department of Finance proposed using about $26.9 million in General Fund originally set aside for the Distributed Energy Backup Assets program to bolster the Demand-Side Grid Support Program for summer 2026, and using about $70 million in CalCHAP interest to support ratepayer-funded demand response in summers 2027 and 2028. The CEC and CPUC said they are working on a transition from DSGS to ELRP or a successor program, while the LAO noted the General Fund money would otherwise revert to savings. Members pressed the administration on whether demand response remains important, whether DSGS has been successful, and whether the state should keep funding it through the CEC rather than shifting to a ratepayer-funded CPUC program. The CEC and CPUC said the programs are not directly comparable, emphasized different cost structures and enrollment metrics, and said a CPUC rulemaking is underway with a proposed decision expected in Q3 2026. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up Issue 2, a budget proposal tied to SB 254 and the new transmission accelerator. GoBiz and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank described a five-year, roughly $26 million request to staff and administer the accelerator and manage Proposition 4 and AB 1207 funds for transmission financing. Members asked about state liability, ownership of financed lines, FERC revenue requirements, and whether the program would help underserved regions and offshore wind development. Staff explained that the accelerator would only consider projects already identified through CAISO’s competitive transmission planning process, and that state financing would be a small portion of large projects intended to lower overall costs to ratepayers. The LAO said it had no specific concerns but urged the Legislature to ensure the final language matches its intent. The committee also heard Issue 3 on petroleum market oversight. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested additional positions and funding to implement ABX2-1 and continue work on supply stabilization, refinery monitoring, and transportation fuels analysis. Members questioned why the work was funded through the Energy Resources Programs Account, whether existing staff from the paused price-gouging work could be reassigned, and whether the program had produced evidence of price gouging or improved supply conditions. CEC and Finance said the new positions are needed because the workload has expanded, while some existing staff remain on related analysis and reporting duties. The discussion ended without a vote in the transcript.