Transcript Highlights:

• to encourage housing development, and there'll be a few actions that might cost our budget some money
• Senate Bill 9 is one of those actions that will not cost our budget a penny but will be a very helpful
• </c><00:10:39.360><c> Senate</c><00:10:39.600><c> Bill</c> cost our budget some money.
• Senate Bill cost our budget some money.
• a penny but will be very cost our budget a penny but will be very helpful<00:10:46.480><c> tool</c><

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:08 SB 141 Discussion 00:58 SB 141 Vote 07:03 SB 9 Discussion 09:10 SB 9 Vote 19:47 Adjournment: 21:20, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Preservation of local control: Small districts work carefully to balance our budgets each year.
• Last year, Richmond experienced a significant budget increase driven in part by this statute, and we
• But it sounds like now when they come to your school, now it's a part of your town budget that now you
• This bill is not just about budgets.
• As school committee chair, I have the responsibility for budget oversight and long-term planning.

Bills: H4867, H4927

Keywords: school choice, education policy, educational funding, public schools, student enrollment, applied behavior analysis, autism, education, special needs, school access, therapeutic interventions, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the budget, our size, and the responsibilities that we carry as a coastal community, transparency
• The Delray Beach mayor, Tom Carney, raised some concerns regarding the DDA in regard to their budget,
• Is it accurate that your overhead is 60% of your budget as salary, benefits, and administrative costs
• The City Commission does approve our budget every year. And so, am I missing something?
• So for clarity, you are set up by state statute, but the city approves your budget?

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to consider several audit requests and enforcement items involving local governments and special districts. The committee approved operational audits of the City of Miami Beach, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Daytona Beach. In each case, the requesting member described concerns about transparency, financial management, or internal controls, while local officials or representatives generally said they were willing to cooperate and, in Delray Beach’s case, noted that an internal audit had already been completed and that some issues were being corrected. The committee also received a presentation on the statewide review of neighborhood improvement districts. The reviewers reported that 15 of 21 districts were active and six inactive, with common findings including outdated or missing performance plans, weak web presence, inadequate meeting notices, and limited management mechanisms. They said staffing levels often correlated with the ability to meet statutory requirements, and they recommended updates to district governance and transparency practices. On enforcement, staff reviewed local governments and special districts that had failed to file required financial reports or had submitted audit reports missing required information. The committee approved staff recommendations to proceed under the statutory enforcement process for the noncompliant entities, with flexibility for the chair and vice chair to delay action if additional information is provided in good faith. The committee also voted to send a letter to the Union County Legislative Delegation encouraging a local bill to dissolve the Town of Rayford, based on staff’s view that the town lacked employees, services, debt, and a clear reason to continue existing as an incorporated municipality.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their budgets are already strained, just like the budgets of almost every working American are strained
• And I think as most of us look at these budgets that come out of appropriations, and if we're a... your
• And we look at a budget and go, oh, well, if it's under 15%, I mean, that's kind of my bellwether.
• And we look at a budget and go, oh, well, if it's under 15%, I mean, that's kind of my bellwether.
• We get to the second half, and we start seeing budgets in the second half, and we're like, okay, the

Bills: SB2160

Keywords: health insurance, public employees, uniform group insurance, retirement, state employees, 908, all

Summary: The committee resumed work on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the Public Employees Retirement System health plan from grandfathered to non-grandfathered status under the Affordable Care Act. PERS officials Rebecca Frickie and Derek Holbein explained that the bill would allow more flexibility in plan design, including higher deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums, while also adding enhanced preventive benefits. They clarified that ACA “essential health benefits” apply to individual and small-group markets, not to PERS as a large employer, and that the bill’s projected cost increases were based on actuarial estimates and prior bid scenarios from Sanford and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Members debated whether the bill would actually save money or simply shift costs to employees. Supporters argued that non-grandfathered status would create more levers to manage medical inflation and could produce net premium savings through plan redesign, citing prior bid comparisons showing potential reductions of 1% to 8% depending on the option. Opponents, including Representative Schauer and North Dakota United president Nick Archelette, questioned how the state would pay for the estimated $25 million to $30 million in added benefits and warned that employees could face higher out-of-pocket costs amid already strained household budgets. Frickie said the legislature would control funding decisions and that current law requiring the state to pay full family premiums could be changed only by statute. The committee also discussed reserve funding, with members noting that a $4.3 million reserve draw in the bill was intended to cover the final months of the biennium and could be modified. After testimony and discussion, Vice Chair Johnson moved a do-pass recommendation and referral to Appropriations. The motion passed 10-3-1, with Representatives Ostlie, Schatz, and Schauer voting no. Representative Gump agreed to carry the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as we all know, we our budget.
• . budget. budget.
• We can't keep lurching year by year, budget cycle by budget cycle, through dribs and drabs of funding
• </c> thought about being part of that budget. thought about being part of that budget.
• </c><01:28:00.480><c> Now,</c> that we have in this budget. Now, that we have in this budget.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the submission of a of a revised budget the submission of a of a revised budget to<00:25:47.120>
• :35:32.800><c> programs,</c><00:35:33.200><c> there</c> budget for um residency programs, there budget
• </c><00:37:28.800><c> and</c> parameters around um budgeting and parameters around um budgeting and rebudgeting
• Every budget is a moral document.
• While the federal budget entire state.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed. The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention. Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we continue to monitor that pulse through our budget and our procurement folks.
• So we continue to monitor that pulse through our budget and our procurement folks.
• With all the budget shortfalls and you have the experience having worked in the LAO's office and with
• So we are on kind of in progress and on track to close that facility in line with the budget.
• So we are on kind of in progress and on track to close that facility in line with the budget.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a budget proposal to provide some additional staffing to help support that process.
• Given the projected budget deficit or structural deficit that we have in our budget and the agreements
• So currently, as part of a budget change proposal, we did receive some resources for a DEIA unit.
• So, currently, as part of a budget change proposal, we did receive some resources for a DEIA unit.
• a budget sub-chair, there are some positions that are very hard to staff.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee first handled several routine items, approving two governor appointments not required to appear: Armin Meyer to the Division of Consumer Financial Protection and Uca Danka to the California State Lottery Commission. The committee also approved referral of bills to committees, a Rules waiver request to suspend SR 55 for guest access on the Senate floor on April 6, and floor acknowledgments, with each action passing 5-0. The committee then heard from Arania Ortega, appointed to the Public Employment Relations Board. Members asked about her background at CalHR and the Department of Finance, her approach to board decision-making, recusal rules, the status of AB 288, PERB’s caseload and backlog, ride-share enforcement, and the legislative employees’ unionization process. Ortega said PERB currently has no backlog, is preparing for possible new workloads, and has recusal procedures that would automatically exclude her from certain state employee and child care cases for one year. Public testimony supported her appointment, and the committee voted 5-0 to move her nomination to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Monica Erickson, nominated to lead the Department of Human Resources. Questions focused on state labor negotiations, CalPERS, recruitment and retention, telework, discipline and HR training, DEIA efforts, hiring pipelines, degree requirements, veteran hiring, return-to-office implementation, and the gender pay gap. Erickson said CalHR has reduced the vacancy rate from 20% to 17%, is expanding recruitment tools and class consolidations, is working on a skills-matching tool and career counseling, and has helped reduce the gender pay gap from 21.1% in 2013 to 12.2%. Public witnesses spoke in support, and the committee approved her nomination 5-0 to advance to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that was in the budget; there's the expected revenue.
• And that's just based on the budget and past—it's a prediction of sales tax revenue. Okay, okay.
• And we were able to do that because we had a budget surplus. Is that not correct? That's right.
• We, as this body, when we do the budget every year, right? Right.
• It's clear in their budget. We have the money to do this.

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources heard House Bill 2202, sponsored by Rep. Don Mayhew, which would allow active-duty military personnel, 100% disabled veterans, and youth during youth hunt seasons to receive certain hunting permits at no cost. Mayhew argued the bill would help recruit younger hunters, support military members and disabled veterans, and would not threaten conservation funding because the conservation fund has maintained substantial balances. Committee members questioned the bill’s fiscal impact, possible constitutional issues, effects on Pittman-Robertson federal reimbursements, and whether the bill duplicated existing Missouri Department of Conservation exemptions. Some members supported the concept of honoring veterans but suggested other funding mechanisms or clarifying language, and MDC said it would revise the fiscal note after misreading some figures. Testimony on HB 2202 was mostly opposed or informational. An Army veteran testified against the bill, saying current MDC rules already provide significant exemptions for veterans, active-duty personnel, and seniors, and warning the bill could reduce revenue and federal matching funds. MDC Deputy Director Aaron Jeffreys said the department already offers numerous veteran and military exemptions and supports veteran hunts through partnerships with NGOs, but also explained the agency’s fund balance is being used for major capital projects and is expected to decline. Several members and the sponsor debated whether conservation revenues are being held in reserve unnecessarily or are needed for ongoing projects and future obligations. The committee then heard House Bill 1734, sponsored by Rep. Colin Wellenkamp, which would create a Soil Erosion Control Fund Act to help homeowners associations finance erosion mitigation projects through assessments, state fund allocations, and matching local or grant dollars. Wellenkamp and supporters said erosion and flooding are causing major property damage, especially in water-rich and river-adjacent areas, and that the bill would give communities a practical tool to address problems that are too expensive for cities or counties to solve alone. Members from affected districts described severe flooding and erosion impacts, and the sponsor said the bill includes safeguards such as HOA nonprofit status, homeowner approval, and repayment terms to protect taxpayers. HB 1734 drew broad support from witnesses including the Community Associations Institute, a stream restoration business, the Missouri Municipal League, the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy of Missouri, and a St. Charles County lobbyist. Supporters said the proposal would help stabilize land, protect homes and property values, improve habitat and water quality, and reduce long-term public costs. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing on HB 1734 concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is for the bonding, not for the budget, or is it? Mr.
• Chairman and presenters, is this contingent upon getting the money in the budget? So, Mr.
• Chairman, I'm just asking, is it contingent upon getting in the budget? It is.
• The next table shows our FY 26 budget. Shows our FY 26 budget.
• Here at the bottom of page one, we have a breakdown of our Fiscal Year 26 budget, with an operating budget

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We understand that this is an incredible strain on all state budgeting.
• But first, it needs New Mexico Health Care Authority to go ahead and budget for these increases.
• And that's what we're asking for, is a budget. So, thank you, Madam Chair.
• It's a request in the FY27 budget to fund the recommended rates from the current rate study.
• Just support the Health Care Authority's budget for the $47 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure, Representative Colin, the Chairman, I think was referring to the larger budget request, so
• Actually, it's page... so this section is under charter school operating budgets.
• Madam Chair, and Daniel, the question is the approval of the entire budget.
• Budget makes its way to PED for its normal approval process.
• There's money in the budget for it, so I want to make sure. That the money is not going to dry up.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd rather control the budget.
• And there's need to manage our budget.
• But again, on and against the budget.
• Let's learn how to manage our budgets better.
• But at the to manage our budgets better.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires posting tentative budgets and budget amendments at least five days before hearings; posting
• final budgets online for five years; publishing budgets in downloadable, searchable formats; including
• five years of historical financial data when preparing budgets; creating standards for adopted budgets
• for a 10% budget reduction exercise prior to final budget adoption; and implementing new requirements
• for adopted budgets to include budget overviews, revenue and expenditure summaries, debt summaries,

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The last thing I want to share: it's budget season right now, and there is still a need for money for
• But the governor did a good job of including some of that in her budget, and so we won't...
• We need to fund all of the organizations with a robust budget. The community level to solve that.
• We need to fund all of the organizations with a robust budget.
• And the grants has historically been a priority, both bill and budget ask.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to reopen its work for the year, with roll call and attendance confirmations followed by remarks from the co-chairs and members. Senator Liz Miranda stepped down as co-chair, citing multiple responsibilities and personal losses, and Senator Adam Gomez was welcomed as the new Senate co-chair. Gomez said he would listen and learn from commissioners and advocates, and both outgoing and incoming leaders emphasized continuing the commission’s work on maternal health, postpartum depression, and equity. Members discussed several current policy and implementation issues. The Department of Public Health reported a new regulation to implement the 2024 midwifery access law, including temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. Commissioners also raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, OB-GYN workforce shortages, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand midwifery, doula, and birth center capacity. Other topics included substance use and perinatal mental health supports, the limited $220,000 appropriation for community-based perinatal mental health organizations, and the need for stronger funding in the budget to implement the maternal health law. The commission also focused on future priorities and information sharing. Members suggested more presentations from clinicians, regulators, infant and early childhood mental health experts, and PSI of Massachusetts; greater attention to parent-child relational health and postpartum screening in pediatric settings; and possible commission action such as a letter to the governor on workforce and access issues. The group agreed that there was not enough time to plan a May event and instead would use the commission to publicize related events, including Black Maternal Health Week activities. Commissioners voted to create a biweekly digest for sharing updates, with urgent items to be sent by email, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 108 by Senator Member Gabriel, an act relating to the state budget and making an appropriation
• Budget bill. Senator Laird, you are recognized. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
• AB 108 is a budget bill junior that amends Bill Jr. that amends the Budget Act to provide funding for
• to be a broader effort as a down payment on what we expect to be a broader effort as part of the budget
• This bill passed out of the Budget Committee 18 to 0. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several floor items. AB 108, a budget bill, was presented as a one-time $25 million grant program through HCAI to help severely distressed nonprofit and public hospitals with less than 10 days cash on hand and limited other options, along with a technical fix for the property tax postponement program. Senators Laird and Jones spoke in support, and the bill passed 36-0 with immediate transmittal granted. The chamber then adopted a series of resolutions recognizing CASA Appreciation Day (SCR 162), California Wildfire Preparedness Week (SCR 165), California Rail Month (SCR 84), the National Day of Prayer (SCR 153), and Mother’s Day (SCR 167). Floor remarks highlighted the role of CASA volunteers, year-round wildfire risk and local preparedness efforts, rail’s importance to mobility and climate goals, faith and prayer as sources of guidance, and the contributions of mothers and mother figures. All of these resolutions passed, with SCR 153 receiving one no vote and the others passing unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also passed SB 1175, which moves lobbyist registration and related filings directly to the Secretary of State to improve timeliness and transparency; SB 949, designating the Santa Cruz Mountains as a landscape of statewide significance; SB 1038, strengthening CalPERS audit notice requirements for unions; and SB 965, making it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain library cards without a parent physically present. Each measure received supportive remarks and passed on strong roll calls. Later, the Senate adopted SR 106 marking Black April Memorial Month and honoring Vietnamese refugees and the Vietnamese American community, with members speaking about the fall of Saigon, refugee sacrifice, and the community’s contributions. The session concluded with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Dan Hughes, a former reserve officer, firefighter paramedic, and longtime parks district board member. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleen Gill with the Office of Planning and Budget, presenting Agenda Item Number 1: the fiscal status
• Then for the five-year baseline budget, there are no changes. All right.
• Since bids were received, however, lead times for the new equipment have improved, sufficient budget
• I guess I'm wondering where the 1.7 in the governor's budget come from.
• So in the governor's executive budget, I believe the request was $88 million for Alligator.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement. The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment. A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections. Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Budget Sub 2, we'll be meeting in Room 2200, 15 minutes after.
• Budget Subcommittee 4 will convene 15 minutes after session in Room 113.
• Thank you to all of the budget chairs, as this is budget season. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Budget Sub 2 will be meeting in Room 2200, 15 minutes after.
• Thank you to all of the budget chairs, as this is budget season.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The floor then moved through a series of recognitions, including the Natomas Nighthawks boys basketball team, 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awardees, and visiting California biotech leaders. Senators highlighted the honorees’ work on youth development, education, mental health, homelessness, community college success, and biotechnology. The body also welcomed Rosie Perez, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and chair of America 250, to the chamber. On the legislative side, the Senate approved a procedural request to allow Senate Bill 1447 to be heard in policy committees after the deadline. The chamber then confirmed five gubernatorial appointments: Alan Guy, Henry Nutt III, Steven Pennelli, Jacob Arkatov, and Dr. V. V. Ling Sai, with each confirmation passing on unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 88, recognizing the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation, and Senate Resolution 90, recognizing April 14-16 as Khmer New Year; both resolutions passed 37-0. The remainder of the session included committee announcements and an extended adjournment in memory of Rod Diridon Sr., with several senators speaking to his long career in local government, transportation planning, environmental advocacy, and public service. Members emphasized his role in shaping transit in Santa Clara County and California, his mentorship, and his lasting influence on the region. The Senate then announced it would recess and reconvene on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason for that imbalance in favor of transportation is that in the last few budgets we have seen
• credit, which will help in areas of our economy that have been especially hit hard by the federal budget
• whether to lower the state's income tax from 5% to 4%, which would create a $5 billion hole in our budget
• It closes the immediate $400 million-plus hole in the FY27 budget, safeguards Massachusetts residents
• doing a lot of different things here in this Commonwealth, dedicated to specific entities in this budget

Summary: The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance, received and placed on file the resignation letter of Rep. Vanna Howard of Lowell, and adopted several routine committee reports. These included extensions of reporting deadlines for the Healthcare Financing and Public Health committees, concurrence with Senate petitions sent to Housing and Public Safety and Homeland Security, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition concerning children involved with DCF. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The main business was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. House leaders described the bill as using Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, addressing MBTA reserves, safety and infrastructure, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and childcare, and other deficiencies such as GIC costs, sheriff deficiencies, heating assistance, and World Cup-related expenses. Members also discussed the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to federal tax changes, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce a projected revenue shortfall and preserve competitiveness while delaying some conformity changes. The House considered several amendments to the supplemental bill. Amendment 43, which would have redirected $100 million of Fair Share funds to a per-capita municipal distribution for roads and schools, drew debate over equity and rural road needs but was rejected on a roll call, 25-128. A consolidated amendment was then adopted on a roll call, 148-0, and the bill itself was passed to be engrossed on a roll call, 150-3. The House also adopted an amendment setting the next day’s meeting time and then adjourned to meet the following day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• to better prioritize policy changes, which is especially important this year given the projected budget
• chance to improve public safety, reduce recidivism, reduce the prison populations, and we're in a budget
• likely to be more effective than the tax credit and which can be enhanced if necessary through the budget
• I'm sorry, but we did it through the budget.
• I'm sorry, but we did it through the budget and, oh my gosh, it was an uphill battle, but it's been really

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation convened with a quorum, reviewed housekeeping rules for testimony and position letters, and reminded the public that bills with revenue impacts over $150,000 would be sent to the suspense file rather than voted on immediately. The chair noted that no bills on the agenda would be eligible for a vote that day because they would automatically be referred to suspense. The committee then heard several tax-related measures, with testimony generally split between bill authors/supporters emphasizing affordability, public safety, or conservation, and opponents arguing the proposals were inefficient tax expenditures better handled through existing programs or direct budget funding. AB 1565 proposed a $5,000 tax credit for small businesses that hire formerly incarcerated people within a year of release and keep them employed for at least six months. Supporters said the bill would reduce recidivism, help small businesses manage hiring risk, and save the state money by avoiding incarceration costs; one witness described personal experience overcoming a felony record. The California Tax Reform Association opposed the measure, arguing employment tax credits are ineffective and that existing programs are more targeted. Members from both parties expressed support, but the bill was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1596, which would create a five-year sales tax holiday for infant car seats; AB 1668, which would extend a welfare tax exemption for land trust-held open space; AB 1690, which would expand the Young Child Tax Credit to families with older children; AB 1698, which would create a tax credit for small restaurants that comply with food handler certification requirements; and AB 1620, which would allow a deduction for homeowners’ insurance premiums on primary residences. Supporters framed these bills as relief for families, small businesses, and land conservation efforts, while opponents repeatedly argued the tax code should not be used to subsidize these costs and that existing programs or market solutions were preferable. Each bill was ultimately referred to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.