Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate all that, but I can’t vote for a mandate for this, even to do a study.
• I guarantee you this will be a mandate, more regulation, and cost the taxpayers and the citizens of New
• inspection station near where you live, causing extra cost, expense, and drive time just to meet a mandate
• Chair, you know, I mean, certainly if we can subsidize EVs, which some people can't even think about

Summary: The committee heard House Memorial 23, which asks the Motor Vehicle Division and the Regulation and Licensing Department to study whether New Mexico should reestablish a statewide motor vehicle safety inspection program. The sponsor and expert witness argued that modern vehicles are far more complex than when the old program ended in the 1970s, and cited studies from Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Carnegie Mellon, and an international inspection organization suggesting safety inspections are associated with fewer fatalities. They said the study should examine feasibility, costs, where inspections would be conducted, what vehicles would be covered, and whether small businesses could be certified to perform inspections, similar to Bernalillo County’s emissions model. Several members raised concerns about added costs, burdens on rural drivers, possible lawsuits against inspection businesses, and whether the memorial was drafted as a study of benefits rather than a balanced look at pros and cons. Some questioned whether the Regulation and Licensing Department had the capacity to take on the work and whether the program would effectively become another mandate or fee. Supporters emphasized that unsafe vehicles endanger not only drivers but others on the road, and noted that the study could also consider subsidies for low-income drivers and the impact on areas with higher traffic density. The committee discussed how inspections might work, including whether they would cover physical components like tires, brakes, steering, and axles as well as electronic safety systems such as lane assist and collision avoidance. The presenter said commercial vehicles already face separate inspection requirements and that tribal lands and pueblos would not be covered. After public comment, the committee voted to pass the memorial on a roll call vote, with several members voting yes and others voting no; one member explained her no vote as opposition to added regulation and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, I often hear that California now has more EV chargers than gas nozzles.
• one-third of Americans say that they want to own an EV.
• For example, I often hear that California now has more EV chargers than gas nozzles.
• one third of Americans say that they want an own an EV.
• At the same time, cities across. third of Americans say that they want to own an EV.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on California’s industrial policy and manufacturing, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s large manufacturing base, the need to retain and scale advanced manufacturing in California, and the tension between economic growth, climate goals, labor standards, permitting, and energy reliability. Senators and witnesses repeatedly noted that California has strong innovation assets, but companies often face uncertainty around regulation, power availability, and the cost of expanding here, leading some to locate manufacturing elsewhere. Senator Wahab highlighted Fremont as a major manufacturing hub and stressed apprenticeship pathways, community college partnerships, and good-paying jobs for both college-educated and non-college workers. California Forward’s Agon Turplin and Jake Higden argued for a durable statewide regional economic development system with ongoing funding, regional strategic plans, and sector-specific roadmaps. They said California Jobs First and related regional planning efforts created useful infrastructure, but the system remains fragmented and one-time funded. Higden focused on “green industrial policy,” especially batteries, bioeconomy, and other clean manufacturing sectors, arguing California often funds R&D but loses the manufacturing scale-up phase to other states. Priyanka Mohanti of the Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy said climate policy must be paired with industrial policy so Californians can actually benefit from the transition through affordable clean products, good jobs, and domestic supply chains. She pointed to international examples such as India, Brazil, and China, and urged tools like public investment, procurement, loan guarantees, and supply-chain planning. Industry witness Josh Richmond, drawing on experience at Bloom Energy and Cy Quantum, said energy and economic development are inseparable and that “time to power” is often decisive in site selection. He argued California needs better coordination among the state, utilities, universities, national labs, and economic development agencies, and that the state should be more proactive and creative in helping strategic industries scale. Committee members discussed the role of high energy costs, regulatory burdens, K-12 education, and cap-and-trade, with Senator Niello raising concerns about business climate, education outcomes, and the cost impacts of climate regulations. Witnesses responded that California should balance regulation with benefits, and that regional coordination and state partnership can help companies navigate red tape and stay in-state. The second panel, from labor, supported a worker-led industrial policy. Sarah Flox of the California Labor Federation said manufacturing jobs can be good jobs only when paired with labor standards, apprenticeship pipelines, and public support tied to worker protections. Tom Hincey of UAW Region 6 said California should use public financing, procurement, off-take agreements, and, where appropriate, public ownership or equity stakes to localize supply chains and create union jobs in batteries, offshore wind, and heat pumps. The final panel featured Fremont economic development director Donovan Lazaro, who said Fremont has become California’s top manufacturing city by preserving industrial land, allowing by-right zoning, reducing permitting delays, and building in-house technical expertise to support advanced manufacturers. He said the city’s approach has helped double its manufacturing workforce and strengthen its tax base. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with committee members indicating they would continue working on follow-up legislation and coordination efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hybrid EV fee is $126 per vehicle.
• and</c> the hybrid EV uh, and the hybrid EV uh, and 126<00:43:20.000><c> per</c><00:43:20.319><c> vehicle
• </c> when we when we look at our our EV when we when we look at our our EV stations<00:47:29.760><c>
• I think it's uh on the tax for the EVs.
• </c> up with that so that uh because the EVs up with that so that uh because the EVs are<00:49:44.800

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• be on the road by 2030, and even more will be necessary to meet the state's 2035 electric vehicle mandate
• local governments either to help plan for new charging sites difficult for a developer to site a new EV
• want to make sure that we continue to invest in clean energy technology but really I know what my mandate

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• administrative barriers for individuals seeking employment services, and establishing a new federally mandated
• process for individuals to submit grievances related to services. ...and establishing a new federally mandated
• Environmental Defense Fund, who appreciates the governor and the legislature's ongoing support for the EV
• strengthens the state's leadership by expanding access to zero-emission vehicles and ensuring that first-time EV
• That first-time EV buyers can benefit from affordable point-of-sale incentives. Thank you.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill simply replaces the 30% return requirement with a mandated floor return requirement for fiscal
• we're trying to do is increase ourselves in all the states that have gotten rid of their requirement mandate
• Chair, find it ironic that on the eve of hearing the medical malpractice reform bill, HB 99, in the year
• And right as we become completely solvent and everything is even, and on the eve before we are about
• And right as we become completely solvent and everything is even, and the eve before we are about to

Bills: SB132 , SB241

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first heard HB 158 as amended, which would require state agencies receiving appropriations from the Grow Fund to submit accountability and evaluation plans to the State Budget Division and the Legislative Finance Committee. LFC staff said the bill would put existing practice into statute and formalize agency reporting and evaluation responsibilities. The bill drew no opposition testimony, and after questions about whether agencies or LFC would do the evaluations, it passed on a 9-0 due pass vote. HB 255, the Public Safety Workforce Building Program, was then presented as a bipartisan measure to consolidate public safety workforce funding into a competitive grant program for local law enforcement, fire, detention, and public attorney offices. The sponsor said it would not require a new appropriation. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee approved it on a 9-0 due pass vote. The committee then took up SB 309, which would replace the lottery’s 30% return requirement with a fixed floor return for several fiscal years, with a reversion to the current law if the floor is not met. Lottery officials and supporters argued the change would let the lottery offer more competitive prizes, including higher-value scratchers, and potentially increase scholarship revenue; opponents, including Think New Mexico and a nursing student, warned it could cap long-term growth and reduce scholarship funding. After extended debate, the bill passed on a 7-2 due pass vote. Later, SB 79, creating a statewide mosquito-borne disease prevention program through the Department of Health, was presented by its sponsor as a response to West Nile virus and warmer winters. Testimony from the sponsor and the state entomologist emphasized rising mosquito risk and the need for county grants and statewide coordination. Although the committee initially moved to table the bill because funding had already been included in the budget, that motion failed and the bill ultimately received a due pass vote. The committee also heard HB 295, which would create a centralized accessibility reporting position in the Department of Health; after testimony for and against, an amendment stripping the appropriation was adopted, and the bill passed 5-3. The committee then heard HB 124, establishing an Office of New Americans within Workforce Solutions to coordinate workforce integration for immigrants with lawful status. Supporters described barriers faced by immigrant workers and the need for bilingual training and centralized assistance, while the sponsor said the office would have no first-year budget impact. The bill passed 6-4. Finally, the committee considered SB 273 and SB 274, both involving state financial support for affected entities and the Patient Compensation Fund. SB 273, which would provide temporary state assistance to communities affected by economic disruption, passed after debate about precedent and economic recovery. SB 274, which sought repayment from the Patient Compensation Fund for prior state infusions, drew opposition from hospitals and physicians who warned of higher surcharges and questioned the timing and legality; discussion continued around the committee substitute and the fund’s statutory restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• energy strategy and the transportation electrification strategy, shows that we need to rapidly scale EV
• EV incentives such as the income-targeted instant EV rebate and complementary charging programs should
• EV incentives such as the income-targeted instant EV rebate and complementary charging programs should
• The instant EV rebate blew through $45 million in the three months that it was open a year and a half
• It boosted EV sales in Washington by 30% while it operated, and people across the state benefited.

Bills: HB2306 , HB2711

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• And the EV is certainly more expensive than your regular vehicle, right?
• amount is to the detriment of the resident so that we can meet our goal and select, you know, this EV
• Firstly, it would mandate the FDOT's standards, and those standards for storm pipes and culverts speak
• Firstly, it would mandate the FDOT's some of the highlights out.
• So if the intent is to establish uniformity across the state, we feel that mandating every county to

Bills: S0558 , S1294 , S1468 , S1474 , S1682 , S1628

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The committee took up several environmental bills, beginning with SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions. Senator Trumbull said the bill would give cities and counties tools to address abandoned, derelict, and long-term anchored vessels while following state standards and FWC guidance. Members from affected areas spoke in support, citing recurring derelict vessel problems and the difficulty and cost of removal once vessels sink. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment, which would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants, including construction age, treatment levels, contaminant data, spill history, flood risk, and receiving waterbody impairment information. Florida Rural Water Association testified that any move to require advanced treatment for all plants over one MGD could create major financial burdens without dedicated funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management, with a strike-all amendment adopted. Senator Bradley said the revised bill would require bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products to be land applied only at agronomic rates and, absent a bona fide sale, only at permitted DEP-approved sites, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it would protect water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while rural utilities asked for funding and flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1628 on net zero policies by governmental entities. Senator Avila said the bill would prohibit local governments and other governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, imposing related fees or taxes, or operating cap-and-trade or carbon trading programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of carbon dioxide. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued it would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy policies, including electric buses, energy-efficiency measures, and climate resilience planning. After public testimony on both sides, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which Senator Gates said would require biosolids and septage to be treated at the highest practical level when wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible and would bar Class B land application within 50 miles of a permitted wastewater facility. An amendment applying the statutory definition of septage was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 558 on stormwater system standards. Senator Burgess said it would create statewide standards for municipal and county stormwater systems using FDOT guidelines and third-party inspections, with an amendment making technical changes and broadening who may perform inspections. Supporters said uniform standards could improve safety and reduce failures, while contractors, engineers, and industry groups warned it could raise costs, delay projects, and preempt stronger local standards. The bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so my question has to do with capacity and anytime I see mandates with respect to the relationship
• um with respect anytime I see mandates um with respect to<00:30:21.200><c> uh</c><00:30:21.320><c> the
• </c><00:35:51.400><c> to</c><00:35:52.400><c> but</c> that dlnr would like it mandated to but that dlnr
• would like it mandated to but your<00:35:52.920><c> portfolio</c><00:35:53.720><c> is</c><00:35:53.960
• party there recently so I'm Year's Eve party there recently so I'm not<00:40:23.560><c> seeing</c><00

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you want to talk about the EV fees, that was done last year. Mhm.
• I was trying to find a progressive way to do EV funds.
• So, if you want to talk about the EV fees, you can thank your chair here.
• And if you want to talk about the<00:15:53.440><c> EV</c><00:15:53.800><c> fees,</c> the EV fees, the
• </c> find a progressive way to do EV funds. find a progressive way to do EV funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so we're going to go ahead and get started, and then once Representative Eves comes in, we'll let
• Representative Eves, you are recognized to do SB 2065. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Members, do you have any questions for Representative Eves or our guest? Good back. One moment.
• Representative Eves with four ayes... The vote. Four ayes and zero nays.
• Representative Eves, with four ayes and zero nays, we declare your bill to have passed.

Bills: SB1327 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2159

Committee: House Tourism

Summary: The committee first considered SB 265, which would restore full authority to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Board. The bill establishes listed qualifications for board members, keeps the board at eight members with five needed for a quorum, and preserves the governor’s authority to appoint the chair, vice chair, and secretary. After a brief question about the rationale for the change, the committee moved the bill and passed it by a vote of three ayes and one nay. Representative Eves then presented SB 265 as a state pollinator act, with 15-year-old 4-H State Ambassador Lucille Moorhouse explaining the bill and her pollinator project. She described pollinator decline and its importance to agriculture, ecosystems, and grocery prices. Members praised her presentation, and the bill passed unanimously, four ayes and zero nays. She also shared pollinator seeds with members. The committee next heard SB 2155, which updates the Route 66 Commission and its grant program by allowing memoranda of understanding with state agencies, mainly to hire a project manager to keep multiple projects on schedule. It passed by three ayes and one nay. Finally, SB 2159 designated wheat as Oklahoma’s official crop, citing the state’s large annual wheat acreage and more than $1 billion in yearly economic impact. After a question about whether Oklahoma already had a state grain, the bill passed unanimously, four ayes and zero nays. The chair then noted it was the last meeting and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the best way to do that is through an incentive for new EVs.
• seed the market with the fully functional EVs that we all need.
• We also administer used EV programs for the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
• Chris Nielsen with the American EV Jobs Alliance.
• We think, with the absence of federal EV incentives, it's crucial to expand access to the EV market here

Transcript Highlights:

• to charge a fee for it, we do strongly feel that... ...the bag and they're mandated to charge a fee
• to charge a fee for it we do strongly feel that the bag and they're mandated to charge a fee for it
• We support source reduction, but setting rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates without first understanding
• are here to testify today on a number of battery EPR bills, mostly in support, with a focus on the EV
• I have some comments later on House Bill 964, which deals with EV and HEV batteries, but I'm going to

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The average Minnesotan pays about $200 fuel tax a year, and the EV cars, which are a heavier vehicle
• So I don't know where you come up with the idea that EVs are driven more miles.
• </c> the the doubling of the uh EV the the doubling of the uh EV registration<00:44:07.359><c> surcharge
• </c><00:45:09.599><c> EVS</c><00:45:10.000><c> are</c> this is that on average EV EVS are this is that
• on average EV EVS are driven<00:45:10.599><c> between</c><00:45:11.200><c> 25</c><00:45:11.720><c> and

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And according to the CEC, 41% of our public EV chargers are installed with state grants and taxpayer
• California has spent over $1.7 billion on EV charging infrastructure.
• the market and expansive growth of EV adoption in California statewide, particularly for EVs utilizing
• And the number of publicly available EV chargers recently surpassed the number of gas pumps.
• EV charging reliability is paramount to achieving a smooth EV transition.

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on traffic safety, climate resilience, wildlife crossings, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program for lower-emissions cargo-handling equipment at ports using hydrogen internal combustion technology; it drew support from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, ILWU, and others, with South Coast AQMD expressing concern about possible NOx emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to Natural Resources. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to add community resilience indicators, including impacts on vulnerable users, to climate vulnerability assessments; supporters included Greenlining Institute and AARP, while some members raised budget concerns. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph starting in 2029 and allow more flexible enforcement methods; it received broad support and passed to Appropriations. AB 902 would require wildlife crossings and connectivity considerations in transportation projects in identified connectivity areas; after committee amendments, opposition from builders and local government groups moved to neutral, and the bill passed as amended to Local Government. The committee also advanced AB 1014, which would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local safety conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule. Supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tribal communities, while one member asked about federal funding and NHTSA; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1022 would repeal authority to tow or immobilize vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, while preserving other safety-based towing authority; supporters described the practice as a harmful “poverty tow,” and opponents argued it would weaken parking enforcement, especially for out-of-state plates and booting. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. AB 1423 would apply reliability standards to publicly funded EV chargers installed before 2024 and allow enforcement of uptime rules; EV charging industry groups opposed the retroactive approach, while supporters emphasized taxpayer accountability. It passed to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills earlier in the hearing. Multiple roll calls were held open for additional votes, and the chair recessed the committee near the end of the meeting to allow the final author to arrive and complete the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of experience with EV batteries and battery ignition from Hurricane Ian.
• If you get a fender bender with an EV, that's not the issue.
• If you get a fender bender with an EV, that's not the issue.
• EV vehicles and their batteries, when damaged, have been shown to spontaneously ignite.
• now, the bill talks about up to three times the daily administrative fee that can be charged for an EV

Bills: S0018 , S0028 , S0260 , S0848 , S0934 , S1014 , S1102 , S1264 , S1566 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills focused on water safety, utilities, housing, transparency, and claims relief. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was presented as a follow-up to prior water-quality legislation and reported favorably with one support waiver. SB 28, a claims bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 658, a bipartisan child-drowning prevention bill for rental properties, drew extensive testimony from child advocacy and drowning-prevention groups in strong support; amendments required rental license applicants to certify compliance and removed local-government add-on authority, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 18, a claims bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, prompted questions about settlement and responsibility but was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from a waiver form. Several utility and infrastructure measures were considered. CS/SB 1724 would regulate municipal utility service outside city limits, limit revenue transfers, require public meetings, and cap rate differences; an amendment added gas utilities, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from municipal utility representatives and small-county advocates. CS/SB 1014 would require municipal utilities to extend water and wastewater service to certain nearby residential properties without conditioning service on annexation; an amendment narrowed the bill to residential uses and clarified capacity and grandfathering provisions, and it passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 would allow local infrastructure surtax revenue to fund body camera programs, with an amendment making the surtax authorization prospective and requiring a new referendum; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 260 on electric-vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to focus on storage only and to tie the higher fee to the period before fire-risk inspection, then reported favorably after testimony from insurers, fire officials, and EV industry representatives. The committee also advanced education, housing, and ethics-related bills. SB 1264 would ease zoning and code barriers for small private schools and micro-schools, with supporters arguing it would expand school choice and opponents raising implementation concerns; it was reported favorably. SB 934 on Florida Keys areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a tax-exemption section that conflicted with the Live Local Act, then reported favorably. SB 1622 would provide a one-time waiver of late financial-disclosure fines under specified conditions and was reported favorably. Finally, CS/SB 1566 on local government spending and transparency required online posting of budgets and related materials, and an amendment added utility revenue reinvestment and other changes while removing DEI spending restrictions; the bill drew support for transparency but concern from small cities and counties about cost and workload, and it was reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment after senators recorded votes on selected bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• things that I wanted to address is to make the committee aware that any type of misconduct... is now mandated
• One of the people who died was arrested on Christmas Eve. His name is Mason Yancey.
• One of the people who died, Mason Yancey, was arrested on Christmas Eve.

Bills: SB7 , SB14 , SB 7 , SB 14

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects

Transcript Highlights:

• And according to the CEC, 41% of our public EV chargers are installed with state grants and taxpayer
• California has spent over $1.7 billion on EV charging infrastructure.
• Electrify America's early and significant private investment in EV charging infrastructure has helped
• the market and expansive growth of EV adoption in California statewide, particularly for EVs utilizing
• EV charging reliability is paramount to achieving a smooth EV transition.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some folks are using their electric vehicles (EVs).
• Before any new requirements are mandated, consideration must be given to the enormous investment to develop
• Will it be the policy of Texas to mandate... state contract terms between business entities?
• To ensure that the banks establish their own independent fee structures, we eliminate the mandated fee
• them to actually establish their own fee structure instead of simply adopting the one that they're mandated

Bills: SB231 , SB584 , SB600 , SB668 , SB841 , SB986 , SB1003 , SB1244 , SB1625 , SB1960 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB2026 , SB2056 , SB2368

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I helped carry this for you, Senator, one session when you were not feeling so well, on the EV
• Did we not raise I don't think we raised any EV charges. Nothing was raised.
• I don't know what the current charge is for registration for an EV. Do you know that?
• And I think that's the big debate we had on EVs being heavier Than your other vehicles or whatever.
• Right now, I understand it that EVs do not pay an excise tax on their That's correct, Senator Lanier.

Bills: SB2

Committee: Senate Senate Finance