Transcript Highlights:

• Because it does depend on water, soil, climate, all these other factors where housing, manufacturing,
• I'm an assistant professor of cooperative extension housed at UC Berkeley.
• I'm an assistant professor of cooperative extension housed at UC Berkeley, and having said that, I've
• And I know that this is a voice that resonates across the aisle and in both houses.
• This is a voice that resonates across the aisle and in both houses.

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined how agricultural programs have used cap-and-invest funding and what role agriculture should play in future climate investments. The chairs opened by noting that agriculture had been largely left out of the cap-and-invest reauthorization, despite prior support through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and framed the hearing around climate-smart agriculture, food security, rural vitality, and the need for measurable co-benefits such as water savings, soil health, and air quality improvements. The first panel included CDFA Deputy Secretary Virginia Jamison and LAO analyst Helen Kirsten. Jamison described CDFA’s climate-smart portfolio, including the Healthy Soils Program, SWEEP, the Alternative Manure Management Program, and dairy methane reduction efforts, saying roughly $727 million has supported these programs and produced estimated reductions of 31 million metric tons of CO2e, 1.6 million acre-feet of water savings, and about 4,000 projects. She emphasized technical assistance, oversubscription of the programs, and the need for continued investment and better measurement/verification. Kirsten outlined the cap-and-invest structure, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and the state’s emissions inventory, noting agriculture is about 8% of California’s GHG emissions and that funding for tier-three programs may remain constrained. She also said prior LAO work found the programs have significant reduction potential but that some estimated benefits may be overstated, recommending further evaluation. The second panel featured UC researchers Alexandra Hill and Ermi Kibreab, who presented on the economic importance of California’s working landscapes and on dairy methane reduction pathways. Hill said working landscapes are a major part of the state and national economy, with agriculture driving most of the sector’s sales and jobs. Kibreab explained that dairy is central to methane reduction because it accounts for a large share of agricultural methane emissions, and described herd efficiency, digesters, alternative manure management, and emerging feed additives as complementary strategies. He said digesters and other incentive-supported measures are helping California move toward its methane goals, while noting feed additives such as 3-NOP and seaweed-based approaches could offer additional reductions in the future. The third panel brought contrasting views from environmental advocates, farmers, and industry representatives. Phoebe Seaton argued that further state funding for dairy digesters is not environmentally or economically justified, citing concerns about methane, nitrous oxide, groundwater impacts, odors, and high cost per ton reduced. Brian Shobe of CalCAN supported continued funding for programs like AMP, SWEEP, and Healthy Soils, saying they provide multiple co-benefits and that farmers need stable, incentive-based support to comply with climate and water regulations. Cannon Michael of Bowles Farming Company described his farm’s investments in organic and regenerative practices, composting, drip irrigation, solar, habitat management, and workforce programs, and said consistent funding helps farms plan and remain viable. Tricia Gerringer of the Agricultural Council of California urged funding for FPIP, the Farmer Program, methane reduction programs, and sustainable ag waste management, arguing they deliver immediate, measurable reductions and co-benefits. Members and witnesses debated the relative merits of digesters versus alternative manure management, the role of regenerative agriculture, and whether agriculture should be treated as a distinct policy category. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with public comment supporting agricultural climate funding and a request to include agriculture in broader cap-and-invest discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• IF YOU FILLED ONE OUT THEY PREFILLED ONE COMES TO YOUR HOUSE AND YOU CAN SIGN IT AND SEND IF THEY ARE
• THE INELIGIBLE OR UNREGISTERED, THAT IS SOMEBODY WHO IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE PETITION CIRCULATOR.
• AND ALLOWING THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCESS BECAUSE THEY ARE PERMITTED TO VOTE AGAIN.
• Grall: UNDER THIS BILL IT WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO GET PETITIONS PRIOR TO THE STATEMENT, PRIOR TO THE
• I REALLY CARE ABOUT THIS BUT I GOT MY THREE KIDS, GRANDMA IS IN THE HOUSE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SPECIFICALLY AS IT RELATES TO PERMITTING. WE HEAR THAT NOW THROUGH SOME PROVIDERS.
• , FOUR, FIVE DIFFERENT HATS WITHIN A LOCAL COMMUNITY, WHICH DOES NOT ENABLE FAST MOVEMENT FOR THE PERMITS
• THROUGH PRIVATE AUGMENTATION OR HELPING OUT THE COMMUNITIES TO BUILD ANOTHER ROLE TO HELP PROCESS THOSE PERMITS
• PERMITTING WILL BE A BIG ISSUE AS WE ROLL THROUGH THE REMAINING $708 MILLION BEING DEPLOYED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• order to facilitate the committee's business and public participation in today's hearing, we will not permit
• order to facilitate the committee's business and public participation in today's hearing, we will not permit
• I’m coming to your house at blank, blank, blank. I mean, read me my address.
• And then I realized that wasn’t the right answer, especially as I was 3,000 miles away from my house.
• And there were two Menlo Park cars waiting for me at the house when I got back from the flight.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on September 12, 2025, with a quorum present and heard two bills. AB 1392 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins would make candidates’ residence addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses confidential in county election records for the duration of the election cycle or term, with access provisions for journalists and government offices after amendments removed prior opposition. The author and a representative from the Secretary of State argued the bill was needed in response to rising political threats and violence, and several members from both parties spoke in support, citing personal experiences with harassment and concern for family safety. No opposition was heard. The committee then heard SB 851 by Senator Cervantes, a measure described as responding to federal threats to California’s election administration. The bill would require notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General for certain federal election-related court actions and settlements, extend the prohibition on unauthorized law enforcement presence at voting locations to federal agents, reaffirm California’s voting system standards, and make county registrar certification duties ministerial and non-discretionary. The author and Secretary of State’s representative said the bill was needed to defend election integrity and protect against federal interference, while some members criticized it as fearmongering and argued California should focus on cleaning voter rolls and preventing fraud. Other members defended the bill, saying isolated fraud cases do not undermine the overall security of California elections. AB 1392 was approved on a 6-0 vote with a recommendation that Senate amendments be concurred in, and SB 851 passed on a 5-2 vote. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• "Okay, members voting on House Bill 756, House Draft 1.
• Next measure, House Bill 538. House Bill 538.
• House Bill 147.
• House Bill 560.
• House Bill 1247.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban. After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations. The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] I call this meeting of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee to order.
• </c> the market the residential housing the market the residential housing market<00:03:36.319><c> we
• </c> market pretty clear to see our housing market pretty clear to see our housing bubble<00:04:55.360
• Just think of this as a permitted unit that's being built. A housing unit is started.
• HUD says if we spend more than 30% of our income on housing, we're housing burdened.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will stand at ease until the gallery is cleared. The House will come to order. Ms.
• I cannot support House Bill 7.
• All that stuff is still public record, and you're not permitted—like this bill does not permit these
• Jones of Harris on the floor of the House? Anyone wish to speak for or against House Bill 15? Mr.
• House Bill 15 passed to engrossment. The Chair lays that on second reading, House Bill 265.

Bills: SB 8, HB7, HB15, HB 265, HCR 13, SB 8, HB 7, HB 15, HB 265, HCR 13

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, House Bill 283 was subject to a strike-everything amendment, now titled Supplies
• Who runs the House, okay? All right, let's move to SB 1053, Salihana.
• SB 1053, concealed weapons permit fees, requires the Department of Public Safety to charge a CCW permit

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long calendar of bills spanning health care, education, tax, elections, firearms, and public safety. HB 283, as amended, would require diabetes-related supplies and monitoring equipment to be covered for people with diabetes. SB 1126 would require schools to provide records and information to Department of Child Safety caseworkers and allow school employees to speak with DCS investigators; it was on consent, though some members said they wanted to study it further. SB 1210 would require certain out-of-state private postsecondary institutions to register with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to protect students, especially those taking online courses. SCR 1006, which would create causes of action related to restroom, changing facility, and pronoun policies in schools, drew strong opposition and was requested to be pulled from consent. Several tax and property bills were discussed. HB 2308 would prohibit dental insurers from owning dental practices, and members noted the committee and Senate had not supported it. SB 1294 would clarify county assessors’ authority to prorate destroyed property for property tax purposes; members said they were still researching whether the bill was necessary. SB 1430, the Tax Corrections Act of 2026, would make technical tax changes and remove redundant language, but members said they wanted Department of Revenue-requested corrections restored. SB 1049 would cap spousal maintenance at four years and change the factors used in setting support; it was pulled from consent. SB 1053 would reduce concealed weapons permit fees for Arizona residents, and members raised concerns about state fee impacts and asked to pull it. The caucus also considered several election and public safety measures. SB 1006 would allow campaign committees to aggregate donations under $200 instead of $100, but members questioned the higher threshold and pulled it. SB 1029 would address committee termination after a candidate’s death. SB 1038 would make cast vote records public, and SB 1057 would add fraud countermeasures for paper ballots; both were noted as vetoed in the prior year. SB 1237 would require the Secretary of State to consult county recorders and legislative election leaders before issuing the elections procedures manual. Other measures included SB 1058, which would restrict government recordkeeping on firearms and merchant category codes and was pulled after members cited a prior veto, SB 1093 on riot, conspiracy, and racketeering definitions, SB 1160 limiting drone operations near ticketed entertainment events with public safety arguments offered in support, and SB 1211 expanding lifetime injunction eligibility for aggravated harassment involving domestic violence. The caucus ended by moving into closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to today's House Health Care & Wellness meeting, February 10th, 8:30 a.m.
• prescription forms to include two signature lines indicating either 'dispense as written' or 'substitution permitted
• Chair, members of the committee, Chris Blake, staff of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee.
• But I also have an option to say that substitutions are permitted.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• facilitate the goal of hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time, we will not permit
• Any additional witnesses will be permitted to name, position on the bill, and the organization they represent
• was gonna say this isn't your first rodeo Is it well try not to be too intimidating You The better house
• There we go when I was a member of your institution the younger house we were over in the Capitol this

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEGITIMATE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY DRIVERS AND ADDITIONALLY THE BILL PERMITS
• SB 1378 PERMITS A COURT TO ORDER RESTITUTION IN CASES OF A STANDARD LEAVING THE SCENE ACCIDENT.
• THEN RESTITUTION CAN WORK BECAUSE YOU CAN HAVE YOUR HOSPITALS PAY IF YOU'RE WRITING YOUR CAR INTO MY HOUSE
• ORDER RESTITUTION OR SPECIFIC DAMAGE AND THIS WAS BROUGHT FORWARD BY REPRESENTATIVE GOTTLIEB IN THE HOUSE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of food for humans, so it's not permitted in that case.
• Embalming and cremation are not permitted. Indeed, in 1876, when Dr.
• No, I don't think we sent it to the House.
• No, I don't think we sent it to the House.
• <02:38:03.120><c> I</c><02:38:03.240><c> think</c> house I think house I think we<02:38:05.160><c> I<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House and Gross Pills House Amended.
• Bill 2050 do pass as amended; House Bill 2189 do pass as amended; and House Bill 2584 do pass.
• Bill 2013 do pass; House Bill 2226 do pass; House Bill 2226 do pass as amended; House Bill 2378 do pass
• ; House Bill 2102 do pass; House Bill 213 do pass; House Bill 2117 do pass; House Bill 2262 do pass;
• and House Bill 2278 do pass.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're in the water commission, you want to be safe so you don't over-permit.
• Commissioner, and this also ties into, like, you know, giving water permits out too because, you know
• If you're in the water commission, you want to be safe so you don't over-permit.
• The siphon is actually like a drain trap, if you will, in your house plumbing system, and those were
• Because, yeah, you don't want to flood the people downstream and take out a bunch of houses and stuff

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of statutory reports from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Water Resources. Chair Hauck noted that Legislative Management had denied the committee’s earlier request for a fertilizer capacity study, and that the committee would also revisit the proposed Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger later in the day. Commissioner Doug Goring reported on several agriculture topics, including uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, irrigation expansion potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and usage in North Dakota. He emphasized that fertilizer supply depends heavily on natural gas and water, that most nitrogen fertilizer is imported, and that large-scale fertilizer plants require very large capital investments. Members discussed fertilizer storage, natural gas pipeline capacity, water availability, and the role of state infrastructure in supporting value-added agriculture. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the tool was created under 2017 legislation to help evaluate projects expected to cost $1 million or more, and that the department is proposing adjustments to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and changing hydrologic data. He said the changes would remain focused on direct, demonstrable costs and benefits, not indirect impacts, and would be implemented through guidance and operating procedures rather than statutory changes. Committee members and water users discussed whether the revisions would better reflect real-world conditions, including deferred maintenance, changing rainfall patterns, and downstream effects. A representative from the Water Resource District Association said the group was working with DWR and hoped to review test scenarios before the June meeting. The committee then received a detailed presentation on Devils Lake, its outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. State Engineer John Paskowski reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow constraints, and the purpose of the Tolna Coulee structure in limiting head cutting and preventing uncontrolled downstream releases. Members questioned whether the structure was effectively a dam, whether the lake would naturally overflow without it, the last time the outlets ran, and whether water quality in Devils Lake has improved over time. Paskowski said the outlets last operated in August 2025, that sulfate levels still limit operations, and that the lake has freshened somewhat but not enough to eliminate water-quality concerns. The discussion also touched on whether water from flooded areas or closed-basin systems could be reused for irrigation, and on the broader implications of wet cycles, inundated land, and drainage management across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Magnolia, Phinney Ridge, Greenwood, and Westlake, and I also have the pleasure to be a vice chair of the House
• which is Thurston and Pierce County just outside of Lacey, and I serve as the Ranking Member on the House
• And they permit people to walk safely within their neighborhoods and to nearby destinations.
• The neighborhood would like more housing, the neighborhood would like more traffic calming.
• one of the most frustrating things is is people think that And then we have our obstruction permits.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , House Bill 461, House Bill 462, House Bill 4162, House Bill 4361, House Bill 4662, and House Bill 483
• , House Bill 408, House Bill 409, House Bill 423, House Bill 435, House Bill 443, House Bill 447, Senate
• House Bill 378, House Bill 408, House Bill 409, House Bill 423, House Bill 435, House Bill 443, House
• 2 for House Bill 155, House Bill 214, House Bill 263, House Bill 309 with House Amendment 1, House Bill
• 155, House Bill 214, House Bill 263, House Bill 309 with House Amendment 1, House Bill 341 with House

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• certain information on State Environmental Policy Act threshold determinations and water discharge permits
• Department of Ecology, and creates a requirement that they report on how specific water discharge permits
• How specific water discharge permits are issued and how quickly they're issued.
• This is a matter of growing importance around the state because these water discharge permits have become
• And I think we should hold the department to a reporting account for how these water discharge permits

Summary: The committee met for its final meeting before cutoff and took executive action on a series of bills and memorials. It first reviewed several measures and amendments, including bills on Washington State Leadership Board fundraising and reporting, campaign finance reporting schedules, public records exemptions for student and employee information, and agency report reductions. Members also discussed amendments that would restore or add reports on topics such as newborn transfers, health plan reporting, clean fuel tax data, instream flows, child morbidity and mortality, and Ecology permitting data, with some amendments adopted and others rejected. The committee then voted on a joint memorial calling for an independent investigation into the killing of Aichner-Ezgi, with members speaking in support of accountability for Americans killed abroad; it passed 5-2. It also approved a bill recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, and a bill related to the state capital campus, both by do-pass recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, concerning public disclosure exemptions for student and employee information, advanced after an amendment to remove Healthy Youth Survey records from the exemption failed. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, which reduces agency reporting requirements, passed as amended after some proposed additions to the report list were rejected. The committee also advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5840 on campaign finance reporting, adopting an amendment to remove one new report deadline and rejecting another that would have extended the reporting adjustment window from two to three days. Substitute Senate Bill 5825, authorizing the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts and grants, passed after an amendment seeking biennial reporting on private funds was rejected. Additional bills on state symbols and veterans’ issues also received do-pass recommendations. Throughout, votes were mostly bipartisan, with some members noting concerns about transparency, reporting burdens, or scope, but the committee ultimately reported all listed measures out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House has already passed this bill, members of the committee.
• The House has already passed this bill, members of the committee.
• The House has already passed this bill, members of the committee.
• The House has already passed this bill, members of the committee.
• The House has already passed this bill, members of the committee.

Keywords: Insurance - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1440, House Draft 1-23, I's and two no's.
• Bill 1440, House Draft 1-23, I's and two no's.
• Next item, Madam Clerk: referrals and re-referrals. third reading of House Bill 1440 house third reading
• of House Bill 1440 house draft<00:07:04.360><c> 1</c><00:07:04.919><c> 23</c><00:07:05.560><c> eyes<
• May I also be permitted a late introduction?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, they're going to be the leaks in the house where smoke can get in.
• And so, uh, Going to be the leaks in the house where smoke can get in.
• We had an immediate need for temporary housing for displaced staff.
• Securing emergency housing for staff would be critical and having an ability to do that.
• We also need support for employee housing construction for us.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.