Transcript Highlights:

• That means, when you schedule this, you've got to go to the committee assistant, Special K, and let her
• That means, when you schedule this, you've got to go to the committee assistant, Special K, and let her
• In August 2024, we were scheduled for a contempt hearing for non-compliance of his visitation orders.
• We've got to get it out the door here on March 6, so for your scheduling purposes, we would probably
• </c> on March 6th so for your scheduling on March 6th so for your scheduling purposes purposes purposes

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened its February 4, 2025 hearing with a business item on House Bill 553, appointing a subcommittee chaired by Representative Greg and including several named members. The committee then took up House Bill 486, which would revise New Hampshire’s grandparents’ visitation law. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to address gaps in current law, especially in situations involving divorce, separation, kinship care, and parental substance use, so that children can maintain important relationships with grandparents or other kin caregivers. He emphasized that the proposal was meant to supplement existing law rather than replace it, and said the language was modeled on statutes from other states. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 486, describing painful family separations and arguing that current law can be interpreted too narrowly. One grandmother said the existing statute had been used to dismiss her visitation case because she was restricted while the parents were separated, and she asked for language changes so courts could still order visitation in similar circumstances. Another witness, testifying online, urged passage of the bill as being in the best interest of children. A third witness described a family living arrangement in which grandparents had been a consistent presence in their grandchildren’s lives but were later cut off during a contentious separation, and said the bill would help repair those relationships. Committee members asked about the six-month timeframe in the bill, whether the proposed language would affect cases where a grandparent does not live with the child but is still a regular caregiver, and whether the sponsor had written amendment language; the sponsor said the six-month language was taken from other states’ statutes and that the new language would not change existing visitation rights but would add to them. After hearing the testimony, the chair said the committee would hold HB 486 aside for a week or two while awaiting additional information before voting. The hearing then moved to House Bill 320, an act relative to enforcement of marital property settlements. The sponsor explained that the bill would require courts to enforce final property decrees and would clarify the difference between enforcement and contempt, arguing that courts should have clear authority to fashion remedies and that litigants, especially self-represented parties, need clearer statutory guidance. Committee members questioned the legal distinctions the sponsor drew, including whether the bill was aimed at enforcement rather than contempt and how the proposed language would operate in practice. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 320.

Transcript Highlights:

• With this balance, Schedule C will be in effect for calendar year 2025.
• <00:18:22.520><c> this</c><00:18:22.799><c> balance</c><00:18:23.360><c> uh</c><00:18:23.600><c> Schedule
• </c><00:18:24.039><c> C</c> 2024 uh with this balance uh Schedule C 2024 uh with this balance uh Schedule
• /c><00:48:44.359><c> the</c> the committee the impact into the the committee the impact into the schedule
• going forward and then um if schedule going forward and then um if there<00:48:48.559><c> is</c><00:

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will plan to break some time after the hearing scheduled at 11:15 a.m.
• I apologize for being behind schedule here.
• I mean, they schedule enough time.
• </c><03:52:29.520><c> I</c><03:52:29.760><c> appreciate</c> for being behind schedule.
• I appreciate for being behind schedule.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no other rooms scheduled, so I think the Democrats can stay here, and the Republicans can caucus

Bills: SB6046

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no other rooms scheduled, so I think the Democrats can stay here if the Republicans go to caucus

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee met for what was described as its last meeting of the session and took executive action on three bills. Members also noted plans for at least one interim meeting in Olympia, including a possible briefing from the Department of Commerce and a tour of the Emergency Management Center. The committee first considered Senate Bill 6046, which would allow the Civil Air Patrol to be dual-hatted to operate under either federal or state authority. Supporters said the bill would formalize an existing arrangement and give the Civil Air Patrol more flexibility for search and rescue and wildfire support. The bill passed out of committee with a do pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote, with 3 excused. Next, the committee approved Substitute Senate Bill 6149, which updates the definition of a rural county to a population threshold of 45,000 for purposes tied to grants, loans, and public facilities funding. Members said the change would preserve eligibility for counties that have lost rural designation and noted the broader issue of how rural areas are defined as populations grow. It also passed 10-0, with 3 excused. Finally, the committee took up Substitute Senate Bill 6289, creating a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan. The committee adopted amendment Whale 402, changing the required update cycle for the plan from every two years to every five years, and then passed the bill as amended. Supporters said the plan would help guide statewide economic development and manufacturing efforts and that the longer update cycle was more fiscally prudent. The final vote was 10-0, with 3 excused, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can we have staff please provide summaries on the bill scheduled for executive action, including the

Bills: HB2272

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, and as we noted at the beginning, some of those bills were moved out, which we had previously scheduled

Summary: The House Energy Committee met for its first meeting of session and heard two bills. House Bill 3469, by Chairman Bowles, would create a three-year phase-in for higher oil and gas surety bond requirements adopted in last year’s HB 1369, giving smaller operators more time to adjust while still addressing the state’s orphaned and abandoned well liabilities. Bowles explained that some small producers have had difficulty obtaining the larger bonds, and noted the state’s need for stronger financial protection given the large number of orphaned wells. The committee asked about the bill’s effective timing, and HB 3469 was reported out of committee on an 8-0 vote. House Bill 3173, by Chairman Archer, would allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be taken over for geothermal or energy storage uses, with the goal of putting some wells back into productive use and reducing the backlog of wells needing state plugging. Archer said the state’s current pace could take roughly 200 years to clear the list, and emphasized that even a small number of wells converted to productive use would help. A question from Rep. Lepak clarified that if the well is not used for the approved purpose for 12 months, the entity taking it over becomes responsible for plugging or remediation. HB 3173 also passed 8-0 and moved to the oversight committee. House Bill 4264, relating to mines and mining, was laid over at the sponsor’s request and was not heard. The committee adjourned after noting it would plan to meet again the following week, with the possibility of needing a third meeting to finish assigned bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the time we're going to meet at the same time, but sometimes that may change depending on the schedule

Bills: SB96 , SB97 , SB130 , HB230 , SB154 , SB93 , SB99 , SB96 , SB97 , SB130 , HB230 , SB154 , SB93 , SB99

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: salvage title, salvage certificate of title, rebuilt title, flood vehicle, junk vehicle, total loss, motor vehicle title, vehicle branding, insurance claim, insurance company, Department of Revenue, vehicle inspection, rebuilder, automotive dismantler, parts recycler, secondary metals recycler, junkyard, vehicle identification number, VIN, stolen vehicle

Transcript Highlights:

• It'll be complete, and we can then move into a full planning, scheduling, and construction phase.

Bills: SB86

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: independent contractors, portable benefits, employee benefits, tax deductions, employment relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, the program targets individuals aged 14 to 17 who participate in scheduled activities until
• A specific... ...and scheduled activities until they reach the age of 18.
• Probation was scheduled to end in 2029.
• Chairman, I want to thank each and every one of you all for being here, taking time on your schedule
• Let me thank again all of you for taking time out of your schedules to be here to testify.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• As retirements occur, there are project costs, cost overruns, projects last longer, go over time, scheduled
• c><00:16:34.520><c> over</c><00:16:34.760><c> time,</c><00:16:35.560><c> uh</c><00:16:36.080><c> scheduled
• </c> last longer, go over time, uh scheduled last longer, go over time, uh scheduled time<00:16:36.839
• This morning an individual was scheduled to meet with me. They woke up early.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• It can expedite scheduling.
• Again, using it for administrative purposes or scheduling purposes and being really clear that written
• using it for administrative<01:02:20.600><c> purposes</c><01:02:21.000><c> or</c><01:02:21.120><c> scheduling
• </c> administrative purposes or scheduling administrative purposes or scheduling purposes<01:02:22.080

Transcript Highlights:

• With fewer than three months until the scheduled implementation date, DHCS has yet to issue any guidance
• We know that the Medi-Cal dental provider payments are scheduled to be eliminated on July 1st this year
• We know that the Medi-Cal dental provider payments are scheduled to be eliminated on July 1st this year
• Dental Center would experience an annual revenue loss of nearly $300,000 under the proposed fee schedule
• We strongly oppose the scheduled cut for these rates. Thank you, Madam Chair, members.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes sending and receiving vital mail, scheduling and conducting interviews, making and receiving
• But they work in low-wage jobs with unstable hours, inconsistent schedules, caregiving responsibilities
• And then, secondly, you know, I know this is on schedule for October 1, 2027.
• by early 2029, which is a year ahead of our original timeline and reflects the benefit issuance schedule
• So the report that is scheduled to be available in 2028 is for the original pilot program, correct?

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services opened its first hearing of the year with a discussion centered on CalFresh, the Department of Social Services, and related anti-poverty and immigrant services programs. Chair Jackson framed the hearing as a response to the “historic and enormous challenges” created by H.R. 1, emphasizing that the committee’s goal was to minimize harm to vulnerable Californians. No votes were taken in the hearing. The first major topic was the impact of H.R. 1 on CalFresh eligibility and administration. CDSS estimated major federal funding reductions, with hundreds of thousands of Californians potentially losing benefits under new time limits and work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, and additional losses among certain non-citizen groups. County welfare directors, eligibility workers, SEIU, and other advocates argued that counties are underfunded and understaffed to implement the new rules, and urged release of the previously authorized $20 million General Fund, a county match waiver, and an additional ongoing workforce investment. LAO and the Department of Finance said they were reviewing the administration’s proposals and emphasized the need to use existing data, automation, and statutory direction to reduce administrative burden and improve implementation. A second panel addressed county administrative backfill and the broader fiscal effects of H.R. 1. CDSS explained that the law shifts more administrative costs to the state and counties beginning in federal fiscal year 2027 and could also create future state benefit costs tied to payment error rates. County and food bank representatives warned that many counties will struggle to absorb the higher match and that penalties tied to payment error rates could worsen budget pressure. Members pressed Finance and CDSS for clearer timelines, written responses, and more detailed workload assumptions, while Finance said it was still analyzing the federal guidance and county resource needs. The final major topic was the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and possible state responses for people losing federal CalFresh eligibility. CDSS said CFAP remains limited by statute and by the federal structure it currently uses, but that the planned expansion to Californians age 55 and older regardless of immigration status remains on track for October 1, 2027, subject to funding. Immigrant advocates urged the state to fold newly excluded humanitarian immigrants into CFAP and to invest in outreach and administration, while Western Center on Law and Poverty proposed a broader state-funded anti-hunger response for people cut off by H.R. 1. LAO noted that the CFAP expansion is difficult to estimate and that further policy and technical work would be needed to assess costs and implementation options.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, we had a little time in the hearing schedule, as you know, it being chair, and we fit
• So today we do have right now one testifier scheduled to speak on House File 1807.
• ><00:25:34.559><c> testifier</c> do have right now one testifier do have right now one testifier scheduled
• </c> scheduled to speak on House File 1807. scheduled to speak on House File 1807.

Bills: HF3521 , HF1807 , HF1270 , HF2070 , HF3136

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we've had one meeting and we have another one scheduled for Thursday.
• 33.920><c> one</c> had one meeting and we have another one had one meeting and we have another one scheduled
• </c> scheduled for Thursday. scheduled for Thursday.
• And I will be scheduling next Wednesday to start hearing some House bills.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• government must advertise a public notice in the local or established newspaper 15 days before the scheduled
• the public to view in the local governmental office or local public library 30 days prior to the scheduled
• /c><00:02:15.840><c> prior</c><00:02:16.160><c> to</c><00:02:16.239><c> the</c><00:02:16.480><c> scheduled
• </c> library 30 days prior to the scheduled library 30 days prior to the scheduled public<00:02:17.280

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division A

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it on the schedule? Are we waiting for weed and pest? I have a meeting with them this afternoon.
• Is</c><00:26:51.919><c> it</c><00:26:52.080><c> on</c><00:26:52.880><c> the</c><00:26:53.279><c> schedule
• Is it on the schedule? Are we of? Is it on the schedule?
• Is it on the schedule? Are we waiting for Weed and Pest?

Committee: Joint Select Natural Resource Funding Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• basically had three integrators or three poultry companies: Purdue, which Cromwell's in Ohio, Tyson's scheduled
• basically had three integrators or three poultry companies: Purdue, which Cromwell's in Ohio, Tyson's scheduled
• in companies. uh Purdue which Cromwell's in Ohio,<00:13:24.240><c> Tyson's</c><00:13:25.040><c> scheduled
• </c><00:13:26.079><c> uh</c><00:13:26.240><c> they've</c><00:13:26.560><c> got</c> Ohio, Tyson's scheduled
• uh they've got Ohio, Tyson's scheduled uh they've got several<00:13:26.959><c> pl</c><00:13:27.600><

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, approval of the September 18, 2025 minutes, and a staff update on recent tobacco settlement-funded agriculture activities. The agriculture side highlighted Commissioner Shell’s outreach, including school visits, farm visits, and speaking engagements in Kentucky and a trip to Tennessee to discuss program models. A representative also described a national conference in Iowa, where Kentucky’s agriculture finance program was praised as a $180 million loan program built with tobacco settlement funds. The board noted September approvals totaling $950,000 for the agriculture development board and $3.3 million for the finance corporation, along with staff activity such as site visits, program closures, and project reports. The board also announced that the KKMP report covering 2015-2022 would be distributed and that the annual report, marking the program’s 25th anniversary, was being prepared. The board then reviewed two featured projects. The Organic Association of Kentucky requested $425,000 for organic producer support, but the board approved only one year of funding at $29,000, with members noting concern about recurring applicants and the need to evaluate long-term funding. The second project, by Joseph Dale Bentley in Lewis County, sought $51,300 to expand a small ruminant facility for goat production and export. Members were particularly interested because the project was already operating and creating market opportunities for Kentucky goat producers; the board approved half the project cost to help expand infrastructure and potentially allow quarantining on site. The cabinet then presented its annual update on tobacco settlement fund use in public health. Julie Brooks, Sarah Johnson, and Andrea Day reported on the HANS home visitation program, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, lung cancer screening, and early childhood oral health. HANS served more families in FY25, rising from 6,293 to 6,715, and increased services from 139,943 to over 143,000. Tobacco prevention and cessation programs continued to support Quit Now Kentucky and My Life, My Quit, though officials noted federal uncertainty and the loss of federal tobacco control infrastructure. They also reported a slight decline in student outreach and cessation requests, but continued demand from schools and communities for vaping and nicotine prevention support. Lung cancer screening expanded to 55 screens, with Kentucky cited as a model for other states due to improved incidence, survival, and early detection rates. Early oral health efforts continued through local health departments, with more trainings for public health nurses, continued varnish kits, and expanded support for dental graduates and hygiene teams.

Transcript Highlights:

• who were not aware that they might be asked to come in, did not agree to be on-call, and were not scheduled
• It allows for the traditional schedule of nurses who are set to cover for an influx of patients or when
• flexible float pool, a group of nurses who are trained to work in multiple units and are already scheduled
• to notice a subject matter informational hearing on AB 825, Petrie-Norris, during their hearing scheduled
• Session schedules as follows: Tomorrow, Friday, September 12th, floor session at 1 p.m.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance recognizing 9/11. Members then moved through a long daily file and concurrence calendar, with many items passed without debate or temporarily retained. The chamber also took procedural actions, including re-referring AB 1152 to the Public Safety Committee, suspending rules for guest access and file-item handling, and later taking a roll-call vote to allow a late-filed journal letter request. Among the major Senate bills taken up on third reading, the Assembly approved SB 385 on peace officers’ rights, SB 753 on shopping cart recovery, SB 838 on housing and hotel projects, SB 643 on carbon dioxide removal grants, SB 645 on jury peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 761 on CalFresh access for students, SB 774 on real estate licensing sunsets, SB 400 on renewable energy labor tax incentives, SB 24 on utility spending transparency, SB 37 on attorney advertising ethics, SB 258 on spousal rape involving disabled spouses, SB 364 on outdoor advertising near new freeways, SB 403 removing the sunset from medical aid in dying, SB 770 on HOA barriers to EV charging, and SB 22 on gift certificate cash redemption values. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; SB 403 and SB 770 drew more divided votes, while SB 24 was briefly delayed by a call before passing. The Assembly also concurred in numerous Senate amendments on Assembly bills covering a wide range of topics, including service of process (AB 747), local clean energy planning (AB 39), firearms (AB 1078), workers’ compensation (AB 1336), public health (AB 1487), survivor leave protections (AB 406), solid waste (AB 70), water reporting for data centers (AB 93), Diwali recognition (AB 268), wildfire workforce recovery (AB 338), educational equity (AB 419), civic education (AB 422), office-to-housing conversions (AB 507), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), privacy/browser opt-out rules (AB 566), housing element transparency (AB 610), tenant appliance requirements (AB 628), code enforcement penalties (AB 632), homelessness and LGBTQ-related policy (AB 678), energy (AB 740), DEIA review in state government (AB 766), inmate firefighter wages (AB 247), children’s health (AB 798), real estate (AB 851), COVID-era rehiring protections (AB 858), hazardous materials (AB 961), real property and housing covenants (AB 1050), aging (AB 1069), health care facilities (AB 1172), endangered species protections (AB 1319), CalWORKs modernization (AB 1324), cannabis access for seriously ill patients (AB 1332), foreign labor contractors (AB 1362), and downtown revitalization financing (AB 1445). Several of these passed overwhelmingly, while a few drew notable opposition, including AB 93, AB 403, AB 770, AB 851, AB 1050, and AB 1319. The transcript also included extended debate on SB 34, which was presented as a compromise measure on air pollution and port operations in the San Pedro Bay area. Supporters said it narrowed the scope to protect union jobs while preserving AQMD authority, while opponents and supporters alike noted the underlying distrust between labor and environmental stakeholders. The Assembly passed SB 34, SB 515 on disaggregated demographic data collection, and then began taking up AB 495 on immigration, with the sponsor describing family separation and immigration enforcement trauma before the transcript cuts off.