Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I support the sustainable aviation fuel, but I cannot support this bill because it's on the backs
• President, and rising in obvious support.
• Rising in strong support of this resolution.
• Rising in strong support of this resolution.
• I stand in support. I don't rise in sport.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904

Summary: The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote. The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Agustine Gus Cabralia, Airlines for America, Waves in Support. Waves in support.
• But I would submit that this is one we should support, and I plan on supporting today.
• But I would submit that this is one we should support, and I plan on supporting today.
• But I would submit that this is one we should support, and I plan on supporting today.
• Chair. support and I plan on supporting today. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26. Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage. During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are the categories of support that are funded.
• and victim support organizations.
• million in recurring funding for fiscal year 25-26 to support staffing needs, including help desk support
• support services.
• And then there's 11,000 waiver support, or 11-100 waiver support. 11,000 waiver support.

Summary: The subcommittee heard updates on several state technology modernization efforts, beginning with the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Enterprise Business Solution (DEMS). FDEM said DEMS is about 50% complete, with some grants and finance functions already live, and is intended to replace manual disaster and grants processing with a cloud-based system. Officials described faster reimbursement timelines after recent storms, major return-on-investment claims, and a planned final phase focused on design, testing, communications, data governance, and additional functionality. Members asked about the total cost, the role of Florida Digital Service, deliverables-based contracting, and how much of the system is live; FDEM said the project is expected to cost about $16 million to $16.8 million and finish by June 2027, with some follow-up information to be provided. The Department of Legal Affairs presented its Office of Attorney General Modernization Program, a follow-up to an earlier effort that failed after spending about $26 million. Acting Attorney General John Gard said the department has now moved to an off-the-shelf case management product, LawBase, and is in development and testing, with the Office of Statewide Prosecution already live and full implementation expected by the end of the fiscal year. The request includes funding for staff augmentation, cloud storage, the LawBase license, redundancy through a backup site in Orlando, and OnBase support. Members questioned the prior failure, the use of Florida Digital Service standards, data location and cloud migration, and the redundancy plan; Gard said lessons learned included better scoping and that the current effort is on track. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then updated the committee on Motorist Modernization, including the Orion system and the MyDMV portal. Officials said Phase 1 and Phase 2 have modernized driver license and motor vehicle services, with Phase 2 statewide rollout scheduled to begin in April 2025 and Phase 3 proposed at $16.5 million for dealer services, data warehouse improvements, and call center modernization. Members asked about payment options, organ donor questions, staffing, cybersecurity, cloud strategy, and the digital driver license program. The agency said the portal already allows some sanctions to be cleared online, an ACH option is being developed, the digital driver license vendor has changed with a fall go-live anticipated, and the department is using security testing and a managed security service provider. Officials also said the system is currently on an on-prem private cloud, with future workloads expected to move to public cloud where appropriate. Finally, Florida Commerce presented on the Reemployment Assistance modernization system, Reconnect, and the FLWINS workforce system. Commerce said Reconnect is hosted in the Azure Government Cloud, has reduced claim filing time, improved fraud detection, and increased appeals capacity, and now needs $4.9 million in recurring funding to cover ongoing operations, cloud hosting, licenses, and staff augmentation. Members asked about adjudication issues, wait times, fraud prevention, and whether the system stores caller identifiers; Commerce said the average wait to speak to a representative is about 18 minutes and claims are generally processed in four to six weeks. The committee then began hearing about FLWINS, which is intended to create a “no wrong door” workforce portal under the REACH Act, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supported this effort along the way.
• I stand in support of House Bill 120.
• Teachers should be supported with adequate training to work with and support students with varying needs
• Anyone in the room in support? Thank you. Presentation. Anyone in the room in support?
• Our alumni do well to support us.

Bills: HB30, HB120, HJR1, SB210, SB306

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary Kelly is here to waive or, yeah, wave and support. Waving and support.
• And while he comes up, Kathleen Murray is here waving in support. Speaking in support.
• But the support cards are from Erin DePetro, from Florida Family Voice, is here waving in support.
• Family Voice is here waving in support. Richard Jones, waving in support.
• Crystal Etting, I hope I got that right, waving in support. Sonia Johnson, waving in support.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million, with the higher cap first applying to the 2027 allocation; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a Cybersecurity Experiential Internship and Clearance Readiness Program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida, but an amendment removed the bill’s funding appropriation; the amended bill was reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was also reported favorably after support testimony from the Bar and others. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive financing and undisclosed health conditions at retail pet stores, drew strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was reported favorably as well. The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the small cities CDBG program, clarify rural community eligibility to include certain unincorporated areas, exempt military conveyances from a reverter clause, and revise E-Verify enforcement and penalties. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including the fine structure, treatment of workers incorrectly flagged, and whether the bill could affect gig workers or retroactive cases. Senator Smith opposed the bill during debate, arguing it created unequal treatment for employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably. SB 214 would expand the rural economic development initiative to include special districts in rural counties and was reported favorably. SB 482, the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, generated the most extensive discussion; it would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate disclosures and de-identification rules, restrict unauthorized use of name, image, and likeness, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Supporters emphasized child safety, privacy, and the need for guardrails, while opponents and some informational witnesses raised concerns about privacy, age verification, enforcement, and the bill’s breadth. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee also approved SPB 7030, a committee bill creating a public records exemption for Department of Legal Affairs investigations tied to the AI enforcement provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I too rise in support of ACR 39.
• I rise in support of this bill.
• It is supported by veterans.
• I rise in support of this measure, just as I rose in support of another resolution a few days ago.
• The language is something that is supportable.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fully support the amendment.
• We fully supported this bill.
• I support the amendment. Don't support the underlying bill. Support the amendment. Thank you, Mr.
• It should pass with bipartisan support, unanimous support, and I urge just that. Thank you.
• We supported this.

Summary: The House met with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 133-0. The session then included many introductions of interns, guests, and a Teacher Appreciation Day statement. A committee report recommended passage of Senate Bill 903, and the chamber moved into third reading and amendment action on Senate Bill 1421 and related measures. Members debated and adopted a long series of amendments covering public safety, criminal justice, schools, and corrections. Topics included drone enforcement authority for law enforcement, a Missouri Ranger school safety program and school bus stop-arm penalties, Clean Slate automatic expungement language narrowed to drug offenses, an Alzheimer’s task force and dementia training for law enforcement, fire hydrant testing, pseudoephedrine access, banning portable electronic devices in prisons, hands-free cell phone law fixes, critical infrastructure protections, parental accountability for minors’ offenses, fentanyl trafficking, attorney general firearms authority, support for St. Louis and Kansas City police boards, DNA collection on arrest for additional crimes, a 25-foot buffer around first responders, a domestic violence registry, squatter and notary fraud fixes, gift card fraud, and post-conviction death penalty procedures. Several amendments drew opposition over civil liberties, school safety, prison penalties, and death penalty concerns, but most were adopted. The most contested item was the death penalty post-conviction relief amendment, which members argued either would streamline appeals and risk wrongful executions or would provide needed finality for victims; it ultimately passed 75-68 after a roll call vote. Another notable debate centered on the St. Louis Police Board amendment, with members disputing who should pay for police overtime and liability costs. The transcript ends amid discussion of a corrections-related amendment on good-time credit and rehabilitation programming, with the amendment to the amendment being supported by members from both parties.

Transcript Highlights:

• With your support, we can ensure that... And I respectfully urge the committee to support H. 1053.
• We support this. We support this bill because it's vital. Climate and the environment are crucial.
• And so we're seeking support, your guys' support, for this bill in order to make sure that New Bedford
• We respectfully request your support.
• Thanks for your support. Always appreciate your support. All right. Great. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> strong support of HB25. strong support of HB25.
• They're all in support. Is testimonies. They're all in support.
• </c> support on Zoom. support on Zoom. &gt;&gt; Not<01:37:37.440><c> present.
• support was strongly support to strongly support was strongly support 4.7<01:40:43.840><c> out</c><01
• Yes, Representative, I support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1552, which would make the attorney general the interim chief election officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying it could create a conflict of interest if the attorney general were both the state’s lawyer and the chief elections officer in any related litigation. The League of Women Voters supported having some interim backup for the office, but said it was not necessarily advocating that the attorney general fill the role. Several other testifiers, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, opposed the bill, arguing the current law already provides for a prompt commission appointment and warning about partisan bias and concentration of power. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said an interim mechanism is needed to ensure election certification in a crisis. The chair also asked whether any statutory acting capacity already exists, and the attorney general said none was known. The committee then took up House Bill 2125, which would bar corporations operating under state law from engaging in election activity. The attorney general opposed the bill, citing Citizens United and arguing that corporations have First Amendment-protected political speech rights and that the bill would likely be unconstitutional. Indivisible Hawaii supported the measure, saying it would keep elections focused on the will of the people rather than corporate influence. Libertarian Party testimony was mixed: one witness supported the goal of reducing corruption but warned the bill could suppress organized dissent and sweep too broadly by treating many associations as corporations. The bill’s introducer asked whether the legislature could still enact it as a policy matter, but the attorney general maintained federal constitutional law would control. No vote was taken on either bill during the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment, which would set procedures and compensation for people whose convictions are reversed or vacated on grounds consistent with innocence and whose charges are dismissed. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the bill’s intent but objected to language assigning it responsibility for helping released individuals secure housing, identification, health coverage, and other reentry needs, saying it no longer has jurisdiction after release and suggesting the courts or a community-based contractor handle that role. The Office of the Public Defender strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the harm of wrongful conviction and the need for compensation, case management, and medical coverage after release. No action or vote was reported on this measure in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• and one that has robust majority support.
• And how do these programs support our rural communities?
• CYCJ is just here in support of... First of all, thank you for allowing us this time.
• CYCJ is just here in support of everything that was being shared today.
• of the Republican side of the Public Safety Committee stepped in and supported it.

Summary: The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and education. Members opened with remarks emphasizing bipartisan support, the need to address opportunity gaps, and the committee’s prior hearing in Los Angeles, which helped generate legislation. The chair framed the day around school safety and discipline, community schools, and college/career pathways, and noted that public comment would be included at the end. In the first panel, witnesses described persistent disparities in school discipline and policing, even as suspension rates have declined statewide. Dr. David Turner cited reductions in suspensions tied to reforms such as bans on willful defiance suspensions, but warned that Black and Native boys remain disproportionately suspended and that “ghost suspensions” and police referrals still push students out of class. Other advocates called for stronger accountability, more restorative and culturally rooted practices, and greater investment in community-based supports. Members asked about the role of state and local policy, rural versus urban differences, and how to measure which interventions work best. The second panel centered on community schools. Advocates from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, MILE, and the Sierra Health Foundation argued for the governor’s proposed $1 billion ongoing investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They said community schools improve attendance, reduce suspensions, strengthen belonging, and create shared decision-making with families and students. Panelists described the role of community school coordinators, the importance of authentic partnerships, and the need to track informal discipline practices. Committee members pressed for a plain explanation of community schools and heard that the model is intended to be a high-return equity strategy that can save the state money over time. The final panel addressed college and career pathways. Speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A Men, and Improve Your Tomorrow highlighted barriers facing Black, Latino, Native, and other boys and men of color in higher education, including financial aid gaps, weak transfer pathways, underinvestment in student support, and low campus belonging. They urged continued funding for community schools, expanded dual enrollment and ELOP access, and support for mentorship and culturally responsive programs. Public commenters echoed support for community schools and youth investment, including calls to redirect prison spending toward education and prevention. The chair closed by thanking the panelists, reflecting on his own school struggles and the role of mentorship, and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any me-too testimony in support of the bill?
• We respectfully urge your support of this bill. Thank you.
• Okay, so we have witnesses in support. If you'd like to add on your support, please come forward.
• Christopher Vennhurst with Local 39, and we ask for your support. We probably support this bill.
• I respectfully ask for your support. Thank you. Good afternoon.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We strongly support SB 6305.
• Jamie Wilson, and I'm here in strong support. We respectfully urge your support. Thank you, Mr.
• Thank you for supporting it. Thank you.
• Please support this.
• I urge your support. Thank you.

Bills: SB6226, SB6305, SB5924, SB5990, SB5185, SB5845, SB6071, SB6258

Keywords: SB 6226, Washington, audiology, audiologist, hearing aid specialist, speech-language pathologist, telehealth, teleaudiology, clinical autonomy, clinical judgment, in-person care, remote care, Board of Hearing and Speech, hearing instruments, hearing aids, dispensing hearing aids, standards of care, professional licensure, health professions regulation, patient-centered care

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of SB 132, AB 132.
• I rise support of SB AB 141.
• This budget doesn't support them.
• It also creates a $1.7 billion one-time student support and discretionary block grant to support local
• I rise in support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We would support... We support both of the bills.
• So thank you for your support, and I would love it if you would support the bill to be laid over for
• We strongly support HF 2150.
• Please support House File 2767. House File 2767.
• I never had any support.

Transcript Highlights:

• These centers and institutes support the mission and the strategic direction...
• Acquisition of cutting-edge technology, and finally, support for our students, additional support for
• Then it evolved, with private sector support, to a six-fan system.
• We've also stepped into supporting beyond students with Algebra Nation, but also supporting educators
• As I said, we're focused on an ecosystem of supports.

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee held its first meeting and focused on state university centers and institutes, with an overview from the Board of Governors on how the more than 500 centers and institutes across Florida’s public universities are categorized, overseen, and reported. The Board described three categories: state-level centers, legislatively established centers, and university-established centers. Members were told universities must maintain policies, notify the Board of changes, publish public inventories, and submit annual reports and compliance certifications. Senator Harrell asked about funding sources and whether underperforming centers are reviewed for elimination; the response was that funding varies by center and that universities decide whether to maintain or disband centers under their own policies, with annual reporting and audit findings shared with the Board. Four university presentations followed. Florida Atlantic University highlighted its Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, describing research in marine-derived drug discovery, genomics, imaging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and ocean sustainability, along with spin-off institutes and partnerships that have generated significant grant and contract support. FIU presented its Center of Excellence for Hurricane Damage Mitigation and Product Development, emphasizing the Wall of Wind facility, hurricane and water intrusion testing, code and product innovation, insurance modeling, and future expansion toward higher wind speeds and flood simulation. Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute described work in advanced materials, aerospace composites, sensors, nanocomposites, and AI-enabled materials development, along with patents, industry partnerships, and new facilities tied to economic development. The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning outlined its work on teacher professional learning, literacy, New Worlds Reading, tutoring, and mathematics supports, including microcredentials, statewide book distribution, and early results showing improved reading confidence and growth. Members generally praised the centers for their research, commercialization, workforce development, and education impacts. Senator Jones and Senator Harrell commended the Lastinger Center’s literacy work and the broader return on investment from these programs, while Senator Berman noted the value of the synergies across institutions. The chair emphasized that future funding requests should clearly show measurable success, commercialization, and statewide impact. The committee then adjourned without any formal votes on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation has strong bipartisan support.
• I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
• I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
• I rise in support of H.R. 5200, the Emergency Reporting Act, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
• I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5201.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H-145, support. That's... H-144, oppose. H-145, support.
• H-159, support. H-159, support, prohibiting employment discrimination.
• Absolutely support that. Thank you.
• And please support social equity operators, please support small business operators, please support locally
• I'm here today in support of those H 145 and S 98 that support cannabis home delivery in banned towns

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed. A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses. Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of this bill.
• Of course you will support this resolution.
• I rise in support of this measure.
• The language is something that is supportable.
• I rise today in support of this bill.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved routine procedural motions, and recognized several guest groups, including First Five California, a fourth-grade class from Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, visitors from Modoc and Lassen counties, and representatives from the Port of Long Beach. The chamber then moved through second reading and concurrence items, with most bills and resolutions being read, deemed adopted, or passed on file without debate. The main floor action centered on ACR 39, designating May 2025 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. Assembly Member Ramos and many caucus members spoke in strong support, describing the crisis as a state of emergency and emphasizing violence against Native women, girls, and two-spirit people, the need for better data collection, agency coordination, tribal sovereignty, and continued action beyond symbolic recognition. The resolution passed concurrence with 67 ayes and 0 noes. The Assembly also passed a series of bills on topics including classified school employee pay stubs (AB 374), allowing voucher preferences in housing (AB 282), authorizing nurse practitioners to sign death certificates (AB 583), student health insurance protections (AB 594), local housing pre-approval programs (AB 1206), veterans education program administration (AB 1509), expanding the Family Urgent Response System (AB 898), Star Wars Day (H.R. 33), local news sale notice requirements (AB 611), mask-wearing protections in public spaces (AB 1326), a Chula Vista university land-use measure (AB 76), undercover officer record protections (AB 1178), and preservation of Clover Valley in Rocklin (AB 1152). Most passed with broad support, though AB 282 and AB 611 drew some opposition. A major debate occurred on AJR 10, which urged the President to reverse cuts to the U.S. Forest Service. Members from both parties discussed wildfire prevention, forest health, staffing, and federal-state responsibility, with some criticizing the administration and others emphasizing forest management and the need for bipartisan cooperation. The resolution was adopted after a co-author roll and final roll vote of 67 ayes and 0 noes. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, heard an adjournment in memory for Giovanni “Johnny” of East Side Italian Deli, and adjourned until Monday, May 12, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you support that policy?
• Do you support that effort?
• I think the NIH ought to be doing research in support of the public good, not just. research in support
• Those get support that are in the portfolio.
• The scientific community ought to support that, the NIH ought to support that.

Keywords: NIH funding, healthcare research, chronic diseases, scientific integrity, public trust, pandemic response

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on various healthcare and scientific issues, with significant discussions surrounding the impact of recent administrative actions on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its research agenda. Senators expressed concerns over funding cuts and personnel reductions, particularly the reported termination of over 1,200 NIH staff members, which could jeopardize ongoing and future research projects. The session included testimonies on the importance of supporting early-stage researchers and restoring public trust in scientific institutions following pandemic-related controversies. Additionally, the potential for future healthcare management based on diverse scientific ideas was emphasized as crucial to tackle chronic diseases effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as the senator mentioned, we have no opposition, bipartisan support.
• So we appreciate your support, and happy to take any questions. Excellent.
• And as the senator mentioned, we have no opposition, bipartisan support.
• Lee Kamrick with the rural counties in support. Good morning, Chair.
• Paul and Water District in support. Good morning.

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first but proceeded with presentations and testimony. SB 31 by Senator McNerney would expand uses of tertiary treated recycled water, including for toilet and urinal flushing in food handling facilities, outdoor irrigation in certain settings, decorative lakes and ponds, and HOA common-area irrigation, while clarifying regulatory definitions and reducing the need for dual plumbing in some cases. The author and witness said the bill would help California reduce reliance on imported water and improve drought resilience. Multiple water agencies, cities, and related organizations testified in support, and no opposition was presented. SB 650 by Senator Cabaldon would make technical changes to the Delta Stewardship Act, including setting an appeals timeline, clarifying who may file appeals, and adding a severability clause. The author and a county supervisor witness described it as a good-governance and due-process measure with no impact on Delta conveyance projects. Support came from water district and statewide water association representatives, and there was no opposition. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AJR 9, SB 55, and SB 563, all of which were approved. Once a quorum was established, SB 650 was passed to the Judiciary Committee, and SB 31 was passed to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. The committee then adjourned after leaving the roll open briefly for additional members to vote.