Transcript Highlights:

• use healthy nutrition to keep ourselves healthier, and that would also include healthy physical activity
• </c><00:08:39.279><c> to</c><00:08:39.599><c> keep</c><00:08:39.760><c> ourselves</c> physical activity
• to keep ourselves physical activity to keep ourselves healthier<00:08:40.560><c> and</c><00:08:40.800
• </c><01:07:39.920><c> anecdotal</c><01:07:40.640><c> evidence,</c> in a lobby anecdotal evidence, in
• a lobby anecdotal evidence, that<01:07:42.640><c> does</c><01:07:42.799><c> not</c><01:07:43.039><c>

Committee: House Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• a nonpartisan grassroots organization, and while we do have a C4 organization, it is limited to lobbying
• activities only, so I'm able to do this with you this afternoon.
• c><00:20:05.679><c> is</c><00:20:05.919><c> limited</c><00:20:06.360><c> to</c><00:20:06.720><c> lobbying
• </c><00:20:07.240><c> activities</c> arm it is limited to lobbying activities arm it is limited to lobbying
• activities only<00:20:08.039><c> so</c><00:20:08.200><c> I'm</c><00:20:08.320><c> able</c><00:20:08.520

Bills: HF550

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• She also was involved in sports, extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities as well, and was
• SHE ALSO WAS INVOLVED IN SPORTS, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL, AND, WAS
• not thousands of our constituents come to the Capitol, come to the Legislative Office Building to lobby
• items, and many of our CONSTITUENTS COME TO THE CAPITOL, COME TO THE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING TO LOBBY

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender. The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy. The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• enrich our neighborhoods in countless ways, through small business that power our local economy, active
• enrich our neighborhoods in countless ways, through small business that power our local economy, active
• State Capitol was actually 44 years ago when, as a seventh grader in junior high school, I came up to lobby
• Years ago when, as a seventh grader in junior high school, I came up to lobby for additional state aid

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the activity is moving north.
• The activity is moving.
• It's very active.
• They just put a pause on their drilling and completion activity.
• That's really all that is in those elevator lobbies.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislators during the legislative session while measures affecting the donors, clients, or interests are actively
• to the Senate chamber, the Senate gallery, the Senate floor, adjacent corridors, the Senate lounge, lobby
• 18.560><c> lounge,</c> adjacent corridors, the Senate lounge, adjacent corridors, the Senate lounge, lobby
• <c> committee</c><00:03:20.319><c> rooms</c><00:03:20.720><c> assigned</c><00:03:21.120><c> to</c> lobby
• areas, committee rooms assigned to lobby areas, committee rooms assigned to the<00:03:21.360><c> Senate

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a proposed Senate Rule 15-9 prohibiting campaign contributions in Senate-controlled areas of the Capitol, prompted by concerns about lobbyists and others distributing checks to legislators while legislation is pending. The chair read a leadership statement condemning campaign contributions during session when donors’ interests are under consideration, saying such conduct creates at least the appearance of impropriety and undermines public trust. The initial draft would bar soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in Senate-controlled spaces such as the chamber, gallery, floor, corridors, lounge, lobby areas, and committee rooms. Senator Barlo raised concerns about defining the Senate’s authority and the scope of the prohibited areas, asking whether the rule would apply year-round, during interim meetings, or to online donations received while in the building. Other members responded that the Senate could only regulate areas under its control and that the rule should focus on the Capitol building itself, where fundraising should not occur. The chair noted that many other states have similar restrictions, and members discussed whether the rule should also cover campaign contributions during legislative session, not just inside the building. Senators Guru, Rothfus, and Biteman generally supported a stronger rule aimed at preventing vote buying and preserving the integrity of the institution, while acknowledging the need to refine language for enforcement and scope. The committee reviewed examples from Alaska and Wyoming’s constitutional bribery language, and staff and members proposed revised wording that would prohibit any person from knowingly soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in the state capital complex at any time, and separately prohibit senators from knowingly soliciting or knowingly accepting contributions by affirmative act during regular or special session. The discussion ended with no final vote taken, and members indicated they would continue working on the language with staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Patrick Robinson from Lobby. And Frank A.
• And what I have learned through the process is that I have to do more federal lobbying.
• The process is that I have to do more federal lobbying.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Summary: The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 20, confirmed a quorum, and approved the May 13 minutes. The first bill heard was House Bill 591, which would create the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act as a voluntary private-market insurance option for employers, with no mandate, state program, or taxpayer cost. Senator Bass presented the bill, offered technical amendments, and after brief questions about why the framework was needed, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee then took up House Bill 76, dealing with coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications. Representative Amy Freeman and former Representative Julie Stokes explained that the bill updates Louisiana’s oral chemotherapy coverage law, which had not been revised since 2012, and addresses insurer rejection of newer oral cancer drugs. They also explained Amendment Set 4063, which was intended to restore the bill to the proper posture after changes made in the Appropriations Committee and to prohibit copayment adjustment programs such as accumulator or maximizer programs from reducing credit for manufacturer assistance toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Senator Bass raised a concern about prior authorization language and possible ERISA litigation, and department staff responded that the bill would not alter ERISA enforceability and that the fiscal note already reflected about $67,000 in OGB costs. After the amendments were adopted, Senator Bass moved to report HB 76 favorably with amendments, and the committee did so without opposition. Senator Carter thanked the bill authors for their advocacy on cancer-related issues and offered to help during the interim. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Present in support are Laurie Adams with the Pelican Institute and Jim Patterson with Lobby.
• Mary Beth Dickerson with Lobby; Ryan Haney with Lexia Learning; and Ben LaMoyne with Bessie.
• And then also Jim Patterson with Lobby, I think, has a few comments. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Present would like to speak in support: Jim Patterson with Lobby.
• Present would like to speak in support: Jim Patterson with Lobby.

Bills: HB316 , HB549 , HB646 , HB752 , HB824 , HB873 , HB1129 , HB1157 , HB1170

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 22 and first considered Chairman Beaulieu’s House Bill 646, a constitutional amendment limiting the amount of State General Fund money that may be appropriated in a fiscal year. After adopting a set of amendments creating the Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund and making conforming changes, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The companion bill, House Bill 824, which establishes the growth limit formula based on CPI, medical CPI, and population change, was also amended and reported favorably as amended. Supporters framed both measures as a way to keep spending within recurring revenues and create a path toward reducing or eliminating the state income tax. The committee then reported favorably as amended House Bill 1157, creating the Louisiana State Infrastructure Fund to help finance infrastructure-related projects, with testimony that it would leverage private and federal dollars and initially focus on rail, port, road, and bridge projects. House Bill 316, which provides a framework for student literacy reforms for grades four through eight, was presented as having no new cost because the Department of Education said the work was already covered by existing resources; it was reported favorably. House Bill 549, creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program to provide employer-based training grants, also received support from business groups and was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1129, dealing with the sale of state-owned surplus movable property, drew support from Louisiana auctioneers who argued local firms should be allowed to bid on the state’s auction contract instead of relying on an out-of-state vendor; it was reported favorably. House Bill 873, which would fund pursuit intervention technology through a $2 driver’s license fee, generated significant concern about adding fees and whether the money should instead come from existing budgets. After discussion of the proposed technologies and training, the committee deferred the bill voluntarily to work on alternatives, including a possible sunset and other funding options. Finally, House Bill 752, which would change the timing and duration of regular legislative sessions by joint rule, was reported without action after members noted the revised fiscal note showed a decrease in state general fund expenditures. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's also actively engaged in giving back to communities through volunteer work. Mr.
• SB 1384, utilities contribution non-recoverable expenses lobbying.
• SB 1389, subsequent active management area designation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and lobby. and lobby.
• It's because this kind of activity is heating up. This is coming.
• is heating up. this kind of activity is heating up.
• and their donors are free activities and their donors are free from<01:12:24.920><c> undue</c><01:12
• It's actually got some activity. Seven on the blue sheet in support, none opposed.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• teacher and he comes alongside to hear and support his son and the students here, and he is still lobbying
• teacher and he comes alongside to hear and support his son and the students here, and he is still lobbying
• > son and the students here and he is son and the students here and he is still<00:12:46.200><c> lobbying
• and</c><00:12:46.839><c> working</c><00:12:47.160><c> because</c><00:12:47.440><c> he</c> still lobbying
• and working because he still lobbying and working because he believes<00:12:48.160><c> in</c><00:12:

Summary: House File 1791 was presented as a scholarship/grant program for students in postsecondary technical or career programs offered through their high schools. Representative Scott and Representative Lawrence described it as a way to help students transition into careers or further education by covering costs such as tools, boots, books, and other work-related expenses. The chair noted the bill would be laid over, with limited time for testimony because of a full agenda. Testimony strongly supported the bill. Steve Collina of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association said manufacturing is a major Minnesota industry and that the bill fills a gap by supporting K-12 career pathways; he emphasized the proposal would not cost the state or taxpayers. Trevor Quennell, a Centennial High School graduate now at Dunwoody College, said the bill would have eased the burden of buying expensive tools and balancing work, school, and transportation. Eric Trost, an instructor at St. Francis High School, explained that Saints Manufacturing is a student-run, elective business-style program that teaches estimating, quoting, logistics, welding, machining, and employability skills, and he said the grant portion is especially important because many students go directly into the workforce. Naomi Brasky, a St. Francis student and Army National Guard enlistee, said the program has given her real-world problem-solving and communication experience and that grants would help cover costs not included in tuition. Members responded positively, with one noting broader trends away from four-year college and calling the bill common sense. In closing, Representative Lorentzen credited instructor Eric Trost for originating the idea and thanked an audience member, Mr. Yost, for supporting the program. The chair then laid House File 1791 over.

Transcript Highlights:

• And JERA is lining up to be exactly the same type of activity.
• You're opening conduits into the world's most active volcano.
• You're opening conduits into the world's most active volcano.
• You're opening conduits into the world's most active volcano.
• You're opening conduits into the world's most active volcano.

Bills: HB2284

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The hearing covered House Bill 2284, which would create the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Human Services to help qualifying households pay energy bills and direct the Public Utilities Commission’s public benefits fee administrator to provide information and assistance to recipients. Testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, DHS, and the Public Utilities Commission was in support. A committee member asked about how the program would interact with existing TANF-related energy assistance and whether rules could be adjusted to avoid duplicative benefits; DHS said logistics would need to be worked out and that the agencies would make the rules. The committees noted the bill’s $1.5 million appropriation and moved it forward with amendments, including blanking out amounts and noting them in the committee report. Both committees voted to pass HB 2284 with amendments, with the recommendation adopted. The committee then heard House Bill 2486, relating to plug-in or balcony solar. DCCA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission stood on prior testimony in support of the bill’s intent. Multiple advocates and organizations, including Carbon Cashback Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Bright Saver, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, testified in support, arguing that plug-in solar would lower electricity bills, expand access for renters and condo residents, and reduce emissions. Several speakers urged the committee to remove or avoid registration, reporting, feed-in tariff, interconnection fee, and other requirements they said would create barriers. Bright Saver testified that the systems are safe and would not back-feed during outages. No vote was taken on HB 2486 during the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1568, which would prohibit the importation or storage of LNG in the state and the construction of related infrastructure. State agencies including the Consumer Advocate, Hawaii State Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill, with the Energy Office arguing LNG would perpetuate oil use on Oahu and expose the state to price volatility. Supporters included Life of the Land, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Earthjustice, Our Hawaii, and others, who argued LNG would lock Hawaii into another fossil fuel dependency, create major infrastructure costs and safety risks, and undermine the state’s renewable energy goals. Several testifiers cited climate and affordability concerns and urged the committee to reject LNG. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1568, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill was similar, but it didn't—it only did active duty active police and fire. I see.
• The bill was similar, but it didn't—it only did active duty police and fire, I see.
• </c><00:08:42.680><c> duty</c><00:08:43.200><c> active</c> didn't it only did um active duty active didn't
• it only did um active duty active police<00:08:44.200><c> and</c><00:08:44.440><c> fire</c><00:08:44.959
• Years ago, and again, this is without a lobbying group or anything.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you know, they have a powerful lobbying capacity, and I'm really impressed that we were able to muster
• <00:07:10.440><c> have</c><00:07:10.600><c> a</c><00:07:10.640><c> powerful</c><00:07:11.160><c> lobbying
• </c> know, they have a powerful lobbying know, they have a powerful lobbying capacity<00:07:12.680><c
• <00:07:19.919><c> time</c><00:07:20.120><c> and</c><00:07:20.200><c> energy</c><00:07:20.520><c> lobbying
• </c> spent a lot of time and energy lobbying spent a lot of time and energy lobbying individual<00:07

Transcript Highlights:

• It is active in all four requirements.
• We were getting ready for the lobby day today. So, aloha, Chair.
• We were getting ready for the lobby day today. So, aloha, Chair.
• We were getting ready for the lobby day today. So, aloha, Chair.
• </c><00:31:57.279><c> and</c> universities allowing ICE activities and universities allowing ICE activities

Bills: HB1577 , HB1870

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee reconvened on March 19, 2026, for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week. It first took up HB 812 on agriculture, agreeing to move it forward with amendments and a Senate draft, and then HB 2388 on public notice, which was also passed with amendments after concerns about transparency and the need for local newspaper notice on Maui were discussed. HB 1414 on procurement and HB 2469 on a regular session review working group were both deferred to March 24 for further work with the author, while HB 322 on voter registration was deferred indefinitely in favor of a Senate vehicle. The committee then heard HB 1577, which would create a statewide emergency safety profile system pilot program and working group for 911. Testimony from disability advocates, emergency medical services, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing benefits for people without smartphones, better sharing of medical and emergency information, and improved response in the field. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the 911 Board already had the authority to implement the system without legislation, and the bill was not immediately acted on in the portion of the transcript provided. The final major item was HB 1870 on protected community locations. Testimony in support came from the University of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, immigrant-rights groups, public health advocates, and many individuals, while the Department of Education supported the measure but requested clarity on federal compliance and raised concerns about a 1,000-foot perimeter beyond campus. Supporters said the bill would protect sensitive locations and help immigrant families feel safe accessing schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on HB 1870 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> dollars right that because many lobbies dollars right that because many lobbies pass<00:30:45.840
• There's nothing in this language that allows you to set up shop in their lobby.
• .<01:10:18.320><c> Madam</c><01:10:18.719><c> Chair,</c> lobby.
• Madam Chair, lobby.
• In short, they're vital. activities. They can't be a lobbyist or activities.

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• loss ratio is defined as a health carrier's incurred claims plus the carrier's expenditures for activities
• that improve health quality, divided by the health carrier's premiums... ...activities that improve
• everything but consumer benefit: junk fees, obscene CEO bonuses, deceptive marketing, and political lobbying
• everything but consumer benefit, junk fees, obscene CEO bonuses, deceptive marketing, and political lobbying
• These activities require nursing judgment, ongoing assessment, and the ability to respond immediately

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2261, which would require health care providers to wear badges showing name, credential, and relevant degrees, require similar disclosure in advertising, and restrict use of the title “physician surgeon” to certain physicians and osteopathic physicians. Supporters, including the Washington State Medical Association and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and informed consent. Opponents from nurse, naturopathic, and adult family home groups argued it was overly broad, burdensome, confusing, and could harm access to care or residential home settings; several also said existing disciplinary laws already address misrepresentation. No vote was taken on HB 2261 during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2283, which would raise the medical loss ratio for fully insured individual, small group, and large group health plans to 90 percent. Supporters, including small business, patient, and physician groups, said the bill would push more premium dollars toward patient care and lower costs or increase rebates. Insurers and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner warned it could destabilize the market, reduce flexibility for administrative services, and lead to carrier exits, though OIC said it was working on amendments. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. House Bill 2425, an agency-request bill on nurse delegation, would broaden what tasks registered nurses may delegate, remove some setting and training restrictions, expand emergency medication authority, and adjust liability and retaliation protections. The Board of Nursing, long-term care providers, and skilled nursing/assisted living representatives supported the bill as a modernization that could ease workforce shortages and improve care access, while the Washington State Association for Justice opposed the immunity provisions and raised patient safety concerns. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 2425. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. HB 2110, with an amendment clarifying ambulance staffing and RN scope, passed 18-0 with one excused. HB 2113 passed 18-0 with one excused. HB 2122, as amended to require hospitals to offer flu vaccines with several flexibility and critical-access-hospital exemptions, passed 15-3 with one excused. HB 2152, as amended to require certain facilities to allow medical cannabis use for qualifying terminal patients and to add related exemptions and protections, passed 17-1 with one excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I didn't want that to interfere with a foreign lobby who might try to interfere with election law
• /c><00:08:08.360><c> with</c><00:08:09.080><c> a</c><00:08:09.200><c> foreign</c><00:08:09.560><c> lobby
• </c><00:08:09.960><c> who</c> to interfere with a foreign lobby who to interfere with a foreign lobby

Summary: The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 534 met to reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill dealing with foreign influence in elections and related election-law provisions. The House members explained that they had spent several hours revising the bill line by line to better fit existing statute, while preserving the substance of the Senate bill. Senator Lang reported that, after meeting with the Secretary of State, his concern about a foreign entity using a lobbyist for procurement matters was resolved, and he said the House language addressed election-law and warrant article issues rather than procurement issues. Senator Rosenwald raised concerns that the House version broadened the bill too far into local elections and could burden or discourage candidates for local offices such as select board, library trustee, or fire commission. In response, House members said the bill does not require local candidates to form committees or file new reports; instead, it prohibits foreign entities from donating to local campaigns and makes enforcement complaint-driven through the Attorney General’s public integrity unit. They said an earlier affirmation requirement had been removed and characterized the change as closing a loophole for foreign funding of local candidates and measures. After discussion, the Senate voted to accede to the House position, with the chair calling the vote and announcing that the ayes had it. The committee then discussed placing the measure on the consent calendar, but that plan was dropped because of an anticipated objection. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The California and Hawaii State Conference boasts 57 branches and over 55,000 active members...”
• The NAACP, we have five current active lawsuits against this administration.
• Let's be clear: there are no checks and balances or any oversight of these activities.
• We had a young woman who was recording an activity, and you see five ICE agents...
• We had a young woman who was recording an activity, and you see five ICE agents putting on gloves and

Summary: The Select Committee on Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia met to examine the scope of hate activity in California and hear from state agencies, commissions, and community organizations. The chair opened by framing hate as a persistent crisis affecting many protected groups, and Assembly Member Gonzalez briefly joined the committee. The first panel included the California Department of Justice and the California Commission on the State of Hate, both of which presented recent data and policy recommendations. The Department of Justice reported that in 2024 California saw 2,023 reported hate crime events, 2,568 hate crime offenses, and 2,491 victims, with anti-Black bias remaining the most common category, followed by anti-Jewish and anti-Latino bias. DOJ also said referrals for prosecution increased, and it described its hate-crimes guidance, rapid response protocol, and multilingual resources. The Commission on the State of Hate said hate is undercounted in law enforcement data and cited a survey suggesting about 2.6 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year, including more than half a million potentially criminal incidents. It recommended permanent data infrastructure, mandatory law enforcement training, and continued funding for community-based prevention and victim support. The committee then heard testimony from representatives of the NAACP, LULAC, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, CARE, Equality California, and the Racial Equity Commission. Witnesses described systemic racism, anti-immigrant enforcement, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian bias, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate, often linking these harms to political rhetoric, social media, and federal actions. They urged the Legislature to fund programs such as California vs. Hate, Stop the Hate, nonprofit security grants, language access, school and mental health supports, and legal assistance, while also protecting civil rights, due process, and free speech. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing, but members indicated they would request additional recommendations and continue the discussion in future hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Knight Phil Dazzio have an active Knight Phil Dazzio have an active program<00:52:35.680><c> that
• </c><04:31:49.279><c> Most</c> by and for the gun lobby. Most by and for the gun lobby.
• HR556 imposes a federal gun lobby.
• Those activities to remain sustainable and accessible for future generations.
• Maine, New on behalf of the gun lobby.