Transcript Highlights:

• Do we find the label that matches the actual content?
• Those packages, there's nothing about those packages.
• So all of our products have child-resistant packaging.
• on good packaging for Texas.
• I don't see any child-advertised packaging."

Bills: HB5

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To your question as to why that's better or easier, I mean, number one, it sort of has that Matching
• Where you and I encounter these often is in our day to day products that show up in our food packaging
• , but they only package for retail products.
• Specific to dairy, we need more bottling and packaging.
• For USDA or state-inspected meat plants, as well as cut and package operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Rommel and Senator Powers, I think that was a new grant program that was part of a larger package
• Powers' question, I would say that in the last legislative session, there was funding for an employer match
• For an employer match program that was a grant program.
• So with respect to this, if you do the 50% that would match the 50% match that was put into the grant

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee discussed a child care tax credit bill and focused mainly on narrowing the eligibility language. Members agreed to remove a proposed 10-mile limitation tied to the state line at first, then revisited the issue after concerns from the Tax Department and Legislative Council about remote workers, border communities, and out-of-state daycare use. Testimony from the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the credit as a more flexible version of a prior grant program, while committee members debated whether the credit should apply only to North Dakota residents, employees working in North Dakota, or child care providers located in North Dakota or border cities. After extended discussion, the committee settled on keeping the 10-mile language and striking the resident requirement from the definition of “qualified employee,” with the intent of better capturing border-area workers while avoiding broader unintended coverage. Members noted the bill is aimed at workforce and child care access, especially in Fargo, Grand Forks, and other border areas, and acknowledged that the language may still need adjustment in the future. The Tax Department and Legislative Council indicated the revised language would be workable. Representative Foss moved the final amendment to the conference committee report, Senator Powers seconded, and the motion passed on a roll call vote with all members voting yes: Chairman Rummel, Senator Marseille, Senator Powers, Representative Doctor, Representative Foss, and Representative Anderson. The committee then adjourned, with House and Senate members designated to carry the report forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, most of our packaging comes from China.
• Um, most of our packaging comes from China.
• Um, most of our packaging comes from China.
• Um we meet the federal match on that.
• It'll be part of our package question.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's at a two-to-one match, which has been really helpful for communities.
• So that when they're packaging their tours, New Mexico is part of those tours.
• But I've been, you know, versus the federal match. How are we?
• At those matches with the federal government, Mr. Chair, Mr.
• So it's a one-to-one match. And thank you for clarifying that.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this We had to have your package in by noon on Monday, so we'll get it to you.
• It's not just a name that we match on. There's several different data points for most.
• Yes, ma'am, we want to make sure that if we identify a potential match, that it is high-quality, that
• Just because we give them a match doesn't mean that they have to. on it.
• We submit our rule packages.

Bills: HB10, HB 12, HB675, HB10, HB12

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• And we know these chemicals leach from food packaging into food.
• Sharp Collins, for your leadership on AB 1148, the Safer Food Packaging Act.
• Despite that, they are still legal in food packaging.
• Despite that, they are still legal in food packaging.
• Maine and Vermont have banned phallates, and the U.S. food packaging.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like in a hockey match when they switch, the shift switch. I'm down for it.
• If the incentive were $1,500 all in, that's with the OEM match, we could expect around 260,000 rebates
• I'm here in support of the Governor's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Incentive Package.
• This is why I strongly support the Governor's staff incentive package.
• I am in strong support of the Governor's SAF incentive package.

Summary: The meeting began with a budget subcommittee hearing on a proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit trailer bill. Assembly Members Ávila Farías and another member spoke in support, emphasizing union jobs, refinery investments, and the need to decarbonize aviation. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s proposal would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold in California from 2026 to 2036. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing it is a relatively expensive way to reduce emissions, has uncertain environmental benefits, could significantly reduce transportation revenues, and conflicts with the spirit of voter restrictions on transportation taxes. Committee members questioned whether the credit would mainly benefit out-of-state producers, whether firms would have diesel tax liability to use the credit, and whether the proposal would shift production away from renewable diesel and raise fuel prices. Administration and CARB staff said the credit is intended to support aviation decarbonization, preserve jobs, and help keep California on track toward its 2045 climate goals. LAO and UC Berkeley testimony countered that the policy could mostly subsidize existing technologies, that feedstock supply is limited, and that the net emissions benefit may be small relative to the cost. Members also asked about the effect on local streets and roads, SHOP, and trade corridor funding; Finance estimated a $165 million annual revenue impact would reduce those programs, while LAO said the reductions would mean fewer projects over time. No vote was taken, and the chair said the issue would remain open for further discussion. The committee then moved to a zero-emission vehicle incentive trailer bill proposing a one-time $200 million appropriation to CARB for a new point-of-sale incentive program focused on first-time buyers and leases of new and used light-duty ZEVs. Supporters said the program would help offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, maintain momentum in California’s ZEV transition, and use a one-to-one match with participating automakers to double the state’s investment. LAO recommended rejection, saying the proposal does not meet the high budget bar this year, lacks enough program detail to evaluate, is unlikely to move sales significantly given the size of the appropriation, and could duplicate existing state and utility programs. Members asked about current incentives across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty sectors, the recent decline in ZEV sales, and whether the program would help lower-income buyers rather than subsidize purchases that would have happened anyway. CARB said the proposal is meant to fill a gap in the light-duty market, where sales fell sharply after the federal credit expired, and noted existing programs for other vehicle classes. The Department of Finance also addressed a separate question about the Motor Vehicle Account, saying a previously planned GGRF transfer was no longer needed because updated forecasts showed the fund had sufficient balances, though LAO said the account still has a structural long-term imbalance. The discussion ended before any vote or action on the ZEV proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the offense number, it's at the roughly 50-50 match.
• Again it's a 50-50 match. 50-50 match on the startup but... As it's implemented, how does that?
• , and those service packages are really designed to meet the unique needs of everyone. an individual
• One is on your slide dealing with the 27 new service packages.
• So if they're going to qualify for some of those specialized rate packages?

Keywords: budget, House Bill 1, public education, healthcare, border security, federal funding, spending limits

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I need to know that if this package satisfies you, all the package, these three bills and four bills
• All the package, these three bills and four bills are in this package.
• And so that's why I'm asking those questions on packages.
• If this is the package now, does this keep you here?
• I did the math, and your math actually matches.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , a percentage of match on the part of the department.
• , a percentage of match on the part of the department.
• , a percentage of match on the part of the department.
• , a percentage of match on the part of the department.
• , a percentage of match on the part of the department.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate the inclusion of student housing in that bill because there is a matching opportunity.
• It becomes a nice supportive package. Thank you so much.
• We work with our communities to do these; it's a two-to-one match program.
• They work with a group who packages all these products, including the hotel and the experience.
• I challenge other agencies to match our potential. to say the same.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I mentioned, we have the 2024 prohibition on PAS in food packaging.
• , and are, in most cases, not finding PAS in the food packaging.
• cases types of packaging and are most cases are<00:22:43.120> not<00:22:43.280> finding
• Where there are situations, packaging.
• much easier for them to be able to match much easier for them to be able to match the<00:30:47.760

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the enhanced match under the 80% plan in state fiscal year 25.
• And then the enhanced match under the 80% plan in state fiscal year 25.
• But when we add the matching federal dollars, it's then $1.5 million.
• The state, instead of a 50% match, in those instances gets an 85% match.
• compliance in terms of the federal match compliance in terms of the federal match level<01:44:04.639

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in total, this budget package includes 46.7 million in '26-'27 and 212.3 million in '28, and of this
• 00:02:37.080> total,<00:02:37.320> this<00:02:37.520> budget<00:02:37.800> package
• Um and in total, this budget package Um and in total, this budget package includes<00:02:38.600>
• what happened in Ramsey and uh to match what happened in Ramsey and Hennepin<00:13:43.839> County
• compliance package. compliance package.

Bills: HF4525, HF3002, HF3665, HF4420

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• and the documentation that goes along with those packages, namely through the explanatory report.
• That's the kind of information that comes out of the model that we package up.
• We package all this information up and we provide it to the districts to support them in development
• One clarification: local match is not required, but if districts are offering up local match or have
• In other words, is it to match the amount leaving?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if we do uh periodic data matching.
• So what about periodic data matching.
• That meant the next data matching.
• matching matching which<00:18:42.240> by<00:18:42.400> the<00:18:42.559> way<00
• <00:21:44.159> Speaker, data matching. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, data matching.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs. Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote. Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, a group of us, both in the Assembly and the Senate, have a package looking to address the
• Colleagues, a group of us, both in the Assembly and the Senate, have a package looking to address the
• You know, we have this whole slew of package of bills recognizing that we got called out, right?
• to show that you did not know the vehicle was being utilized for this kind of behavior, and in the package
• Sorry, your green was matching the chair. To my chair's, Davies, thanks. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on active transportation, transit, road safety, and local enforcement. SB 569 would restrict removal or downgrading of bikeways built with state General Fund dollars for at least 20 years, require public hearings before major changes, and was supported by bicycle advocates and some local and environmental groups. The City of Encinitas opposed the bill, arguing it could limit needed safety fixes and should apply only to future projects; committee members discussed whether the bill still allowed safety-based modifications. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations. SB 741 would streamline the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program by reducing administrative burden and giving transit agencies more flexibility to use funds for service improvements, fare programs, and other transit needs while maintaining oversight and disadvantaged community requirements. Transit agencies and advocacy groups supported the measure, saying it would help agencies respond to post-pandemic ridership and financial challenges. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1167, which would tighten consumer protections by clarifying that high-powered e-motos and similar motor vehicles are not e-bikes, requiring clearer disclosures and labels, and improving crash reporting. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and parents; the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed unless amended, arguing the term “e-bike” is used broadly and the bill could affect existing businesses. The bill passed to Appropriations. Later, SB 953, dealing with vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through misdemeanor diversion, would add DMV points so fatal conduct remains reflected on driving records; the bill was supported by the victim’s family and safety advocates and passed to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1218, which would let local agencies boot vehicles tied to repeated unpaid illegal dumping citations instead of using DMV enforcement. Oakland officials and community groups supported the bill as a needed deterrent, while the ACLU opposed it as punitive debt collection without a sufficient nexus to the vehicle. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 739 would revise the Clean Miles Standard for rideshare companies by allowing CARB and CPUC to adjust electric vehicle mileage targets in light of current market conditions; Uber and Lyft supported the flexibility, while clean air advocates began raising concerns about weakening climate goals as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• The core question, I think, is whether the capacity matches the risk profile New Mexico already faces
• And there's going to be a whole package of stuff that will probably be put together for the 27 session
• Chair, members of the committee, just to put some context in between the two non-recurring packages,
• the LFC's total package was $29.5 million for non-recurring for ISC, while the executive's was $94.5
• Chair, though they haven't... ...in the non-recurring package.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what we see in the package that passed out of the Senate and the House is that they did include annual
• spending, and money for ICE—things that normally should not be part of reconciliation are in this package
• The matching fund requirement will change, and potentially for us, even be pushed out if we can get our
• And the match fund, the federal match fund, I think we were pushing for 200 million; we got 75, I think
• know, it was millions of dollars that came into the north because of that, because of our federal match