Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:11.520><c> statement</c> touched on this in my opening statement touched on this in my opening
• Um, I think it opens our universities up to frivolous lawsuits.
• Um, I think it opens our universities up to frivolous lawsuits.
• Um, I think it opens our universities up to frivolous lawsuits.
• I think it opens our universities up to frivolous lawsuits.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also planning a new family medicine clinic set to open this summer in the Irvington community in
• We're also planning a new family medicine clinic set to open this summer in the Irvington community in
• our Hospital our patients the doors open our Hospital our patients and<00:15:55.279><c> our</c><00:15
• It is to keep the doors open for those places that people need to be able to receive health care.
• </c><00:41:34.160><c> so</c> intended to do keep the doors open so intended to do keep the doors open

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you all able to open up the report? Okay. If you guys are all able to open that up.
• We opened up all the locations that we thought in the state were open for bid. That went through.
• I know, I believe the SECC, which is formerly state radio, is taking a look at how to modernize open
• They're open right now, and they can give you diapers.'
• They're open right now and they can give you diapers.

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a facility that we just opened in October in Bartlett.
• We have another one that's ready to open when the population needs it in Palestine.
• In Texas, it will open the gurney unit, but again, we continue to stage behind that to make sure that
• We need to open that unit as we look at population projections.
• With that, Madam Chair, I'm open to any questions. Members, questions? Vice-Chair D'Alessio.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, that's their primary school.
• </c> And so, that's their primary school. And so, that's their primary school.
• And first of all, I would like to open this up for public comment.
• And first of all, I would like to open this up for public comment.
• Um so, [clears throat] open to any questions you might have this morning.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Facilities met to satisfy its quarterly statutory requirement and to discuss interim priorities. Staff from LSO reviewed the committee’s duties: monitoring K-12 school facilities statewide, prioritizing needs for the interim, and preparing a budget request due by November 1. They also noted the ongoing litigation related to the Chapter 3, Section 8 exception process and said the committee would move forward with securing a consultant to study that issue, as previously authorized by Management Council. A major topic was school funding formulas, especially how average daily membership (ADM) affects routine and major maintenance funding and how excess square footage is treated. Members revisited an earlier proposal to fund 135% of allowable square footage, which did not advance this session, and discussed whether some schools should instead be funded at a minimum percentage of their actual square footage. Staff explained that some districts have buildings larger than their formula allowance, and that the issue is complicated by older buildings, pools, and other unique facilities. They also noted that recent changes to the major maintenance multiplier increased funding and that some districts are still not fully covered by the formulas. Safety and security funding was another focus. The State Construction Department reported that $10 million was appropriated this year for safety and security upgrades, with some funds expected to go toward vestibules, bollards, and design work, and the rest through a district application process. Officials said the last comprehensive safety assessment was done more than 10 years ago and suggested a new consultant-led study to update priorities, since technology and building conditions have changed. Members also discussed the role of school resource officers and whether the committee should continue leading this work rather than handing it off to the recalibration committee. The committee also examined declining enrollment and excess capacity across the state, citing examples such as Newcastle, Shoshoni, Casper, Campbell County, and Fremont County. Officials said some districts are right-sizing by taking schools offline, while others cannot easily reduce capacity because the buildings are essential to the community. Charter school leasing was raised as a related concern, including the Mills charter school and the fact that the state pays lease costs based on ADM and allowable square footage. No formal votes were taken, but the committee agreed to continue studying these issues, likely including site visits and further data requests during the interim.

Transcript Highlights:

• For those that have been around, you will note that CHF has been the primary opposition on this bill
• We work with an even more diverse range of home seekers, but there are two primary groups.
• We work with an even more diverse range of home seekers, but there are two primary groups.
• So my point, and I hope we can all appreciate this, is that this is opening up a conversation where we
• All right, the bill needs a couple more votes, and so we'll keep the roll open for that purpose.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the primary drivers is simply the increase in construction costs that continue to rise through
• And with that, I'm open for questions.
• to any ideas on how to get this open to any ideas on how to get this done<00:43:13.160><c> but</c><00
• She said, “I’m sure we’ll be in touch, and if you have further discussion, my office is open, and I’m
• sure Chair Lee’s office will be open as well.”

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Any three, I'm open to do. ...information.
• Signed an open session.
• Signed in open session.
• House Bill 2323 signed in open session.
• Signed in open session.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, we'll open up public testimony on Senate Bill 666. Chair calls Margin Lanille. MD?
• I will open public testimony on Senate Bill 707 and the chair calls Dr. Brian Registrar.
• Open testimony is closed.
• We'll open public testimony.
• presenting as the opposite sex reads to a minor and they're being dressed as the opposite sex. is a primary

Bills: SB18 , SB19 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB 18 , SB 19

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: municipal libraries, state funding, gender identity, public events, children's literature, SB 19, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county, city, municipality, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying ban, public funds, registered lobbyist, Chapter 305, Government Code, Local Government Code, county association dues

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, chair will open up public testimony on Senate Bill 666. Chair calls, uh, Margin Linnell.
• We will open uh Testimony And the chair calls Russell, Russell Withers. Testifying for the bill.
• I will open public testimony on Senate Bill 707, and the chair calls Dr. Brian Register.
• Uh, we'll open public testimony and the chair will call, uh, again, Tom Glass, who thankfully didn't
• presenting as the opposite sex reads to a minor, and they're being dressed as the opposite sex is a primary

Bills: SB 18 , SB 19 , SB 666 , SB 688 , SB 707 , SB 888

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: municipal libraries, state funding, gender identity, public events, children's literature, SB 19, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county, city, municipality, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying ban, public funds, registered lobbyist, Chapter 305, Government Code, Local Government Code, county association dues

Transcript Highlights:

• I would offer our ranking member, Senator Palumbo, to offer any opening remarks?
• I would offer our ranking member, Senator Palumbo, to offer any opening remarks?
• And I just appreciate you looking out to people that are not English as their primary language in our

Committee: Senate Codes

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met in a different room due to scheduling conflicts and considered a series of bills, mostly criminal procedure, penal law, civil rights, and executive law measures. Several bills had previously passed the Senate unanimously and were quickly moved through committee, including measures sponsored by Senators Harkham, Scootis, Bernardis, Scarsella Spanton, Conrad, Ryan, Jimenez, and others. The committee also considered Senate Print 1004A by Senator Brisport, which would amend the Criminal Procedure Law and Mental Hygiene Law to address prolonged detention of incapacitated individuals; Senator Palumbo supported the bill’s intent but objected to the mechanism, and the bill was reported to finance with Palumbo in the negative and Gallivan without recommendation. Senator Bailey’s Senate Print 4525, focused on language access in criminal procedure, drew supportive comments about ensuring non-English speakers are not denied justice, but it was reported with Senator Kavanagh without recommendation and Senators Murray and Palumbo in the negative. The committee also advanced Senate Print 5110A by Senator Scarcella Spanton, which would increase protections for HPD inspectors by making assaults on them a low-level felony; members expressed concern about increasing penalties but agreed the bill had merit, and it was reported with Kavanagh without recommendation and Brisport and Sepúlveda in the negative. The most extended discussion centered on Senate Print 3021C by Senator Hinchy, which would require a uniform tattoo policy for state and local law enforcement. Members debated First Amendment concerns, subjectivity in determining what is “offensive,” and whether the bill should set clearer guardrails or simply require agencies to adopt a policy. Supporters said the bill aimed to create statewide consistency and reflect changing norms around tattoos, while critics worried about subjective enforcement and potential constitutional issues. The bill was moved by Senator Myrie and reported, with Senators Sepúlveda and Brisport without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked members for the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, would the good representative be open to a question? I stepped way too fast. Yes, Mr.
• So there's kind of a question and a suggestion: are you open to dropping the number of years?
• Masking serves two primary purposes for a perpetrator: first, intimidation.

Summary: The House Judiciary and Rules Committee met to open the session, take attendance, and review committee expectations and procedures. The chair welcomed members and a new page, reminded the committee about attendance, decorum, limits on testimony and cross-examination, and the courtesy of notifying sponsors before changing a vote. He then moved through several RS introductions for public hearing. RS 32943, by Rep. Britt Raybould, would revise criminal solicitation penalties so that ages 18-20 could still be charged with a misdemeanor on a first offense, with felony treatment only after a second qualifying offense; those 21 and older would face a felony on the first offense. The committee discussed concerns about incarceration impacts, especially for women, and Raybould said the bill targeted the person doing the solicitation. RS 32929, by Rep. Marco Erickson, would add a county juvenile justice/detention probation representative to a board so county-level practitioners have a voice. RS 32930, also by Erickson, would extend Good Samaritan protections to people providing aid in mental health or suicide-related crises, with questions focused on whether the language covered psychological emergencies and how it would apply in unusual restraint situations. RS 32931, by Rep. Pohanka, would allow reckless-driving citations in construction and school zones for extreme speeding, such as 25 mph over the limit, to address crashes and injuries; members confirmed officers would retain discretion. RS 32942, by Rep. Don Hall, would create an optional sentencing enhancement and/or fine when a person conceals their identity with a mask while committing or attempting serious crimes, intended to aid prosecution and deter intimidation and obstruction. Members raised concerns about religious head coverings and possible misuse, and Hall said intent and prosecutorial/judicial discretion would be key. All five RS requests were moved to introduction and approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 19 has to do with Representative Nash's report on open positions.
• We will now open it up for public testimony. Where's my list? Okay, thank you.
• Edmund's primary role is to help government best serve Minnesotans.

Bills: HF2783

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like an opening comment? No, sir.
• Any three, I'm open to do. Information.
• Any three, I'm open to do. information any three I'm I'm open to changing the unanimous requirement but
• House Bill 2110, signed in open session.
• Signed an open session.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and several ceremonial proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Joseph Torkelson for his service in pediatric oncology and military medicine. Members also introduced guests connected to Arizona Bleeding Disorders, charter schools, and a suicide-prevention effort tied to HB 2665 (“Cade’s Law”). The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions. On the first calendar, the House gave do pass recommendations, mostly as amended, to HB 2117, 2744, 2751, 2917, 2939, 2957, 2970, and HCR 2038. The amendments addressed topics such as natural resource conservation district boundaries, manufacturing and jobs, Real ID/non-Real ID data privacy, and Colorado River conservation and tribal/community representation. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent the measures for engrossing; a later motion to amend the report to include the defeated Villegas amendment on HB 2667 failed by roll call vote, 22-32 with 6 not voting. In the next calendars, the House advanced HB 2015, 2129, 2327, 2439, 2533, 2667, 2793, 2873, HCR 2044, and others, with several floor or committee amendments adopted. Debate focused on homelessness coordination in HB 2533, homebuyer assistance and corporate ownership concerns in HB 2667, annexation and local control in HB 2793, and a proposed constitutional referral in HCR 2044 aimed at closing loopholes for discrimination in public programs. The House also considered HB 2044 and HB 2076 in the Judiciary calendar, with debate over the scope of a homicide-disposal statute in HB 2044 and school safety/teacher firearms issues in HB 2076; both bills advanced as amended. The final calendar covered natural resources, energy, and water bills. The House advanced HB 2014, 2055, 2145, 2185, 2267, 2340, 2428, 2696, 2798, 2955, 2975, and 2986, with amendments on drought definitions, emissions permitting, mineral district mapping, and environmental enforcement authority. HB 2267 drew the sharpest debate, with opponents arguing it would hinder solar and wind development and supporters arguing for diversification toward coal, gas, and nuclear; after a division vote, the bill still received a do pass recommendation. The session concluded with the Committee of the Whole rising and reporting, and the House adopting the report and assigning the measures accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark is the head of the Office of Federal Awards Management, whose primary responsibility is to take
• responsibility is to take care primary responsibility is to take care of<00:05:37.360><c> and</c><00
• > not</c><01:17:05.760><c> the</c> was primary primary it that's not the was primary primary it that's
• </c><01:39:00.880><c> to</c> presentation members will open to presentation members will open to questions
• So we are trying to make sure that we keep that open line of communication.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> [clears throat] The primary areas include, first, in sections 1 and 2, focusing on allowing Commerce
• ; [clears throat] &gt;&gt; [clears throat] &gt;&gt; [clears throat] &gt;&gt; The<00:01:56.240><c> primary
• areas include, first, in &gt;&gt; The primary areas include, first, in sections<00:01:59.280><c> 1</
• </c> February 1st if you're open to that. February 1st if you're open to that.
• Are you open to making a change on that?

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Certainly during the primary, we have a good representation of the candidates here in New Hampshire,
• the next one in public hearing and open the next one in just<00:22:10.480><c> a</c><00:22:10.679><c>
• minute</c> We again open up the public hearing on Senate Bill 16.
• I'm the program coordinator for Open Democracy.
• </c><00:32:00.440><c> democracy</c> program coordinator for open democracy program coordinator for open

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you all very much. collaboration between both sides, so we're open to that too.
• It doesn't matter what the primary mission is.
• Obviously, the Coast Guard is the primary one that we have big concerns about.
• The PRA process does not open law enforcement officers to doxing or other employments.
• And this bill will not open the floodgates.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So to me, it's just an open question.
• To me, it's just an open question.
• As I sat in this room at this time last year, we had 8,700 open matters.
• If we have 12,000 open matters, we can only refer maybe 1,000 to mediation each year.
• We're certainly open to sharing, you know, any additional information that...

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the Senate’s budget plan for affordable housing and homelessness, including a proposed $2 billion housing investment and full funding for HHAP rounds 7 and 8. The first major item was the administration’s housing reorganization and trailer bill package, which would codify the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC), consolidate multifamily housing finance programs into a one-stop application and award process, and shift some authority over bonds, tax credits, and the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. Administration officials said the goal was to reduce duplication, speed projects from award to construction, and improve accountability by aligning financing decisions. The LAO generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside and earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, and suggested preserving flexibility for integrated applications and reporting back on the proposed 70/30 split for housing versus sustainable communities funding. Committee members, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the new committee structure could add process and delay, and questioned whether the proposal was effectively repurposing the climate-oriented ASIC program into a housing finance tool without enough direct investment in core housing programs. Administration witnesses responded that the structure was meant to create transparency, public accountability, and simultaneous financing awards, and said the proposal was only a first step in a broader consolidation effort. Members also asked about specific programs such as the Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grant Program and the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, and staff said those would remain within the broader streamlined framework or the flexible sustainable communities allocation. The committee then heard from CDLAC and TCAC on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance. Staff explained that H.R. 1 increased the federal 9% LIHTC allocation and, more importantly, lowered the bond-financing threshold for 4% credits from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the change, resulting in 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members asked about the value of the state low-income housing tax credit program and rehabilitation projects; staff said state credits remain important for filling financing gaps and that a portion of bond and credit resources is now set aside for acquisition and rehabilitation. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights rollbacks and on three limited-term or expiring programs: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal closures and funding cuts have increased demand on the department, which now has more than 12,000 open matters, up from 8,700 a year earlier, and a six-month wait for intake interviews despite overtime triage and early case screening. Members urged continued funding for the programs, arguing they are essential as federal protections weaken; department staff said California vs. Hate connects callers quickly to support services, the conflict resolution unit fills a gap left by the shuttered federal counterpart, and the limited-term investigators have helped reduce wait times even as filings continue to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Debate is open. Thank you. Is there further debate?
• And with that, debate is open. Is there further debate? Hearing none.
• Debate is open. Thank you. Is there for the debate?
• President, debate is open. Is there further debate?
• Debate is open. Thank you. Is there further debate?

Keywords: 989, all