Transcript Highlights:

• Forty-eight percent at large or small that helps with career counseling and job placement.
• In the first year class, we have small groups of 17 students per class, and our large groups average
• There are six small sections.
• There are six small sections.
• And so you know, this is a small microcosm, small example of what happens when we.

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• These revisions could be beneficial for some of our small local government entities, like land grants
• , acequias, and other small counties, municipalities, and special districts.
• I was just amazed at how much work you were able to accomplish with such a small staff.
• A little bit about small local public bodies and kind of move down.
• The Small Local Public Bodies Assistance Program was formed.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• If you don't know about Robinsdale, Robinsdale is a small, tight-knit community with a small-town feel
• The many small businesses and restaurants contribute to that spirit.
• If you don't know about Robinsdale, Robinsdale is a small, tight-knit community with a small-town feel
• The many small businesses and restaurants contribute to that spirit.
• If you don't know about Robinsdale, Robinsdale is a small, tight-knit community with a small-town feel

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> renovation and expansion of our small renovation and expansion of our small animal<00:16:31.519>
• university and a small program.
• </c> research expenditures for a small research expenditures for a small university<00:25:30.400><c>
• That's university and a small program.
• </c> a small agency but with big performance. a small agency but with big performance.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Small businesses will feel that. Prices will increase.
• Nobody wants to make things tougher on small business owners.
• But small business owners are also parents.
• AB 1349 is another swipe at a small Latino-owned business.
• AB 1349 is another swipe at a small Latino-owned business.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee first took up AB 56, a bill by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan to require social media platforms to display a warning about potential mental health harms from sustained use, especially for minors. The author and supporters, including a bereaved parent and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and isolation, and that a warning label would help families make informed choices. Opponents from TechNet, CCIA, and privacy groups said the bill would be ineffective, could be ignored, and raised First Amendment and implementation concerns. Members discussed emergency access during disasters, multilingual warnings, and whether the warning should be more action-oriented. The committee accepted amendments, then voted 9-0 to pass AB 56 to the Judiciary Committee, with several members noting support and some requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard AB 358, which would let law enforcement inspect certain tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home or vehicle without first obtaining a warrant, if the victim consents. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is meant to help stalking and domestic violence survivors quickly examine devices like AirTags or hidden cameras before evidence is lost, and they emphasized the bill was narrowed to devices used solely for surveillance. Opponents from the EFF and ACLU argued the bill would weaken CalECPA and create a warrantless-search loophole, while some members raised Fourth Amendment, transparency, and ICE-sharing concerns. Others supported the bill as a narrow, common-sense tool for victim safety. The committee passed AB 358 on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 1137, which would strengthen California’s reporting system for child sexual abuse material on social media platforms. The author said the bill expands who can report CSAM, requires clearer reporting mechanisms, adds human review in some cases, and creates public audit and enforcement provisions to improve compliance with the existing framework enacted last year. Supporters, including survivors and advocacy organizations, said the bill would reduce the burden on victims and help remove abusive images more effectively. TechNet, CalChamber, and CCIA opposed unless amended, saying the human-review, audit, and public-reporting requirements could be costly, burdensome, and potentially harmful to safety and security. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about the frequency and public release of audits and the role of human review; the bill was left open for further action after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but those super rural areas have very small number of trips.
• And then be a small add-on which is 2%.
• Um so have very small number of trips.
• So need to make this small uh support.
• Um, Madam Chairman, Representative Clouston, there were a few minor, small, very small populations that

Bills: HB0004

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Small businesses like that are our lifeblood.
• Small businesses like that incentives.
• </c> small business owners, medium-sized small business owners, medium-sized business<00:18:19.840><c
• Uh I I think small segment of the state?
• </c> Senator Putnham's bill on allowing small Senator Putnham's bill on allowing small farms<01:10:21.600

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• We made a few small consumer feedback.
• It's too small, the fish is too small and they throw it back. >> That's annually. >> Yes. >> So when
• ,</c><01:05:51.440><c> the</c> at or below $25,000 it's too small, the at or below $25,000 it's too small
• </c> where the premium becomes that small. where the premium becomes that small.
• </c><01:16:16.800><c> No</c> "Okay, you're all too small. No "Okay, you're all too small.

Summary: The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates. HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease. Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks. HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• So even small changes have been a challenge to achieve.
• Last year, this committee heard SB 712, the original Leno's law bill proposing to exempt a small group
• Short-line railroads move some of the most productive agricultural goods in the world, linking small
• We operate six small Class III freight railroads in the state.
• Short-line railroads operate transloads and inland ports, enabling small communities to have access to

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation planning, emissions, freight, and vehicle regulation. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by moving regional plan updates from every four years to every eight years, clarifying roles for CARB and the California Transportation Commission, and better aligning funding and guidelines. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, MPOs, local governments, and some environmental groups, said the bill would reduce duplicative planning costs and improve implementation. Opponents, including Coalition for Clean Air and the California Building Industry Association, warned it could weaken climate accountability, expand VMT-related burdens, and create housing and CEQA concerns. The bill passed 9-1 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1315, which would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner so the state can build data for future policy. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed 12-0. SB 1275 by Senator McNerney would replace the general fund portion of the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a one-time vehicle license fee so buyers could potentially claim a federal tax deduction; the LAO testified as a technical witness, and the bill passed 9-1. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure; supporters said it would improve safety, freight efficiency, and emissions, and it passed 12-0. The committee also approved SB 1423 by Senator Stern, which would streamline review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive environmental review; it passed 8-1. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road vehicles, and passed 12-0 after supporters said it would reduce unnecessary trips and costs while opponents awaited CARB analysis. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would similarly reduce duplicative environmental review for qualifying major transit and rail projects, and passed 12-0. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for certain historic collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and charitable events; classic car and lowrider advocates supported it, while air quality groups opposed it as increasing emissions. It passed 10-2. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, including SB 1213, by a 12-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So even small changes have been a challenge to achieve.
• So even small changes has been a challenge to achieve.
• Last year, this committee heard SB 712, the original Leno's law bill proposing to exempt a small group
• Short-line railroads move some of the most productive agricultural goods in the world, linking small
• We operate six small Class III freight railroads in the state.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on transportation planning, freight, emissions, and vehicle regulations. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon would modernize SB 375 by extending regional plan cycles from four to eight years, improving coordination with CARB and other state agencies, and aligning funding and guidelines more closely with climate and mobility goals. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, other MPOs, cities, and environmental groups, said the current process is costly and inefficient; opponents from clean air and housing groups warned it could weaken accountability for climate targets and shift focus away from vehicle miles traveled reductions. The committee also heard SB 1315, which would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner so the state can better track safety and policy impacts; there was no opposition testimony. The committee also considered SB 1275 by Senator McNerney, a tax proposal to replace the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden. A Legislative Analyst’s Office witness explained the tax-policy mechanics and estimated savings, and the bill drew support from the author and no formal opposition. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a targeted tax credit for short-line railroad infrastructure investment; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, reduce truck traffic and emissions, and help rural and agricultural economies, with no opposition testimony. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road vehicles; supporters called it a practical affordability measure, while clean air advocates said they wanted to see the amended text and CARB analysis before taking a final position. The committee also heard SB 1375 by Senator Cortese, which would limit duplicative environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review; supporters said it would save time and money while preserving other environmental protections, and there was no opposition. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for certain older collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic-car and lowrider supporters said the bill protects automotive heritage and reflects limited actual use, while air-quality groups argued it would increase emissions and weaken smog-check accountability. After testimony and committee discussion, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced all measures, including consent item SB 1213, to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with SB 1392 receiving the most divided vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides a streamlined pathway to create small-scale housing opportunities on existing residential
• It provides a streamlined pathway to create small-scale housing opportunities on existing residential
• I'm the CEO and founder of RFX, a woman-owned small infill development company.
• These examples demonstrate how some... ...small investments make a big difference.
• And when it will be funded, it will be funded with state dollars that are competitive and small.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:02:46.520><c> it</c><00:02:46.640><c> became</c> And from this small beginning, it became And
• And [snorts] in fact, a small percentage of people do have adverse reactions to MSG.
• </c><00:03:33.840><c> percentage</c> And [snorts] in fact, a small percentage And [snorts] in fact, a
• small percentage of<00:03:34.440><c> people</c><00:03:34.800><c> do</c><00:03:35.080><c> have</c><00
• </c><00:12:38.360><c> but</c> from Hazen Union School, a small but from Hazen Union School, a small but

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Small, I'm here. Okay, great. We do have a quorum, members.
• The original bill said that in so many years, all these small schools would have to reapply for their
• Forest thinning relies on small-diameter wood oftentimes. So, Mr.
• I think that there are cycles, climate cycles on Earth—small cycles, large cycles.
• What we have now is small private sawmills, and we're using a lot of small-diameter timber up in my country

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 253, a committee substitute dealing with virtual and distance learning programs and school funding. Sponsors and staff explained that the substitute removed several earlier restrictions on virtual education, including residency requirements, the 10% enrollment cap, the ban on K-5 distance programs, and the moratorium on new enrollments. It also changed the State Cyber Academy Act to the Distance Learning Act, added reporting and evaluation requirements for districts and charter schools, and allowed the Public Education Department to withhold funding if programs are out of compliance. Members discussed concerns about impacts on rural districts, charter schools, and programs like Mosquero and the New Mexico Communications Academy, as well as the temporary funding fix for Gallup Public Schools, which was amended to average prior-year and current-year enrollment rather than use current-year membership alone. Public testimony on HB 253 was largely supportive, with school leaders and education organizations backing the amendment and the broader substitute while noting that more work may be needed on oversight and funding formulas. Committee members then debated the bill’s temporary provisions, the study requirement, and whether the changes would adequately address the Gallup funding issue and broader virtual-learning accountability. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for HB 253 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 153, a voluntary industrial decarbonization package that combines an Environmental Product Declaration grant program, a rebate or incentive program for lower-carbon building materials, and production tax credits and capital grants for eligible industrial products. Members asked detailed questions about environmental product declarations, hydrogen, anti-donation concerns, funding sources, and whether the bill would support sawmills, engineered wood, biofuels, and forest-thinning-related industries. Supporters from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Clean Air Task Force testified that the bill would encourage innovation, attract private investment, and reduce emissions without imposing mandates. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted do pass on the bill, with Representative Brown noted in opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 255, which consolidates public safety workforce funding into a single competitive fund for recruitment, retention, and professional development in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public attorney offices. Testimony from counties, the chamber, AFSCME, and State Police supported the measure as a targeted response to staffing shortages and public safety vacancies. The committee took no extended debate and approved HB 255 with a do pass recommendation. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• La Paz County is very small. Parker is very small. Everyone knows everything. It's in my district.
• And being small, she knows the victim of this crime personally. So she calls them.
• It allows a single site posting for small single-parcel annexations of 160 acres or less.
• And explore other ways that we can support Arizona small businesses. Yeah, Mr.
• Small issues become emergencies, medical concerns go unanswered, and families are left in the dark.

Summary: The House Committee on Government heard and advanced several bills, beginning with HB 2842 on deed fraud prevention. The bill would create an early alert system so escrow agents notify the Arizona Department of Real Estate when a property transaction is opened, allowing property owners to be alerted before a fraudulent sale is completed. Representative Contreras, a victim, and other witnesses described serious deed fraud cases and said the bill would provide proactive protection; the Department of Real Estate commissioner said most tracked fraud cases would have gone through escrow and outlined a simple registration and alert process. The committee adopted a Blackman amendment changing the receiving agency from DIFI to the State Real Estate Department and then passed HB 2842 with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed HB 2667, which tightens eligibility for state first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs by requiring two years of Arizona residency and two years of owner occupancy, and barring out-of-state investors from using the homes as vacation or short-term rentals. The sponsor said the bill was intended to ensure the programs benefit Arizonans who are invested in the state, but committee members and representatives from local housing entities warned it could conflict with federal FHA rules, reduce lender participation, and create unintended consequences for local IDA programs. Despite those concerns, the bill received a do pass recommendation. HB 2020, which reduces certain school disruption offenses involving minors to a class one misdemeanor and narrows the definition of interference with an educational institution, also passed after testimony from a parent describing a student being charged with a felony for a school altercation and a nonprofit witness urging more trauma-informed treatment of children. Other measures advanced included HB 2793, which streamlines annexation procedures for single-owner annexations and modernizes notice requirements, with amendments clarifying treatment of municipally owned adjacent territory and allowing electronic newspaper publication; HB 2327, which allows eligible individuals to request suppression of identifying information held by county recorders, assessors, and treasurers to protect privacy while preserving title plant access; and HB 2858, which gives Arizona bidders a preference in state procurement tie situations, supported by local business groups as a way to keep public money in-state. The committee also passed HB 2660, which sets procedures and due process protections for health profession board licensing actions and adds JLAC to the list of entities receiving investigative reports, with the sponsor and a naturopathic physician arguing that board actions can chill speech and lack adequate oversight. Finally, the committee approved HB 2063 to appropriate $1.5 million for the Independent Correctional Oversight Office, HB 2681 to change civil service appeal deadlines from calendar days to business days, and HB 2812 to raise the sick-leave payout cap for retiring state employees from $30,000 to $57,000; members discussed possible future amendments to let retirees direct those funds into health savings arrangements. Most bills were reported out with do pass recommendations, and the committee adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We built the inside of an airplane wing to see if a Boeing worker could fit in the small space as required
• We rigged a utility pole inside the clinic. ...worker could fit in the small spaces required for her
• Patrick Conner, NFIB, representing Washington's small business owners.
• I didn't know there was a specific exemption for certain small businesses.
• And so if you are workers of a small business with half a million dollars or less of annual revenue,

Summary: The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 6152 would add physical and occupational therapists as attending providers in workers’ compensation claims. Supporters said it would reduce delays, improve access to care, and speed return to work; opponents, including the Washington State Medical Association, retail and business groups, and L&I, raised concerns about diagnosis, scope of practice, network enrollment, implementation time, and the $1.9 million fiscal note from accident and medical aid accounts. The committee also heard SB 5437, which would prohibit non-compete agreements and clarify non-solicitation rules. The sponsor and labor and physician groups supported ending non-competes as anti-competitive and harmful to worker mobility, while business, banking, and clinic representatives argued non-competes protect investments, confidential information, and patient/customer relationships and asked for narrower changes. The committee then heard SB 6058, which would give L&I discretion over whether to investigate wage complaints and would toll civil statutes of limitation when a complaint is filed. The sponsor said it would better match agency resources, and testimony was entirely supportive. SB 5944 would require language access provider compensation bargaining to include missed or canceled appointments and make CBAs prevail over conflicting agency policies; the sponsor and union representatives said it would create consistency across agencies, with no opposition testimony. SB 6039 would modernize L&I communications by allowing electronic notices while preserving a non-electronic option; supporters called it a permissive modernization, while worker advocates warned email could be missed and could burden vulnerable workers, though L&I said the bill preserves choice and has no fiscal impact. Finally, the committee heard SB 6117, which would place workers and employers not covered by the NLRA under PERC jurisdiction if federal law no longer applies, with card-check and secret-ballot procedures and interest arbitration provisions. Supporters said it would create a state backstop if federal labor enforcement fails and protect workers’ organizing rights; opponents from agriculture, business, and small business groups warned it was too broad, could sweep in agriculture and small businesses, and could weaken secret-ballot protections and disrupt harvest operations. The sponsor closed by saying the bill is intended to create a clear framework where federal jurisdiction is absent. No votes or executive actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I prefer to see something small.
• Let's see how it works in this small case, and then we can leverage that in the future if this works
• We're a small rural district. We are 95% residential right now. We've got some commercial.
• And I'm worried about that because, quite frankly, a lot of small districts... ...like mine have that
• And that’s just a matter of having a small system. It’s a huge infrastructure cost.

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• That means a small, unrepresentative slice of the electorate can end up making major decisions about
• The board has not recommended limits on small district authorizers a three specifically sought out small
• Over a third of California's charter ADA is authorized by just 14 small school districts.
• Barrett Snyder with the Small School Districts Association in the San Diego County Office of Ed with
• We definitely have some lingering concerns around small authorizers.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say $50,000 for the onetime appropriations would help as a small—I mean, I don't want to say
• it's a small amount—but when we look at the state of English learners in K-12, for example, they are
• mean, and I don't want to say it's a small amount—but when we look at the state of English learners
• mean, and I don't want to say it's a small amount—but when we look at the state of English learners
• mean, and I don't want to say it's a small amount—but when we look at the state of English learners

Transcript Highlights:

• In Ocala, Florida, it's a Florida small business. I can tell you that every brick...
• family businesses, small Florida businesses in this great state's economy would actually fail.
• We are a small business, and HB 105 will devastate not only our small business...
• HB 105 will devastate not only our small business, but the racing industry in Florida.
• So it's a full circle where a lot of small businesses are supported.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS. The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably. The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pizzo: THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HAS AN ENTIRE SECTION AS A RELATES TO SMALL BUSINESSES
• IS A PARTICULAR CERTIFICATION GIVEN BY THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS WOULD YOU BE COMPLYING AND NOT
• BUT ALSO FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, I STARTED A COMPANY.
• WE BUILT THE COMMUNITIES, LIVED THERE, RAISE OUR FAMILIES THERE AND RUN SMALL BUSINESSES THERE.
• CHRIS REPRESENTING SMALL COUNTY COALITION WAIVING AGAINST.