Transcript Highlights:

• /c> So just remember, Google MISOenergy.org, because if you just Google MISO, you get a bunch of Japanese

Bills: HF75

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• 21, 1944, American forces returned to Guam and liberated our island after nearly three years of Japanese
• One of his favorite traditions was sending our new interns on legendary Capitol scavenger hunts, ensuring
• was<07:20:53.520><c> sending</c><07:20:53.920><c> our</c><07:20:54.240><c> new</c><07:20:54.400><c> interns
• </c><07:20:54.958><c> on</c><07:20:55.200><c> legendary</c> was sending our new interns on legendary
• was sending our new interns on legendary Capitol<07:20:56.718><c> scavenger</c><07:20:57.280><c> hunts

Bills: HB8823 , HB4541 , HB8790 , HB3029 , HB5578 , HB1722 , HB6330 , HB4123 , HB2069 , HB7283 , HR1118 , HB8205 , HB6238 , HB3491 , HB1493 , HB2001 , HB3747 , HB5160 , HB4348 , HB2821 , HB2715 , HB1703

Keywords: FECA, Federal Employees' Compensation Act, workers' compensation, Department of Labor, medical provider fraud, provider accountability, payment suspension, fraud conviction, health care fraud, federal health care benefit program, state health program, workers compensation medical benefits, program integrity, provider sanctions, injured federal employees, geothermal, next-generation geothermal, enhanced geothermal systems, closed-loop geothermal, supercritical geothermal

Transcript Highlights:

• administration, the Office of Science, and other DOE lab-stewarded programs have a significant number of international
• forces, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and international
• stabilization mission in Mali musmma stabilization mission in Mali musmma and<01:55:20.239><c> international
• </c><01:55:20.960><c> security</c><01:55:21.440><c> presence</c> and international security presence
• and international security presence continue<01:55:22.719><c> to</c><01:55:22.960><c> pose</c><01:55:

Bills: HCR89 , HB1722 , HB7283 , HB8205 , HB7008 , HB8800

Keywords: Iran, war powers, War Powers Resolution, hostilities, military force, Congressional authorization, declaration of war, AUMF, foreign policy, national security, self-defense, U.S. Armed Forces, Middle East, executive war powers, troop withdrawal, intelligence sharing, counterintelligence, diplomatic facilities, regional security, anti-war resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• this little slight departure, but, um, back in 1981 or '82, I was a reporter for United Press International
• ' 82, I was a reporter for United or ' 82, I was a reporter for United Press<01:34:06.400><c> International
• > here</c><01:34:07.120><c> in</c><01:34:07.360><c> Conquer</c><01:34:07.760><c> and</c> Press International
• here in Conquer and Press International here in Conquer and was<01:34:08.080><c> covering,</c><01:34

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• For its internal control framework, Minnesota follows the internal controls put out by the Government
• For its internal control framework, Minnesota follows the internal controls put out by the Government
• These internal controls, there's policies. These internal controls, there's policies.
• </c> government uh at internal Auditors and government uh at internal Auditors and internal<00:54:41.799
• The internal control staff does present there on the basics of internal controls.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:16.440><c> to</c> onth job training program for interns to onth job training program for interns
• </c><00:04:28.160><c> to</c> to establish criteria for interns to to establish criteria for interns to
• </c> El eligibility criteria for interns El eligibility criteria for interns thank<00:05:53.960><c> you
• Placement of interns.
• Interns replaced.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Library and Technology Committee met on March 14, 2025, to hear House Bill 430, House Draft 2, which would create an internship/on-the-job training program administered by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, with the state serving as the responsible employer for workers’ compensation coverage and appropriations included. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Department of Education. Supporters emphasized the value of internships as a high-impact educational and career pathway opportunity. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill’s intent but raised a concern about the criminal history background check language, recommending that the bill be revised so DLIR may conduct checks “as appropriate” rather than requiring a mandatory check for all interns. The AG noted that juvenile records would remain confidential for 16- and 17-year-old interns under existing law and suggested deleting the more specific background-check language or replacing it with the more flexible wording. Several organizations submitted support, including business, health care, tourism, and industry groups. During decision-making, the committee discussed amendments incorporating the Attorney General’s recommendation, adding a 2.5 GPA minimum reference, and clarifying language about private or public sector organizations and placement of interns in state executive branch departments, agencies, or programs. The committee adopted the recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• internal controls and um the internal internal controls and accountability<00:39:57.600><c> team</c>
• improve those internal controls.
• </c> internal controls, financial management. internal controls, financial management.
• </c> implement their own internal controls. implement their own internal controls.
• </c> those internal controls. those internal controls.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• In my case, that's the global internal audit standards that are defined by the Institute of Internal
• auditors can do this work as well internally, and then internal auditors have a greater focus on advisory
• auditors can do this work as well internally and then internal auditors have a greater focus on advisory
• Is that a, is the hotline also for that or just for internal use?
• There's also, I think, low-value items internally, like tools under $250. ...internally, like I think

Summary: The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Audits met on June 17 for informational presentations. The Department of Administrative Services, through Chief Audit Executive Eli Ritchie, gave an overview of statewide internal audit requirements and the fiscal year 2025 report. He explained the difference between internal and external audit, described Oregon’s statutory and rule-based internal audit structure, and reported that 30 agencies had internal audit functions, with most meeting required standards. He said 73 audits and 49 advisory/consulting engagements were completed statewide, with strong compliance overall, though a few agencies were rebuilding audit committees after vacancies. No committee questions were raised after the presentation. The Secretary of State’s Audits Division then presented its Government Waste Hotline annual report. Director Steve Bergman and audit manager Olivia Rekhed described changes made to align the hotline with statute, including renaming it the Government Waste Hotline, creating a review panel, improving anonymity protections, removing fraud reporting from the hotline’s scope, and adjusting reporting timelines. They said hotline volume increased modestly in 2025, most reports were referred elsewhere or closed for insufficient evidence, and two reports were substantiated, including questioned costs of about $856 for personal use of a state vehicle and about $2.9 million tied to the Preschool Promise program. Committee members asked about hotline staffing, cost, anonymity, and follow-up on findings; staff said the hotline is lightly resourced, uses a contracted intake service, and referrals or recommendations are followed up through management letters and later reviews. The committee also heard an audit of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s safety inspections and asset tracking. The Secretary of State’s office reported that OPRD had not consistently conducted or documented quarterly OSHA safety inspections and had incomplete asset records, including missing acquisition dates and costs for many assets. The audit made eight recommendations covering safety inspection policies, asset management guidance, tagging, reconciliations, disposition controls, training, and a new asset management system; OPRD agreed to all recommendations. OPRD officials said they had already begun training staff, improving inspection procedures, and working toward a replacement asset system, while noting operational challenges from a large, dispersed park system and manual processes. Committee members asked about what kinds of assets are tracked, how tagging works, whether items were actually being lost, and how much tracking is necessary for low-value tools; OPRD said the main issue was inconsistent classification and documentation rather than widespread loss. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the international side, we don't...
• Is there any international conversations?
• We see a lot less international than we have.
• It made it really hard for international travel agents.
• We see a lot less international than we have.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a very current international route map showing, and this is a very current international route
• It's not the international services.
• If you could, just go back and explain international... ...and explain international longshore and what
• The International Longshore and Warehouse Union is an international union, but the bulk of us are on
• If you could, just go back and explain international. and explain international longshore and what all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Financial Institutions, and Trade met off-site at SEA Airport for a work session focused on Washington’s air and maritime cargo economy. The first panel featured Port of Seattle air cargo manager Tom Green, Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe, and Washington Public Ports Association executive director Eric Fitch. Green described SEA’s air cargo mix, emphasizing the importance of belly cargo on passenger flights, the airport’s international freighter and domestic cargo operations, and the value of air cargo to exports, imports, and jobs. Wolfe outlined the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s role as a joint Seattle-Tacoma maritime gateway, the competitiveness of West Coast ports, recent volume volatility tied to tariffs and supply chain shifts, and regional partnerships such as inland logistics efforts in the Tri-Cities and work with tribal and city partners. Fitch then presented a broader trade strategy effort led by public ports and industry groups, centered on making Washington the most competitive West Coast gateway through partnership, workforce support, truck parking, site readiness, foreign trade zones, permitting, and land-use protections for industrial areas. Committee members asked about whether a separate cargo airport would relieve pressure at SEA, how cargo is measured, the role of Moses Lake and Paine Field, truck parking, and the effects of tax increment financing and international trade planning. The witnesses generally said cargo relocation would not solve the need for belly cargo at SEA, that kilograms/metric tons are the industry standard, and that smaller airports can capture some charter or niche cargo but SEA remains the main hub. Fitch said truck parking is a major unmet need and that tax increment financing has helped some port projects, especially in Pasco. Chair Kauffman and members also raised workforce development, manufacturing incentives, and coordination with broader state trade planning. The committee then heard from the Department of Commerce on small business export assistance and international investment promotion. Commerce staff said exports are critical to Washington’s economy, but tariffs and trade uncertainty are raising costs and threatening competitiveness, especially in aerospace and agriculture. They highlighted the state’s overseas consultant network, the Paris Air Show delegation, and participation in Fruit Attraction in Madrid as examples of trade promotion work that can generate business leads and jobs. They also warned that federal funding for overseas representation and the STEP export program is at risk, which could reduce Washington’s visibility in global markets and limit support for small exporters. A roundtable followed with Washington Farm Bureau’s Brianna Elsie, ILWU longshore worker Ali Vekich, and Eric Fitch. Elsie said specialty-crop agriculture has been more resilient than some other sectors but is still under severe pressure from high labor and input costs, farm losses, and market uncertainty; she urged broader policy solutions beyond mental health support. Vekich described how tariffs, zoning changes, and industrial land pressures are hurting longshore jobs and argued for stronger protections for maritime industrial lands. Fitch closed by stressing that Washington’s trade economy depends on cooperation among ports, labor, agriculture, and state government, and that maintaining competitiveness will require active policy support rather than complacency."}

Transcript Highlights:

• Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and Tampa International
• Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and Tampa International
• Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and Tampa International
• I mean, we're at Orlando International.
• of international passengers, there’s an expectation in the international world of a certain level of

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Transportation Committee met to consider two bills and then held a lengthy discussion on Florida airport infrastructure. SB 246, presented by Senator Rodriguez on behalf of Senator Gruters, would authorize a UFC specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting the UFC Foundation’s charitable work. A UFC Foundation representative described community beneficiaries and said the plate would help raise funds for local charities. With no questions or debate, the committee voted SB 246 favorably. The committee also took up SPB 7012, a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles public-records exemption bill that would remove the October 1, 2026 repeal date for certain active investigatory records. Senator Avila moved to submit it as a committee bill, there was no objection, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The remainder of the meeting focused on the Comprehensive Airport Infrastructure Program. FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue outlined Florida’s aviation system, the department’s airport funding programs, and the state’s role as a financial partner in safety, capacity, preservation, and economic development projects. He said Florida has 128 public-use airports, 21 commercial-service airports, and four large-hub airports, and noted that airport funding is largely supported by gas-tax-related revenues, with additional support from documentary stamp revenue and other fees. He also discussed the new airport infrastructure planning requirements created last session and said all required airports had submitted plans. Committee members asked about the loss of aviation fuel tax revenue, workforce development, project timelines, and how FDOT prioritizes funding, with Perdue emphasizing safety, preservation, capacity, economic return, and matching funds. A panel from Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa international airports then described major capital programs, passenger growth, and funding needs. The airports highlighted terminal expansions, parking, baggage systems, airfield rehabilitation, people movers, and other modernization projects, along with the importance of maintaining aging facilities while accommodating growth. They said FDOT and FAA grants are helpful but increasingly insufficient for runway and taxiway costs, and several panelists said passenger facility charges and other revenue tools are important to future self-sufficiency. Members also asked about workforce shortages, small-business participation, landing-fee negotiations, and non-aeronautical revenue. The panel said workforce challenges are most acute in trades and maintenance, small-business programs are active at each airport, and landing fees are negotiated with airlines to keep airports competitive while funding needed improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it accounts for both domestic and international visitation.
• I think you had 9.2% of international projected right now for 2025.
• Is there any international conversation?
• There's a local impact but also an international impact.
• As well as shifts in demand from domestic and international travelers.

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator Draheim, the internal control team is the internal controls unit.
• We also have a five-person internal audit team that's meant to help supplement internal audit needs in
• Chair, Senator Draheim, the internal control team is the internal controls unit.
• We also have a five-person internal audit team that's meant to help supplement internal audit needs in
• Chair, Senator Draheim, the internal control team is the internal controls unit.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So, repricing is really an internal So, repricing is really an internal comparison.<00:46:11.400
• That's our our internal challenge.
• Doesn't hire interns.
• We have three interns.
• We have three interns. So, as industry. We have three interns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Office of Internal Affairs.
• But as for the internal process from CDCR...
• That's what Office of Internal Affairs.
• Specifically, as the Deputy Director of the Office of Internal Affairs, I oversee the internal affairs
• This increased internal auditing will be implemented in coordination and collaboration with internal

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• What internal practices do you have for this application?
• controls, what are your internal structures and different things like that.
• What internal practices do you have for this application?
• controls, what are your internal structures and different things like that.
• What internal practices do you have for this application?

Transcript Highlights:

• CDCR's Office of Internal Affairs.
• So that's the Office of Internal Affairs for CDCR.
• The Office of Internal Affairs...
• You go through your own internal review for 13,500... ...go through your own internal review for 13,500
• of Internal Affairs?

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s handling of mental health care in prisons and allegations of sexual abuse, retaliation, and excessive force in the state’s women’s facilities. CDCR officials described their PREA-based prevention and response efforts, including training, oversight, body-worn cameras, retaliation follow-up, and partnerships with outside groups. The Office of the Inspector General explained its monitoring role, noting increased authority under SB 1069, but also limited staffing and the ability to monitor only a portion of cases. The Legislative Analyst’s Office added that prison population trends could allow the state to close a prison and save over $100 million, with some savings potentially redirected to prevention or response efforts. Advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses from Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition and the California Coalition of Women Prisoners testified that meaningful systemic change has not occurred and that retaliation, blocked programming, and unsafe reporting conditions remain widespread. They described alleged barriers to community-based services, forced or coercive treatment concerns involving Suboxone, and the need for survivor-centered reentry support, trauma-informed care, and more independent oversight. Sandra DeAnda gave detailed testimony about alleged staff abuse, retaliation, denial of mental health care, and a large use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, while Amika Mota and April Grayson urged release or resentencing for survivors housed with their abusers and greater investment in outside programs. Members of the committee pressed CDCR and OIG on accountability, use-of-force standards, criminal referrals, disciplinary outcomes, and whether investigations are completed within statutory timelines. CDCR acknowledged cultural problems at both women’s prisons and said it was retraining staff and working on reforms, while OIG said it had monitored 161 investigations and found most grievance routing appropriate, though some cases had lapsed due to time limits. Later exchanges revealed that CDCR has over 13,500 active cases and 109 investigators, and that some cases have exceeded deadlines, prompting concerns from members about whether the current system can adequately investigate misconduct and impose consequences. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• organizations such as the international organizations such as the United<00:17:42.960><c> Nations,</
• </c><00:17:46.320><c> Civil</c> Organization, International Civil Organization, International Civil Aviation
• </c><00:17:52.560><c> Criminal</c><00:17:53.040><c> Police</c> and International Criminal Police and
• International Criminal Police Organization,<00:17:54.520><c> which</c><00:17:54.760><c> impact</c><00
• </c> international societies. international societies.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:28.240><c> control</c> established appropriate internal control established appropriate internal
• </c> to establish sufficient internal to establish sufficient internal controls<00:18:43.440><c> to</
• ><c> ensure</c> Stronger internal controls to ensure Stronger internal controls to ensure progress<00
• ><c> ensure</c> Adding internal controls to ensure Adding internal controls to ensure invoices<00:31:
• </c> internal controls that we're expecting. internal controls that we're expecting.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> within the internal service fund itself. within the internal service fund itself. um<00:02:20.720
• </c><00:02:44.879><c> service</c> that are uh in the internal service that are uh in the internal service
• </c><00:10:31.200><c> service</c> purchased out of the internal service purchased out of the internal
• </c> &gt;&gt; And typically, do we hold internal &gt;&gt; And typically, do we hold internal service<
• So if you have international trade.

Committee: Joint Appropriations