Transcript Highlights:

• through their fiscal agents: three school districts and one Board of Education tax levy to pay debt service
• None of which needed an additional tax levy to pay debt service.
• The requests were two for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, one in Pulaski County, PR 5882,
• Department for Community Based Services Department for Community Based Services<00:02:23.519><c> in<
• </c> southern part of frankfurt's service southern part of frankfurt's service area<00:14:26.000><c>

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are DAV, VFW, American Legion, and actually the Veterans Services of Idaho.
• Remember, everything has to be service-related.
• are available, and that we implore them to go and use those free services before they try a service
• Full transparent disclosure to the veteran that free services are available. To Mr.
• I'm also very grateful for our state veteran service officers.

Summary: The committee first approved the March 9 minutes without objection. It then took up Senate Bill 1286, which would establish Idaho consumer protection standards for paid assistance to veterans seeking federal benefits claims help. The bill was described as prohibiting upfront fees, limiting compensation to contingent and reasonable amounts, and banning misleading advertising, guaranteed outcomes, direct solicitation, overseas call centers, and use of medical professionals to influence claims. Representative Hill said the measure was needed to protect veterans from predatory claims companies, citing his own experience with high upfront fee offers. Testimony was uniformly supportive. Peter O’Rourke of the National Association for Veterans Rights said the bill would give veterans safety, security, and confidence through clear guardrails. Daniel Murphy, a veteran and DAV member, explained the basic VA claims process and argued that free veterans service organizations can help with the paperwork, while some private firms charge excessive fees for little work. John Blumstrom, representing a veterans-related organization, said his group supports transparency, disclosure of free services, and the bill’s restrictions on predatory practices. He also noted that veterans with mental health issues, TBI, PTSD, or MST may need tailored help navigating the process. Representative Bruce moved to send Senate Bill 1286 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Members spoke in favor, saying the claims process can be confusing and burdensome and that the bill would help veterans who need assistance while preserving free service options. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File number 3379, an act relating to human services, repealing housing stabilization services,
• Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, to close the housing stabilization services program because they
• Medicare Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS,<00:00:51.080><
• </c> &gt;&gt; the housing stabilization services &gt;&gt; the housing stabilization services program
• </c> So, the Department of Human Service So, the Department of Human Service requested<00:01:09.880><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Please take your seats, the memorial service will begin shortly.
• The spirit of Texas is inseparable from the spirit of service.
• I don't know that I can do that called to service.
• We will now read the names of the fallen service members whose family members are here today.
• That does conclude our memorial service.

Transcript Highlights:

• The memorial service will begin shortly. Members, our guests of honor, and fellow Texans.
• The spirit of Texas is inseparable from the spirit of service.
• Called to service. But am I one of those heroes, the heroes we're celebrating on this day.
• Today we recognize Texas service members killed while serving. Since our last Memorial Day.
• That does conclude our memorial service.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> apply to collaborative care services. apply to collaborative care services.
• </c> rates and mental health services. rates and mental health services.
• We are a small service.
• </c> services face with HR1 implementation. services face with HR1 implementation.
• </c> school linked mental health services. school linked mental health services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> again various interventions and services again various interventions and services for<00:08:28.879
• SB 413 of Health and Human Services.
• >> Sure. >> So is it not a great service? CASA is a great service.
• Then it outlines those services.
• </c><02:08:13.840><c> Um</c> getting the the daycare services. Um getting the the daycare services.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Human Services.
• And be getting the services and the education and those wraparound services that they need.
• </c> care in terms of the services care in terms of the services individuals<00:25:34.760><c> receive
• </c><00:30:55.760><c> Administration</c> Resources and services Administration Resources and services
• </c> with in with the Indian Health Service with in with the Indian Health Service Health<00:31:33.279

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> service and somebody who's an employee? service and somebody who's an employee?
• </c> I guess I'm just is personal service I guess I'm just is personal service contract<00:21:03.200>
• Now, finally, House Bill 1921, Rehab Services. Rehab Services. Now, this is a final action bill.
• Questions on rehab services? Questions on rehab services?
• </c> handling and uh and other services. handling and uh and other services.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 12 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I left public service here in Richmond to enter into another form of public service, I didn't
• , victims' advocates, staff, court service unit members, social service workers, victims' advocates,
• I think services, wraparound services for the families.
• Service, public service means a lot to me.
• We thank you for your service.

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So services for kids who have disabilities who are on IEPs.
• So services for kids who have disabilities who are on IEPs. school-based counseling.
• So services for kids who have disabilities who are on IEPs.
• That's your number one call for service.
• provider, human trafficking victim services provider.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work... ...Services Chief and Megan Winston, the Chief of Transitional Services, we work really, really
• They're the people who staff the court service centers that offer such robust service right now to our
• Public confidence in that service.
• , general therapy services, some victim witness services in the DA's office.
• Department of Health and Human Services, standardizes adult protective services across the United States

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike in fee-for-service, MCOs pay for additional wraparound services, which we'll cover shortly.
• </c> services, et cetera. services, et cetera. Okay.<00:29:59.080><c> Sure.
• </c><00:31:07.640><c> or</c> come together and provide services or come together and provide services
• So, if an MCO for a service.
• , proper services rendered.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board received a presentation from Dr. Stack and Commissioner Langfeld on Kentucky’s application for a federal Medicaid-related funding opportunity tied to House Resolution 1. They described a compressed six-week stakeholder process that produced more than 50 responses and letters of support, and said the application was organized around five broad priorities: maternal health, behavioral health and substance use disorder, oral health, EMS/trauma response, and chronic disease. They emphasized that the proposal was designed to align with CMS goals, use allowable funding categories, and focus on sustainability rather than a short-term grant. Commissioner Langfeld outlined five core initiatives: rural community hubs for chronic care innovation, beginning with obesity and diabetes; a maternal and infant health effort called POWER; a behavioral health and substance use model called IMPATH; an oral health initiative called Rooted in Health; and an integrated crisis-to-care EMS and trauma response effort. He said the chronic disease work would include prevention, food-as-medicine concepts, and technology tools, while the maternal health effort would expand team-based care around mothers and infants using community health workers and doulas. The behavioral health proposal would build on existing crisis intervention models, oral health would address workforce and access gaps through training, mobile vans, and telehealth, and the EMS proposal would better connect emergency response with home-based and community care. Several senators questioned whether the proposal would meaningfully address rural hospital closures or the broader rural health care crisis. Senator Meredith said the plan was not transformational and would not save rural hospitals, while Senator Berg asked how success would be measured. In response, the presenters said they would use both lagging and leading indicators, with an emphasis on rapid-cycle feedback and data use that is more actionable in real time. They also said the work could help existing models that already show promise, such as behavioral health units and dental workforce expansion, even if it would not solve the larger funding gap created by HR1. Senator Douglas asked how the proposals would motivate patients to participate in their own health care. The presenters responded that the chronic disease prevention work would focus on obesity, diabetes prevention, nutrition, and consumer-facing technology tools to help people engage in their own care, and that EMS-community health worker partnerships could identify unmet needs in the home and reduce preventable problems. The board then moved on to its next agenda item, Medicaid managed care delivery models, with Tom Stevens, Katherine North, and Dr. Patel scheduled to present.

Transcript Highlights:

• If services don't meet standards, payments are denied, and if there are repeated issues, it leads to
• Annual reports on the services and outcomes.
• I think all of us want transparency and accountability, and when you've got statewide services being
• We have so many obligations with state agencies and various services that we need to give to.
• We have so many obligations with state agencies and various services that we need to give to.

Bills: HB2786, HB2787

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 2786, with Representative Stinson presenting a PCS as the working draft. He explained the bill as supplemental funding for the Department of Mental Health to close out its 2025 budget and pay obligations the department had fallen short on. The committee moved quickly to a do pass vote, and the bill was reported out 31-0 with no nays. The committee then took up House Bill 2787, with Representative West presenting a PCS as the working draft. She described the bill as a one-time $2 million supplemental for previously established costs tied to the Choosing Childbirth Program, saying the funding was needed to avoid a lapse in services for nearly 4,000 mothers and babies until the Oklahoma Pregnancy Care Network can re-enter bidding in 2028. She emphasized oversight and transparency measures, including provider vetting, invoice review, annual evaluations, and a reported 97% of expenses going to client services. Members raised concerns about accountability, transparency, and why the funding should come from state general revenue rather than private sources, noting prior audits and news reports. Representative West said the network is a 501(c)(3), uses private dollars as well, and that the program is a public-private partnership already established by law. She also said she would share the 2025 tax return information with the committee. The committee then voted to report HB 2787 out do pass by a vote of 26-5, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Roxanne Persaud, and this is our Standing Committee on Social Services.
• Senate Bill 1458A by Senator Kavanagh, this is going to finance: an act to amend the Social Services
• Law in relation to removing the requirement that rent arrears be repaid for social services districts
• This concludes our Social Services Committee meeting. Thank you all for being here.
• This concludes our Social Services Committee meeting.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Social Services met with a quorum and considered four bills. The first, S.1458A by Senator Kavanagh, would remove the requirement that rent arrears paid by social services districts in municipalities of 5 million or more be repaid, effectively applying to New York City. Senator Kavanagh argued the repayment requirement creates unnecessary administrative burden and is inconsistent with other emergency assistance programs; Senator Murray questioned why the change was not statewide. The bill was moved to finance and reported with two members voting without recommendation. The committee then advanced S.1757 by Senator Persaud, which would exclude certain unearned income of a child when determining public assistance eligibility, and S.1994 by Senator Ramos, which would prohibit requiring parents or caretakers to earn a minimum wage to qualify for child care assistance. Senator Murray asked for confirmation that the bill did not remove the underlying work requirement for child care assistance, and was assured it did not. Both bills were reported to finance, with S.1757 passing after a motion and second and S.1994 reported with one member voting without recommendation. Finally, the committee considered S.3189 by Senator Persaud, which would require the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to post information on credit waivers, rental supplement plans, and shelter supplement plans on its website. Members described it as a transparency measure to make existing options easier for the public to find. The bill was moved and reported, and the meeting concluded afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, student support services would be reduced, including advising, tutoring, financial aid services
• , Disabled Student Programs and Services, apprenticeship programs, CalWORKs student services, the mandate
• So we provide these services Graduation, so we provide these services.
• We enjoy many services.
• We enjoy many services. We buy services from UC, payroll, health benefits, investment management.

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision proposals for higher education, beginning with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Finance proposed a one-time $10 million General Fund backfill to repay a special fund loan used to cover litigation costs, plus provisional language to allow budget flexibility for a remaining legal expense and to repay the loan without interest. The LAO opposed shifting the litigation costs to the General Fund and raised legal concerns about waiving interest on the loan, noting that special fund loans have historically been repaid with interest. Members asked about the litigation amount and the estimated interest savings, which Finance said would be about $245,000. The committee then discussed University of California funding, including the Governor’s proposed compact funding and a $1.5 million one-time increase for the First Star foster youth program at UC campuses. UC said the program has strong outcomes at UCLA, including a 100% college-going rate and high college completion rates, and that the new funding would expand the program to additional campuses and eventually be self-supporting through fundraising. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal, arguing that UC already has overlapping outreach programs, including the Early Academic Outreach Program, and that the new initiative would duplicate existing services. Several senators questioned whether the state should expand a new program instead of strengthening existing ones, while UC and Finance emphasized the program’s focus on foster youth and its high success rates. For the California Community Colleges, Finance outlined the May Revision’s increase to the Student-Centered Funding Formula COLA from 2.41% to 4.31%, along with enrollment growth funding, categorical COLAs, deferred maintenance, and other ongoing and one-time investments. The Chancellor’s Office supported the flexible “super COLA” approach and asked for more enrollment growth funding, arguing that many districts are already above current targets and that unfunded growth restricts access. The LAO recommended funding at least the statutory COLA, redirecting some ongoing funds to enrollment growth or one-time priorities, and rejecting the $9.7 million Adult Learner Demonstration Project because districts already have incentives to do similar work. Senators pressed Finance and the Chancellor’s Office on the use of COLA funds to cover the new paid pregnancy disability leave requirement, the impact on hold-harmless and basic-aid districts, and whether the state should fund actual enrollment growth rather than a flat COLA. The committee also reviewed California Student Aid Commission proposals, including adjustments to Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship funding, continued Golden State Teacher Grant funding, and implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance said the Middle Class Scholarship changes reflected updated caseload estimates and that the higher 35% unmet-need level had been one-time funding, while CSAC urged continued support and noted the importance of financial aid for student success. The LAO recommended rejecting additional Golden State Teacher Grant funding as not well-targeted and urged caution on Workforce Pell trailer bill language, citing uncertainty about federal rules, ongoing administrative workload, and the need for clearer implementation planning. Members also raised concerns about declining CADAA applications and the need to better promote state aid for undocumented and mixed-status students. No votes were taken during the transcripted portion, and the committee moved through the agenda items with questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ridgecrest is a regional service center that provides hospital care, medical services, lodging, restaurants
• Ridgecrest is a regional service center that provides hospital care, medical services, lodging, restaurants
• Thank you for your service, and welcome home.
• , private ambulance services.
• , private ambulance services.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a long agenda of transportation-related bills, with several district-specific measures and statewide policy proposals. Early in the hearing, SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa County to place a new countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot to continue funding highways, local roads, transit, biking and walking infrastructure, and paratransit. Supporters said it would preserve funding continuity for major projects; CalTax opposed it over affordability and sales tax burden concerns. Senators discussed that the bill would only place the measure before voters, not enact the tax itself, and a motion was made, but no vote could be taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee also heard SB 990, a rural signage bill for Ridgecrest along Highway 395, which would allow Caltrans business-logo signs to direct travelers to lodging, food, fuel, medical services, and other amenities. The author and local witnesses framed it as a safety and economic development measure for an isolated community; there was no opposition. SB 1167, authored by Senator Blakespear, would tighten consumer protections in the e-bike market by distinguishing legal e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos, requiring clearer labeling and disclosures, and improving incident reporting. It drew broad support from bicycle, medical, local government, auto club, and safety groups, with no opposition. SB 1034 by Senator McNerney would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, aligning state procedures with federal disability determinations; veterans groups strongly supported it and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would add Long Beach’s Pacific Coast Highway corridor to the city’s existing speed safety camera pilot. Supporters said PCH accounts for a disproportionate share of fatalities and crashes, especially involving pedestrians, while opponents from the highway patrol and business groups said the issue should be handled under existing or upcoming rules. The California Highway Patrol Association later moved to neutral after discussions about amendments. Finally, the chair presented SB 1177, to require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information such as revenue options and comparative project history, and SB 1246, a bill to impose stronger remote-operations, response-time, training, reporting, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicle operators. SB 1177 drew support from the U.S. High-Speed Rail Association and opposition from the City of Burbank, while SB 1246 drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and many drivers and cyclists, but opposition from the AV industry, Chamber of Commerce groups, and a retired CHP official who argued the bill was too prescriptive and conflicted with new DMV rules. Members debated safety, data reporting, first responder access, and whether the bill should wait for rulemaking; the hearing ended with motions and discussion, but the transcript does not show final votes being taken on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• services in the Employee benefits category.
• category for human resources services from SPO and records destruction.
• The board also requested an increase in contractual services.
• In contractual services, the agency is requesting an increase for increased audit services costs and
• We start our services as young as age 8. With me here today is Ms.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> vehicle</c><00:53:16.559><c> services</c> services driver and vehicle services services driver and
• provide those services.
• providers and provide the service.
• provide those services.
• used local route service.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , contracts for food services, those kinds of things.
• Waste collection is an essential public service, and service disruptions during labor disputes can create
• Waste collection is an essential public service, and service disruptions during labor disputes can create
• An essential public service, and service disruptions during labor disputes can create real challenges
• And would require contingency planning for service during a work stoppage.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government authority. SB 911 would require notification to fire agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold under an agreement to complete defensible space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 would bar local officials from entering nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed 4-0 as amended. The consent calendar, including SB 958 and several other bills, was also adopted 4-0. The committee then took up SB 1041, which would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements statewide and add consumer protections, hardship provisions, and reporting requirements. Supporters, including Renew Financial and Cal Fire Local 2881, argued it would help homeowners finance fire-resistant roofs, vents, and other upgrades. Opponents, including homeowner advocates, county tax collectors, mortgage lenders, and consumer groups, warned that PACE has a history of contractor abuse, high costs, liens that survive bankruptcy, and risks to vulnerable homeowners. After extended debate, the bill advanced 3-2 to Appropriations and remained on call. SB 1075 would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality impacts and community emissions reduction plans when approving certain commercial and industrial projects. Environmental justice supporters said the bill would help implement long-promised pollution reductions in heavily burdened communities, while business, local government, planning, and industry groups argued it duplicated CEQA and existing permitting processes, created litigation risk, and could deter investment and jobs. The bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958, relating to the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, was presented as a path for a long-planned housing and entertainment project with at least 4,250 homes, including 2,000 affordable units, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1182 would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas. The author said the bill responds to rising insurance costs and the Fair Plan’s growth, while supporters said it would better align land-use decisions with wildfire risk. Opponents and some committee members argued the bill was too vague, could burden cities, and would not solve the underlying insurance market problem. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.