Transcript Highlights:

• Slide 5 shows the breakdown of our leading commodities. However, we'll populate.
• That leads to my next question. You collaborate with the veterinary school at Texas Tech?
• We are at the leading edge of hypersonics.
• That will put us at the leading edge.
• And all programs lead directly to high-paying jobs for graduates.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Oversight authority by defining and empowering a lead organization and assuming the authority to oversee
• Again, the current structure is a co-lead between the Washington State Broadband Office and the Office
• The work with the forum leads to recommendations that are provided to the legislature.
• Additionally, the contracts did not outline duties of Commerce, lead grantees, or subgrantees.
• For example, the 2023–2025 contracts required lead grantees to, quote, manage subgrantees, yet provided

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, um, we believe we've taken the lead in bringing to the floor a very solid tax bill.
• And in other areas as well, it is the Senate that has been leading, showing them the way, if you will
• c><00:21:00.280><c> we've</c><00:21:00.520><c> taken</c><00:21:00.840><c> the</c><00:21:00.960><c> lead
• we've taken the lead in um in<00:21:03.800><c> bringing</c><00:21:04.640><c> to</c><00:21:04.840><c>
• </c> been leading been leading leading leading leading the<00:21:28.800><c> house</c><00:21:29.720><c

Summary: Senate Tax Committee members presented a tax omnibus bill they said was a bipartisan effort aimed at making life more affordable and responding to federal policy changes they argued are increasing costs and harming Minnesota families, communities, farmers, and businesses. Chair Rest and other senators described the bill as a response to federal cuts to health care and food support, and said it also complements other Senate action on health and human services. Key provisions highlighted included a 12% increase in property tax refunds for homeowners, described as more than $100 million in direct relief; a $2 million provision related to Operation Metro Transit; a new health care sales tax in Hennepin County to replace an expiring local sales tax and help stabilize hospitals such as HCMC and North Memorial, with funds for uncompensated care and facility upkeep; and a social media tax on the largest platforms, which supporters said would raise revenue without affecting Minnesota residents. Senators also emphasized a sustainable aviation fuel credit, framed as a climate and economic development measure that could support in-state production and agricultural feedstocks. Members also discussed agricultural provisions, including lifting the cap on the beginning farmer tax credit extension and updating homestead-related rules, saying these changes would help farm transitions and reflect current conditions. Another property tax change would increase the market value exclusion for disabled veterans. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but senators said the bill had been passed to the floor and they were waiting for leadership to schedule it, while noting the House had not yet taken similar action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're pretty excited about where this Secretary of Energy is leading the Department of Energy...
• We're pretty excited about where this Secretary of Energy is leading the Department of Energy, and why
• How is INL leading this innovation?
• It is a reactor that is, it's an experiment that INL is leading, an effort of building this for fuel
• It became operational three weeks back, I think, two weeks back, when Bob and Boston and E5 lead Ted

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• he of any Thank Senator Cabaldon for taking the lead on this.
• Although I'm the lead author, it's joint-authored by Senator Grove as well.
• Do we have anyone who is a lead opposition witness? I've seen none.
• Do we have anyone who is a lead opposition witness? I've seen none.
• Okay, opposition—if you’re the lead opposition, you can come on up and sit down here.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• But first up is the 520 Native American Language and Cultural Certification, and Natasha has our lead
• So my team, now that we own the work and are leading the work, we're able to disaggregate the data a
• Which leads to the next one is, do you want to come present at the Education Commission of the States
• They would lead asset mapping and needs assessment.
• It leads to all the great work that you see in front of you, but it's also really important that they

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's give a round of applause to Mia for leading this.
• And I'm going to ask Casey Crannell from Troop 75 in Chelmsford to join me up at the rostrum to lead
• Casey, welcome to the Senate, and please proceed in leading everyone in the Scout Oath.
• And Hannah is going to lead us in the recitation of the Scout Law.
• I remember talking to one of the lead conservationists.

Summary: The Senate convened for a ceremonial session centered on the annual scouting report to the Commonwealth and a recognition of April as Public Health Month under state law. The chamber welcomed scouts and adult leaders from across Massachusetts, with Senator Tarr introducing the program and recognizing flag bearers, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law. A keynote address was delivered by Eagle Scout Jimmy Porrier, who highlighted scouting’s role in leadership development, community service, outdoor education, and conservation, and noted his own achievement of earning all 139 merit badges. The annual scouting report, presented by Theodore Borden, summarized statewide scouting participation and service. The report cited 21,469 youth members, 10,236 adult volunteers, 10,461 youth participating in summer activities, 4,467 non-scouts served, 689 Eagle Scouts, 200,098 hours of community service, and 28,406 merit badges earned. Membership figures were also broken down by program, including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring. After the report, Senator Collins moved that it be printed in the Senate Journal, and the motion was adopted without objection. The Senate then concluded the ceremonial proceedings, thanked the scouts and organizers, and adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's that, lead? Yeah, I think you're probably there. Yeah, I can't remember.
• And that leads into this automated characterization as part of that.
• And that leads into this automated characterization as part of that.
• Our area there is the Beneficiation and Separation Center co-leads.
• So we are co-leads on that. This chart basically shows the leads in each of these areas.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I was the data science lead for it. It was very exciting.
• And that leads into this automated characterization as part of that.
• And that leads into this automated characterization as part of that.
• Our area there is the Beneficiation and Separation Center co-leads.
• So we are co-leads on that. On this chart basically shows the leads in each of these areas.

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the availability of presentation materials, then moved into a series of technical briefings from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent federal and DOE efforts to streamline nuclear regulation for advanced reactors, including NRC Part 53 and upcoming Part 57 rulemaking, DOE authorization updates, crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements, and use of AI to speed licensing communications and document review. He emphasized that the goal is to align safety standards for advanced technologies, reduce rework for developers, and support deployment for commercial, defense, and research uses. In response to questions, he said there is no current plan to merge agencies, but there is more information-sharing and embedded NRC staff at DOE facilities; he also noted public outreach is supported through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, covering uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and recycling. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), DOE’s HALEU Availability Program, and the need to expand domestic enrichment, deconversion, and transportation capacity to support advanced reactors and the 2050 nuclear growth goal. He also reviewed used fuel management, including on-site storage at operating and shutdown reactors, the Center for Used Fuel Research at INL, a high-burnup research cask project, and the long-term repository question, which he said is ultimately political as well as technical. He outlined reprocessing approaches—aqueous/Purex, pyrochemical, and fluoride volatility—describing INL’s work on electrochemical processing of EBR-II fuel and noting industry interest from several companies in recycling technologies. Ashley Shields presented on AI for nuclear applications, describing INL’s use of generative AI, high-performance computing, and digital-twin tools to accelerate reactor design, licensing, operations, and materials development. She highlighted the Prometheus effort to pursue highly automated reactor design and operation, the large documentation burden for reactor licensing, and ongoing work on autonomous control, remote operation, and AI-assisted materials qualification through the Vulcan challenge and related data platforms. In questions, she said AI tools are used under data-governance and security controls, with different models chosen for different tasks, and argued that software engineers and human oversight remain necessary. The session ended with a brief recess announcement and a transition to a later presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• This leads to duplication and redundancy.
• When times are hard, financial problems can lead to late payments and, in the worst case, power being
• We feel very strongly that more incentives here could lead to...
• I think there's an important aspect of community engagement leading into these conversations, leading
• I think there's an important aspect of community engagement leading into these conversations, leading

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard several bills focused on housing, utility billing, permitting, oversight, disaster recovery, and traffic safety. AB 2058, by Assemblymember Harropetian, would streamline inspections and fees for factory-built housing by reducing duplicative local review and allowing third-party inspections; supporters said it would cut costs and delays, while the author noted local land-use authority would remain intact. AB 1945, by Assemblymember Hodgwick, would let Lassen Municipal Utility District offer voluntary prepaid electricity accounts without deposits or start-service fees, with consumer protections and electronic notices; municipal utility and power agency representatives supported it. AB 2418, by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, would set timelines for commercial plan review and allow third-party plan checkers for delayed tenant improvement projects; business and property groups supported it, and the bill was narrowed by amendments. AB 2433, by Assemblymember Alvarez, would expand density bonus incentives for for-sale affordable housing; supporters said it could help produce more homeownership opportunities, while labor and local government concerns led to amendments removing ministerial/by-right provisions. AB 2760, by Assemblymember Sharpe Collins, would allow counties with an Office of Inspector General to extend oversight to probation and animal control in San Diego County; the author and county supervisors supported it, but probation officials opposed it as duplicative. AB 2385, by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, would clarify local authority to plan for disaster recovery and create local reconstruction agencies; cities and other supporters said it would improve post-disaster rebuilding. AB 1976, by Assemblymember Hitt, would limit late-stage public process for pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic calming projects and exempt pedestrian malls from CEQA; supporters framed it as a safety streamlining measure, while local government groups raised concerns about reduced community engagement. The committee also adopted the consent calendar for AB 2118 and AB 2728. Final votes were taken after quorum was established: AB 1945 passed 6-0 to the Senate floor; AB 1976 passed 5-1 to the Committee on Transportation; AB 2058 passed 7-0 to Appropriations; AB 2385 passed 6-1 to Emergency Management; AB 2418 passed 7-0 to Judiciary; AB 2433 passed 7-0 to Housing; AB 2760 passed 5-2 to the Senate floor; and the consent calendar was adopted 7-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• We agree with the lead author and the lead witnesses' amendments. Thank you.
• California is leading the nation in AI regulations. However, a significant gap remains.
• Lowenthal has been leading the charge on that I support. Media that Mr.
• Lowenthal has been leading the charge on that I support.
• Thank you for leading this fight. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard a long agenda focused largely on AI-related consumer protection, child safety, and privacy bills. Members first adopted the consent calendar, then took up SB 1050, which would require disclosures when advertisements use AI-generated or synthetic performers. Supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, Common Sense Media, and labor groups, said consumers should know when an ad depicts a non-human performer and that the bill protects both consumers and workers. Opponents from TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and business groups argued the bill was too broad, lacked a deception standard, could burden accessibility uses and short audio ads, and created litigation risk. The committee voted the bill out on a party-line-leaning roll, with several members noting concerns but supporting continued work on the measure. The committee also approved SB 1111, which creates liability and remedies for non-consensual digital replicas using a person’s voice or likeness, and SB 1146, which targets deceptive AI-generated health advertisements that depict synthetic health care providers. Both measures drew support from consumer, labor, medical, and child-safety advocates and faced no formal opposition. Members emphasized the need to prevent deepfake abuse, especially in health-related ads where consumers could be misled into trusting fake doctors or medical endorsements. Several child- and privacy-focused bills were also heard and advanced. SB 867 would place a four-year moratorium on AI chatbot-powered toys for children, with supporters warning about harmful content, addictive design, and privacy risks; some opposition raised definitional concerns and asked for clearer standards. SB 1247 would give child influencers the right to delete monetized content posted during their minority, and it moved forward without opposition. SB 1000 updated California’s AI Transparency Act to align content provenance rules with newer technology and international standards, with support from Google and Adobe and no opposition. Finally, SB 957 would require social media companies to notify users when the federal government seeks their data through administrative subpoenas, give users time to challenge the request, and report disclosures; supporters framed it as a First Amendment and due process protection, while one member opposed it as an overreach against federal law enforcement. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, with several rolls left open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, can you clarify um what your concerns were on having DLNR be the lead in submitting the report to
• So, wouldn't it make more sense for you to take the lead as opposed to the department?
• you</c><00:17:35.360><c> to</c><00:17:35.480><c> take</c><00:17:35.640><c> the</c><00:17:35.760><c> lead
• </c><00:17:36.320><c> as</c> sense for you to take the lead as sense for you to take the lead as opposed
• </c> be the lead in submitting this report. be the lead in submitting this report.

Summary: The Committee on Education heard three tandem resolution packages. HCR 13 and HR 15 sought collaboration among the Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, and DLNR to develop a student coral stewardship program. DOE said it was willing to work with DLNR, and DLNR supported the measure but said it did not want to be the lead agency for reporting or curriculum development because of existing reporting burdens and because it was already active in school outreach. Testimony in support was received, and the committee later amended the measure to restore DLNR as the lead for the report while keeping DOE and the Charter School Commission as collaborators. The committee then voted to pass HCR 13 HD1 and HR 15 HD1 with amendments. HCR 91 and HR 83 proposed a long-term collaborative program between DLNR and DOE to expand and sustain tree canopy coverage at public schools statewide. DLNR strongly supported the measure, DOE offered comments, and the Boys and Girls Public Health Institute testified in support, citing research on heat reduction, student health, and academic impacts of shade trees. Additional supportive testimony came from the Kaululu Nani Urban and Community Forestry Program Advisory Council and others. The committee voted to pass HCR 91 and HR 83 unamended. HCR 183 and HR 183 addressed guidance and protections related to immigration enforcement in schools. DOE said it supported the resolution but noted it already had guidance in place; the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Boys and Girls Public Health Institute, Roots for Warren Maui, ACLU, 50501 Hawaii, General Strike Hawaii, and others testified in support, emphasizing student safety, attendance, and the effects of enforcement-related fear. A committee member asked about a reported Konawaena Elementary incident, and DOE clarified that the student was not deported and the event occurred off campus, with some newspaper details said to be inaccurate. After discussion, the committee deferred HCR 183 for further work with DOE and the Board of Education on definitions, enforcement, and guidance.

Transcript Highlights:

• equipment necessary for development. ...of a career and technical education course or program that leads
• Texas leads in just about everything, and we need to ensure that we also lead in the venture capital
• Absent the fee issue that I already talked about, this would lead to more tax compliance.
• Rather than the individual homeowners, this would most likely lead to greater compliance.
• And so we We felt it was important to lead with the business voice when it comes to accessing resources

Bills: SB209 , SB529 , SB1265 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SCR37 , SCR38

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're basically saying what other states have said, and let's take the lead on it, that we need to
• It wouldn't hurt for Kentucky to be in a lead in something rather than waiting for other states to tell
• <c> to</c><00:10:35.360><c> be</c><00:10:35.480><c> in</c><00:10:35.600><c> a</c><00:10:35.720><c> lead
• But this is an opportunity for Kentucky to, Representative Smith, point to be on the leading front of
• But this is an opportunity for Kentucky to, Representative Smith, point to be on the leading front of

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and first introduced a guest before taking up House Bill 701, sponsored by Representative Adam Bowling. The committee adopted a committee substitute by voice vote. Bowling explained that the substitute removed the bill’s mining-related language and added clarification that the bill does not require anyone to accept digital assets as payment. The bill was described as a measure to modernize Kentucky’s approach to digital assets and blockchain technology, protect the right to hold and transact in digital assets, and clarify that certain crypto activities are not securities; it also preserves authority for the Attorney General to pursue fraud under existing consumer protection laws. Members asked questions about why Kentucky should act before federal regulators fully resolve whether digital assets are securities or commodities, whether the bill affected local zoning authority, and how the measure addresses consumer protection and money laundering concerns. Bowling and a Coinbase representative said the bill is intended to provide clarity, align Kentucky with emerging federal developments, and avoid stifling innovation. They noted that Coinbase remains subject to federal AML/KYC rules and that recent federal litigation over staking and securities issues had been dismissed. Several members said they supported the bill as a way to put Kentucky in a leading position, while others expressed uncertainty about the security-versus-commodity question. The committee then voted on House Bill 701 as amended by the substitute. The bill passed on a roll call vote, with most members voting yes. Representative Camuel passed, saying she wanted more time to understand the issue, and Representative Grossberg voted yes with reservations. Representative Hancock and others said the bill’s regulatory clarity and consumer protection aspects were important, and Representative Lockett said the measure would help Kentucky be ready once federal regulators decide how crypto should be classified.

Transcript Highlights:

• Community-based care lead agency funding methodology report presented by Casey Pan of the Department
• Lead agency service delivery.
• We contract state contracts with community be community-based care, lead agencies for the delivery of
• A new state, a funding model for a community based care lead agencies.
• Each lead agency level to achieve that funding for each individual. Cdc.

Transcript Highlights:

• coherent and consistent state-level implementation and support to local educational agencies that will lead
• to better understand the commissioner's credentials, past employment history, key priorities for leading
• folks who are serving sort of that coherent function and alignment and coordination conversation to lead
• I’m Jeannie Myung, Director of Policy Research and Policy Analysis for California Education and lead
• to, That more gubernatorial appointment authority leads to better results.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allowing these leading-edge facilities to close sends the wrong message to the entire energy sector.
• So to my first point, the tax credit would lead to high SAF production.
• There is a longer lead time to be able to make that transition.
• So, yes, we are proposing for CARB to be the lead agency instead of the Energy Commission.
• It is wildly popular in the district and leads to immediate emissions reductions in the Valley.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for 50 years, we've been leading that work, and for 50 years we've been expanding that work because
• without a North Star, and what we really wanted to make sure we could accomplish is that we could lead
• We could lead an inclusive and resilient creative economy that empowers artists, cultural workers, and
• very robust, competitive bidding process, and we selected... we could accomplish is that we could lead
• California has an opportunity to lead by demonstrating that arts funding is not charity.

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on the Arts

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Arts held an informational hearing on California’s first sector-specific creative economy strategic plan, developed under AB 127 by the California Arts Council with an interagency work group and outside research support. Committee members and panelists described the plan’s purpose as strengthening the state’s creative workforce, stabilizing creative businesses, expanding equity and access, and building infrastructure for long-term implementation. The opening presentation highlighted major forces shaping the sector over the next decade, including AI, climate disruption, affordability, access to capital, and social cohesion, and outlined six action areas: workforce preparation, business growth, cultural tourism and identity, cross-sector incentives, ROI/data tracking, and state capacity-building. Testimony from the California Department of Education and the Workforce Development Board focused on existing workforce pipelines, including updated arts/entertainment/design CTE standards, the Entertainment Equity Alliance, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways, and High Road Training Partnership investments. Speakers said these efforts are producing strong placement outcomes, including paid on-the-job training, union placements, and support for workers facing barriers, while also emphasizing the need for entrepreneurship training and wraparound supports. Committee discussion also centered on a major unresolved issue: how to define and measure the creative economy consistently across agencies, since current labor data often misses gig, contract, nonprofit, and business activity. A second panel of practitioners and advocates described local examples of the plan in action. The Handy Foundation, Arts for LA’s Creative Jobs Collective, the Arts Council of San Bernardino County, and the California Arts Council chair all argued that artists and creative workers should be treated as essential contributors to education, community health, local economies, and resilience, not as peripheral workers. They urged stronger school partnerships, more arts access, and better recognition of creative careers. Members also discussed AI’s impact on creative work, with panelists saying it should be treated as a tool that requires guardrails, training, and union and educator involvement rather than as a replacement for human creativity. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members expressed support for continued implementation, better data systems, and additional funding in future budget and policy actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you can see that the 32.6 of state general and motor vehicles lead the way with individual income
• And I think, you know, in some states, reality is beginning to sink in on where this could lead.
• As you can see, OGB leads the charge with risk management and OTS.
• As you can see, OGB leads to charge with risk management and OTS.
• Operating leads the charge with 59.1%, or $421.4 million, of that $713.6 million spend.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• For several years, Governor Walz asked me to lead key strategic initiatives elsewhere in the enterprise
• , including leading the Minnesota Department of Health's long-term care battle plan to keep COVID-19
• state employees, their family members, and retirees across all three branches of government, and we lead
• </c> branches of government and we lead branches of government and we lead collective<00:04:25.160><c
• </c><00:21:42.600><c> to</c> that means that uh it can lead to that means that uh it can lead to suspension

Committee: Senate Finance