Transcript Highlights:

• I'll let you talk here in a second for any opening remarks that you'd like to share.
• AB 1548, Pellerin, Monterey Bay Area Stewardship Authority, do pass. That's out on a B roll call.
• AB 2277, Schultz, State Park Climate Stewardship, held in committee.
• AB 2208, Stephanie, Medi-Cal cost sharing and retroactivity, do pass. That's out on a B roll call.
• verification signals, do pass as amended with author amendments clarifying definitions and liability for shared

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to just share with you some of the things that came out in discussion.
• I approach this issue not only as a legislator responsible for stewardship of public resources, but also
• And it's really rooted in good stewardship. They offer great quality care.
• And I think we've heard from a couple representatives from that district that are sharing that.
• rural health care and making it as best as it can be, I have a real-life example that I'd like to share

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we recognize a very special day: Education and Sharing Day, established by the United States Congress
• He believed that every child is a beacon of divine potential and their values-based education and shared
• In early learning, I wanted to share with you for the Gold Quality Program location. $2.5 million in
• Improvement Stewardship District, Manatee County. >> Any amendments?
• **Representative Berman**: I have shared my story about the decision I had to make.

Bills: HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, SB 14, HB 12, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912, HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, HCR 123, HCR 124, HR 57, HR 87, HR 111, HR 228, HR 230, HR 322, HR 624, HR 625, HR 626, HR 627, HR 628, HR 630, HR 631, HR 634, HR 635, HR 636, HR 637, HR 638, HR 639, HR 640, HR 645, HR 646, HR 648, HR 649, HR 651, HR 652, HR 653, HR 654, HR 664, HR 665, HR 668, HR 675, HR 676, HR 678, HR 679, HR 680, HR 683, HR 686, HR 688, HR 689, HR 694, HR 695, HR 697, HR 698, HR 699, HR 472, HR 622, HR 632, HR 633, HR 643, HR 655, HR 657, HR 660, HR 661, HR 662, HR 663, HR 667, HR 670, HR 674, HR 681, HR 682, HR 696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to take the state share of the money, and we're going to put it into this fund, and some
• And I have a cautionary tale to share that I think highlights this very issue, and I want to emphasize
• And I have a cautionary tale to share that I think highlights this very issue, and I want to emphasize
• the forest superintendent on Martha's Vineyard, two practical targeted steps to strengthen the stewardship
• On environmental stewardship, I carry on the work of my predecessor in this seat, Senator Pam Reesor,

Summary: The Senate considered a broad environmental bond bill with amendments touching climate resilience, coastal infrastructure, housing, plastics, wildlife protection, and public health. Early in the debate, Senator Keenan withdrew an amendment to fund the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program, explaining that the program had been enacted without funding and that he hoped to secure money through the budget process instead. The Senate then adopted his amendment banning hotels from providing plastic toiletry packaging. The chamber also debated and rejected a Republican amendment to remove the paper bag fee; supporters argued the 10-cent charge would burden working families, while opponents said it was a necessary environmental measure. The amendment failed on a standing vote, 5-10. Several environmental and coastal amendments were adopted, including measures on ocean acidification and nutrient pollution, a statewide carbon sequestration goal that includes salt marshes and seagrasses, a study of banning polystyrene, restrictions on rodenticides with local control and emergency-use exceptions, and indoor air quality improvements. Senators also approved amendments to create a Massachusetts Climate Bank, establish a trust fund and on-site housing for the Manuel F. Corrella State Forest on Martha’s Vineyard, increase the Douglas State Forest entry fee from $1 to $2, and clarify procedures and oversight for housing priority projects. Some proposals were withdrawn, including a special commission on resilient urban coasts and a conservation commission proposal, while others were rejected, including a local-priority housing confirmation amendment and a warrantless-entry amendment that raised Fourth Amendment concerns. The Senate also adopted a series of coastal resilience and permitting amendments, including streamlined permitting for urban coastal projects, a pilot for nature-based solutions, dredging and sand placement in general permits, and a Salisbury Beach trust fund clarification. A New Bedford state pier redevelopment amendment and a harbor protection amendment were adopted, as were amendments related to public and private water utility reporting and equitable representation. The session concluded with notice that only two amendments remained before a roll call, followed by an adjournment in memory of James A. Jim Sheets, former Quincy mayor and educator.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to take the state share of the money, and we're going to put it into this fund, and some
• And I have a cautionary tale to share that I think highlights this very issue, and I want to emphasize
• And I have a cautionary tale to share that I think highlights this very issue, and I want to emphasize
• the forest superintendent on Martha's Vineyard, two practical targeted steps to strengthen the stewardship
• On environmental stewardship, I carry on the work of my predecessor in this seat, Senator Pam Reesor,

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> resources, environmental stewardship, resources, environmental stewardship, &gt;&gt; [snorts] &
• I'm excited to share the update with you now.
• Minnesota deserves more than our fair share of federal dollars. Finance authority.
• </c> than our fair share of federal dollars. than our fair share of federal dollars.
• of that maybe know that the lion's share of that maybe didn't<00:45:43.960><c> all</c><00:45:44.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Delta Stewardship Council has done a significant amount of research on what investments are needed
• Let me be clear, SVLG supports environmental stewardship.
• Let me be clear, SVLG supports environmental stewardship, grid reliability, and paying the full, fair
• I share your concern with having this overly prescriptive approach at the state level and not allowing
• In their words, I'm going to share with you their stories.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And ultimately, it is good stewardship of the taxpayer dollars our state prioritizes to educate our students
• And ultimately, it is<00:33:30.880><c> good</c><00:33:31.200><c> stewardship</c><00:33:31.760><c> of<
• /c><00:33:32.000><c> the</c><00:33:32.159><c> taxpayer</c> is good stewardship of the taxpayer is good
• stewardship of the taxpayer dollars<00:33:33.279><c> our</c><00:33:33.600><c> state</c><00:33:34.000
• lot of conversation about funding, and I want to clarify and I appreciate the senator from Bourbon sharing

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Karen Lang on behalf of the California Arts Advocates, the California Product Stewardship Council, and
• Madam Chair members Karen Lang on behalf of the California Arts Advocates the California Product Stewardship
• I'm going to share my mic on first. That might be helpful. Aloha.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Delta Stewardship Council has already done the research on what investments are needed, developing
• The Delta Stewardship Council has already done the research on what investments are needed, developing
• applying here, which is that if the State Water Project and the canals are unable to provide that large a share

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start of the meeting. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and rescheduled for the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures were taken up with waived presentations, brief public testimony, and then moved to suspense without objection. Several bills received author presentations and discussion. SB 872 by Senator McNerney proposed a long-term funding mechanism for Delta levee and State Water Project canal repairs, with strong support from water agencies, environmental groups, and regional coalitions emphasizing flood risk, water reliability, and protection of state assets; the bill was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize, but not require, blue emergency lights on parole vehicles; supporters from the parole officers’ union cited officer safety and the death of parole agent Joshua Bird, and it too was moved to suspense. SB 950 by Senator Richardson would require coverage of FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease; the committee noted the estimated premium impact was minimal and voted 7-0 for due pass to the Senate floor, while asking the author to consider a sunset amendment. The committee also heard testimony on SB 1123, where the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association opposed the measure on policy grounds, but it was still sent to suspense. SB 1069 and SB 1138 drew support from the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, respectively. The remaining suspense-file bills on the agenda were largely taken up in sequence with no opposition or committee questions and were moved to suspense without objection, and the meeting adjourned after the agenda was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• communities, to make sure that that ag land is restored, just consistent with responsible land stewardship
• Just consistent with responsible land stewardship. I would appreciate your support.
• I have a lot of concerns about the bill as written, and you and I have shared those concerns.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:17.680><c> your</c> thank you thank you for sharing your thank you thank you for sharing your
• </c> allow people to come together and share allow people to come together and share and<00:15:38.319
• He thanked them for sharing and taking him down a long memory road today.
• He thanked them for sharing and taking him down a long memory road today.
• We did share that information with review panelists.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• number of diverse businesses, ranging from agricultural operations to materials, environmental stewardship
• that I want to make sure that the legacy that I leave is one that is of honor and integrity to the stewardship
• We are ones who want to hold on to our land to continue good stewardship of our land and keep that in
• And I know good stewardship when I see it.

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• , stewardship, stewardship, in<03:41:01.359><c> libraries,</c><03:41:02.160><c> trails,</c><03:41:02.720
• ><c> measures</c><04:58:47.360><c> to</c> information sharing, and measures to information sharing, and
• I want and enhance information sharing.
• </c> contact at DHS for information sharing contact at DHS for information sharing and<05:04:24.240><
• > ensures responsible stewardship of ensures responsible stewardship of taxpayer<05:07:56.320><c> dollars

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, July 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do read everything you send in writing, so we don't need to hear it twice, but please do share with
• us whatever you would like to share orally.
• As such, we give stewardship authority to ecologists, foresters, biologists of DCR, and MassWildlife.
• So let me just share with you some of the observations.
• So let me just share with you some of the observations.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered several environment and natural resources bills focused on natural and working lands, forest protection, municipal reforestation, trail accessibility, and a park naming bill. Representative Moschino and Senator Comerford described the natural and working lands bill as part of the state’s climate roadmap, arguing that protecting these lands supports carbon sequestration, resilience, biodiversity, and helps prevent development pressure on the least expensive land. Senator Comerford also testified on a separate bill to expand access to trails for people of all abilities, saying it would build on the administration’s Trails for All initiative and create a permanent advisory structure and trust fund. Representative Consolvo and family members testified in support of H. 4259 to name the tennis courts at Wether Park in Roslindale after Kim O’Connell, describing her long community service and activism. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 952 and H. 953, bills to protect watershed and state forest lands as parks or reserves. Supporters, including environmental advocates, scientists, and organizations such as Standing Trees, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Forest Alliance’s opponents, debated whether state forests and watershed lands should be permanently reserved from logging and other active management. Supporters said the bills would improve carbon storage, water quality, biodiversity, flood and drought resilience, and would protect large acreages of public land at no cost. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Forest Alliance, argued that sustainable forest management and a mix of reserves and managed forests are needed for climate, water quality, wildfire prevention, rural jobs, and carbon outcomes, and urged the committee to allow the administration’s existing reserve process to continue. The committee also heard extensive testimony on the municipal reforestation bill, H. 1013/S. 553, which would create a statewide program, advisory council, and trust fund to support urban tree planting and maintenance. Municipal officials and advocates from Wellesley, Cambridge, Boston, the Mystic River watershed, and other communities said urban trees are critical for cooling, stormwater control, air quality, public health, and equity, especially in environmental justice neighborhoods with low canopy cover and high heat. Several witnesses emphasized that consistent funding is needed because trees take years to mature and many municipalities lack staff or watering capacity. Some witnesses asked that the bill be funded at $100 million and tied to the Mass Ready Act or environmental bond funding. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Delta Stewardship Council has done a significant amount of research on what investments are needed
• Let me be clear, SVLG supports environmental stewardship, grid reliability, and paying the full, fair
• Can you share a little bit more about your thoughts on that?
• In their words, I'm going to share with you their stories.
• So, you know, with that, I share the concern about the extent to which this bill...

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $150 million annually each for Central Valley subsidence repairs and Delta levee work. Senator McNerney and supporters from Restore the Delta, the State Water Contractors, and many water agencies, labor groups, environmental organizations, and local governments argued the bill is urgent to protect water delivery for 27 million Californians, safeguard levees and state assets, and address climate-related flood risks. There was no opposition testimony, and members asked about the bill’s focus on state-owned conveyance; the author said the distinction reflects the separate state and federal water projects. The bill was held while the committee lacked a quorum, with no vote taken at that point. The committee then heard SB 981, which would require CARB to include cost-of-living impacts in its existing regulatory analysis for major rules. Senator Niello and supporters from agriculture, manufacturing, business, propane, restaurants, and commercial property groups said the bill would improve transparency about how regulations affect gasoline, electricity, food, housing, and business costs. Opponents, including Coalition for Clean Air and the Union of Concerned Scientists, argued it would add delay, cost, and redundant analysis to CARB rulemaking and could not reliably measure the effects the bill seeks to capture. Committee members raised concerns that CARB already estimates costs, that the bill is burdensome and narrow, and that it does not fully account for benefits or the role of other agencies. No vote was recorded in the transcript. SB 887, by Senator Padilla, would require data center projects to undergo CEQA review while creating a streamlined path for projects meeting strong environmental, labor, and community-benefit criteria, including zero-carbon electricity, on-site storage, recycled water or water-efficient cooling, and full cost responsibility for grid upgrades. Supporters said data centers are rapidly expanding, can strain energy and water resources, and should be held to clear standards while still allowing beneficial development; labor and environmental groups backed the measure. Opponents from the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and business groups said the bill is overly prescriptive, discriminatory toward one industry, and could drive investment and jobs out of state. After discussion, the committee established a quorum and voted 3-1 to pass SB 887 as amended to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, with the bill kept on call. The committee also heard SB 1008, which would renew a CEQA exemption for the closure of at-grade rail crossings ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission. Senator Ochoa Bogh and Union Pacific testified that the measure would help the state act quickly on rail safety by removing redundant environmental review for crossing closures, while still requiring collaboration with local jurisdictions and the PUC. There was support from railroad and business representatives and no opposition. The committee voted 4-0 to pass SB 1008 to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, and the bill was kept on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe they have lists of cases that are available to all of you if they haven't been shared already
• Last year, there were discussions of some of the concerns shared by labor.
• Last year, we shared examples of our work, including repeated pollution incidents such as boat fires
• Our members are committed to environmental stewardship.
• Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida citizens can continue to speak openly share observations and protect our natural resources.
• They are components of responsible stewardship policies that discourage open dialogue, risk weakening
• And I got so fired up and I want to share a personal story.
• And I share that with you to say that while this issue has come forward and this is a concern for many
• And thank you for coming to speak today and share, and obviously our free speech is the most important

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm glad to share my support on behalf of the Land Stewardship Project, and I also want to thank Representative
• I'm happy to share my support for the Farm to School and early care program as a farmer who sells to
• Stewardship Project.
• I'll share a couple of reasons why this investment is important to our farm and our family.
• So it is a fair share of where the program spends its time. **Chair Anderson:** No questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've shared my thoughts on this measure in previous floor sessions.
• I've shared my thoughts on this measure in previous floor sessions.
• I've shared my thoughts on this measure in previous floor sessions.
• And I just want to share a brief comment. So ordered. Please proceed.
• And I just want to share a brief comment. So ordered. Please proceed.

Keywords: 910, house, all