Transcript Highlights:

• Karen Morillo, waiving in support, AARP of Florida.
• in support.
• I am in support of this great bill.
• Karen Morillo, waiving in support, AARP of Florida.
• in support.

Summary: The Committee on Physical Policy met to consider CS for SB 57A, the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative, sponsored by Senator Simon. The bill would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection and diagnosis, brain health, clinical trials, and outreach to older adults and higher-risk populations, with the department contracting with nonprofits for education and awareness efforts. Senator Simon and supporters cited Florida’s high Alzheimer’s prevalence, the lack of a state-funded awareness campaign, and the need to help families access information and treatment earlier. The committee heard supportive testimony from John Strader of the Alzheimer’s Association, who described his experience as a caregiver and said a local pilot awareness campaign increased calls to the helpline by more than 30 percent. Karen Morillo of AARP Florida and Tyler Jefferson of the Alzheimer’s Association waived in support. Several senators voiced strong support, including comments recognizing the burden on caregivers and praising Senator Simon’s advocacy. Senator Osgood asked about funding for implementation, and Senator Jones emphasized the need for the initiative to be fully funded. In closing, Senator Simon spoke personally about his mother’s diagnosis and the difficulty families face navigating Alzheimer’s without guidance, saying the bill is intended to help families get support earlier and prevent them from falling apart under the burden of the disease. The committee then voted on CS for SB 57A, and the bill was reported favorably. The meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lizzie Guantzona on behalf of the Office of Kat Taylor in support.
• Catherine Van Dyke with Community Alliance with Family Farmers in support.
• You know, I would, and I appreciate the apparent vote of support.
• Thank you in support.
• Great, so great support on the bill. Any...

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with two bills on the agenda. The chair opened the hearing with procedural reminders and a brief welcome back for the new year, then moved to AB 52 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the California Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee in statute. The author and a supporting witness said the committees are important to implementing the Farmer Equity Act and ensuring farmers and ranchers of color and small-scale producers have a meaningful role in CDFA policymaking; several organizations testified in support, and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard AB 230 by Assemblywoman Ransom, which extends the sunset of the Pierce’s disease control program and the Pierce’s disease glassy-wing sharpshooter board to 2037. The author and a representative of the wine grape industry described the program as essential to controlling a disease that threatens grapevines and to supporting research and field efforts funded by federal, industry, and grower assessments. Testimony from the Wine Institute, Family Winemakers of California, California Fresh Fruit Association, and the California Farm Bureau was in support, with no opposition. Both bills were moved on due pass motions to the Appropriations Committee and approved by the committee. AB 230 received eight aye votes and AB 52 later received seven aye votes after the roll was held open for absent members. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lizzie Guantzona on behalf of the Office of Kat Taylor in support.
• Catherine Van Dyke with Community Alliance with Family Farmers in support.
• You know, I would, and I appreciate the apparent vote of support.
• Thank you in support.
• Great, so great support on the bill. Any...

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm proud to speak in strong support of AB 1016 today.
• Leah Barrows on behalf of Independent Energy Producers, in support.
• Isabel Solis, the Amigos of the Community, in support. Good afternoon.
• Heskoward, Supervisor District 1 from Perryo County, supporting. All right.
• District 1 from Imperial County, supporting. All right, I think that's it.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy met as a subcommittee because a quorum was not present, and the chair announced 16 measures on the agenda, nine of them on consent. The committee then took up AB 1016 by Assemblymember Gonzalez, which would create a five-year pilot program allowing certain counties with geothermal elements in their general plans to locally permit geothermal plants up to 150 net megawatts through 2030. The author and Imperial County representatives argued the bill would streamline a duplicative permitting process, support local control, and bring jobs, tax revenue, and clean baseload energy development to Imperial County, which they described as facing high unemployment and poverty and having significant geothermal potential. Supporters included Imperial County officials, Rural County Representatives of California, Independent Energy Producers, and local community representatives. They emphasized the county’s long history of geothermal permitting, its planning efforts, and the economic benefits of projects that could support schools, health care, and community colleges. Opposition came from labor organizations including the California State Pipe Trades Council, Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers, California Coalition of Utility Employees, State Association of Electrical Workers, and State Building Trades. Their main concern was that shifting permitting from the California Energy Commission to local governments could remove the skilled-and-trained workforce requirement that currently applies to CEC-permitted projects. Committee members asked about that labor issue, and the author said he intended to work with the opposition coalition to ensure local workers are prioritized and that projects use skilled, trained, California-licensed labor. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration; no vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• WAIVE TIME IN SUPPORT. FRAN. RIGHT ON. WAIVES SPEAKING TIME IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
• WE DO HAVE JASON HARRELL FROM FI CPA IN SUPPORT.
• FLORIDA SHORE AND BEACH PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT. FANTASTIC. YVETTE WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• CAROLYN CASSIDY WAIVING IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU. MARK. GREAT. WAVING IN SUPPORT.
• DAVID, RESILIENCE FLORIDA WAIVING IN SUPPORT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also want to ensure that they have the support.
• better support them.
• CANP is here in support of the BRN sunset. The BRN.
• Along with the support that we have for the APRN-to-RN regulation, we also support any move that California
• Issue 13 is what we want our support on.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with opening remarks emphasizing legislative oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and the need to evaluate whether licensing boards are efficient and effective. BRN leaders reported progress since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, improved consumer satisfaction, expanded nursing program enrollment, and new statewide data collection on faculty. Committee members then questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international licensure, English proficiency, online nursing education and clinical placements, military and veteran pathways, workforce shortages, diversity in nursing, the LVN-to-RN 30-unit option, and the role of the board’s RN executive officer. The board explained California’s tiered APRN system, the NCLEX and national certification requirements, the 500-hour direct patient care clinical requirement, and its use of nursing education consultants and board-approved programs to oversee schools and placements. Members also discussed retention problems, especially for new graduates, and the board said shortages are often driven by burnout, lack of support, and employers’ reduced use of new-grad training programs. Public comment largely centered on proposed BRN sunset issues affecting advanced practice nursing, education oversight, and workforce development. Nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthesiology groups generally supported the BRN sunset report but asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, support for APRN-to-RN delegation authority, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and protection of the current population-focus model. The California Medical Association raised concerns about out-of-state nurse practitioners practicing independently without California transition-to-practice requirements, specialty delegation, ratios, and data collection. Higher education representatives from UC, CSU, private nonprofit colleges, and nursing associations urged the board to reduce duplicative documentation, modernize clinical placement rules, improve parity between in-state and out-of-state programs, and address bottlenecks in securing clinical sites. An online nursing school argued that California should create a pathway for distance-learning programs so students can complete clinicals in-state rather than traveling out of state. Several speakers also highlighted the need to expand access for rural and underserved communities, support diverse and nontraditional students, and preserve affordable pathways into nursing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also want to ensure that they have the support.
• better support them.
• So supporting them so they don’t... Being mostly female, how do you support that?
• Along with the support that we have for the APRN to RN regulation, we also support any move that California
• Issue 13 is what we want our support on.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• who desperately need support.
• AND I URGE SUPPORT FOR THIS BILL.
• Support this bill, and I yield back.
• in restaurants and supports nurses and factory workers who work overtime to support their families by
• SUPPORTS NURSES AND FACTORY WORKERS WHO WORK OVERTIME TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES BY ESTABLISHING NO TAX

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> through 2027 with continued support we through 2027 with continued support we will<00:04:57.639><
• I'm in full support of it.
• I'm in full support of it.
• I'm in full support of it.
• I'm in full support of it.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I appreciate your support.
• I ask for your support.
• So anyway, I appreciate your support.
• I ask for support. ...for the WTMA as well. I ask for support. Further remarks?
• So I would urge support.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This resolution supports three specific pillars of water management in the region.
• But anyway, I encourage your support with that. Debate is closed. Thank you.
• We are supporting in this resolution continued efficiency and modernization.
• I support water in Idaho. I have concerns about the language regarding... I support water in Idaho.
• And I fully support every bit of this resolution except the part about cloud seeding.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, anyone who wants to add on in support of the bill?
• Happy to support the bill today. Madam Secretary, please call the vote.
• So I'm joined today by our support. and not in private equity firms.
• In the meantime, I'm happy to support the bill in committee today.
• So I'm happy to support the bill, which I think I might be a joiner.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary. SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any members of the public here wishing to state a record of support?
• I respectfully ask for your support on this bill. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair.
• Are there any witnesses in support? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• wishing to register a statement of support?
• I did support that bill, and it was a very difficult decision.

Summary: The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met as a subcommittee and heard three youth-sports safety bills. AB 310 would require youth sports organizations to have written emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies, maintain and test AEDs, and ensure coaches have training in AED use and CPR. The author and supporters, including the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation and the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology, argued the bill would save lives and build on last year’s AED requirement. Youth soccer organizations opposed the bill’s broader AED mandate on cost grounds, saying compliance could total millions statewide and could force higher dues, while asking for grants, liability protections, and public-field AED installation. The committee discussed costs and funding options, then passed AB 310 on a 9-0 vote. The committee then considered AB 437, which would add sports-related injuries, including head injuries, to the health and safety information the CIF must report to the Legislature and Governor. Support came from the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and there was no opposition. Members said the measure would improve reporting on athlete safety and accepted technical amendments. AB 437 was approved 9-0 as amended. Finally, AB 708 would allow parents to choose soft-shelled helmet add-ons for youth football to reduce concussion risk. The author described the bill as a parental-choice and safety measure, noting studies showing reduced concussion risk. Members praised the bill as a common-sense alternative to banning the sport and emphasized that it would let families choose additional protection. There was no opposition, and the committee passed AB 708 9-0. The committee also adopted a consent calendar item with amendments before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're here to support it. It's important.
• I will be supporting it.
• them, but also to support the idea that any transmission upgrade that would be necessary to support
• , but also to support the idea that any transmission upgrade that would be necessary to support those
• Transmission upgrades would be necessary to support, but also to support the idea that any transmission

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um what we've support in that endeavor.
• And also because of your support for the Michael D.
• one of Kentucky's largest employers. inflationary support, just as all of our inflationary support,
• We appreciate your support.
• Uh a good We appreciate your support.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met without a quorum and postponed approval of the minutes. The committee first heard from Northern Kentucky University President Katie Short Thompson, who highlighted NKU’s enrollment growth, student success metrics, national recognition for value, lower student debt, and new programs tied to regional workforce needs, including AI, cybersecurity, supply chain analytics, cardiovascular perfusion, and the Norse Network Hub for employer access. She asked for a $5 million recurring base funding adjustment to align NKU’s general fund support with peer institutions, along with support for tuition waivers with FAFSA requirements, continued debt collection authority through the Department of Revenue, inclusion of fire and tornado insurance premiums in base funding, inflation and performance-funding support, and increased asset preservation funding. She also outlined capital priorities for the Hail College of Business building, Nunn Hall, and the MEP building, and requested $5.4 million to match private support for the Young Scholars Academy, a dual-credit program serving first-generation and low-income students. Representative Tipton questioned NKU about the number of older students using tuition waivers and whether the university could continue the program without a statutory age-based mandate. Thompson said the number of students over 65 using the waiver was small, that some students pursue degrees while others audit classes, and that external fundraising could potentially support the program if state funding changed. Tipton also confirmed NKU’s requested priorities and the $5.4 million match for the Young Scholars Academy. The committee then heard from University of Kentucky representative Dr. Cavallo, who framed UK’s request around accountability, workforce development, research, and health care impact. He described a patient story to illustrate UK’s medical mission, cited growth in enrollment, degrees awarded, hospital patients treated, and research grant revenue, and emphasized UK’s role in extension services and disaster response. He said UK is consolidating services for efficiency and is focusing on future workforce needs, especially artificial intelligence, noting the launch of the state’s first AI bachelor’s degree and a partnership with Microsoft to expand AI tools and training across campus and the Advancing Kentucky Together network. He also discussed demographic challenges, the need to retain graduates in Kentucky, and the importance of aligning programs and funding with long-term state needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:34.480><c> you</c> aware of any other state support you aware of any other state support you
• This is a state that has had a long history of supporting the arts through public support for more than
• To give us strong support again.
• </c> their day job if you will to support their day job if you will to support their<00:48:55.720><c>
• </c> every corner of the state supporting every corner of the state supporting theaters<00:58:44.160>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So just in general, we support any improvements you can make.
• For this reason, I'd like to reiterate my support... Council have voted in support.
• We are strongly supportive of those efforts.
• Newton's police chief supports automatic enforcement.
• Newton's police chief supports automatic enforcement.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on a broad package of traffic and roadway safety bills, with repeated emphasis on work zone safety, the Move Over law, automated enforcement, and protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and roadside workers. MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver strongly supported a bill allowing MassDOT vehicles to use blue flashing lights in limited work-zone settings, arguing that blue lights reliably slow drivers and could help address a rise in work-zone crashes and fatalities. District Attorney Marion Ryan, State Police representatives, and police association leaders supported a separate Move Over bill that would raise penalties for repeat violations and add an education component, citing officers and workers killed or injured roadside and saying the goal is deterrence and safer driver behavior rather than revenue. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to automated enforcement bills for speed and red-light violations, including proposals for school zones, work zones, and broader local options. Senator Brownsberger and Senator Jalen argued that automated enforcement is needed because speeding and red-light running remain common while police traffic enforcement has declined, and they described the bills as civil, opt-in tools that issue tickets to vehicles rather than drivers. Supporters from WalkMass, T4MA, Safe Roads Alliance, MassBike, Medford officials, and other advocates cited fatal pedestrian crashes, neighborhood speeding, and the need to protect vulnerable road users, while also pointing to privacy and equity safeguards in the bills such as limits on photographs, data retention rules, public reporting, and local approval processes. Several local and advocacy witnesses backed targeted camera programs. Senator Lovely and Representative Cruz supported a Salem school-zone camera bill, describing repeated violations around schools and buses. Medford officials and school-safety advocates supported a similar statewide camera bill, citing recent pedestrian deaths and dangerous cut-through traffic. AAA Northeast and the Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported targeted enforcement in work zones and school zones, while urging public education and warning periods. Some witnesses raised concerns about the color of lights for highway workers, with State Police representatives preferring green over blue to avoid confusion with law enforcement, and committee members asked about constitutional issues, surchargeability, and possible targeting concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That we fully support labeling of all meats.
• In support of. You are up, gentlemen. In support of. You are up, gentlemen.
• Any in support of? In support of. This is my first time doing this as well. Lady, that's all right.
• Any for information purposes only, seeing none, any in support of, in support of. only seeing none any
• in support of in support of.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first took up executive action on Senate Bill 890. Members explained that the House committee substitute combined provisions from related bills, changed the title to accommodate an amendment, and restored language that had been unintentionally repealed in section 217.550. The amendment was adopted, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for SB 890 was voted do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes and 1 no. The committee then heard Senate Bill 945 from Senator Carla May, which would raise the civil filing surcharge in the city of St. Louis from $15 to up to $20 to support the law library and related court services. Senator May and a representative of the Law Library Association of St. Louis testified that the surcharge had not been raised since 1996, that costs had increased, and that the increase would help maintain legal research resources and public access. Questions focused on whether the amount was sufficient and what other funding sources existed; there was no opposition testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 29, which urges Congress to restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork. The sponsor and supporters argued that consumers should know where meat comes from, that independent cattle producers are harmed by consolidation in the packing industry, and that voluntary labeling is inadequate. Opponents from the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and Missouri Pork Association argued that mandatory labeling adds regulatory burden, is not supported by consumer purchasing data, and should remain voluntary. The hearing included extensive testimony from cattle producers and consumers, but no vote on HCR 29 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, in strong support as well.
• California Action, in strong support.
• Are there any other members of the public wishing to express support? ...and we're in support.
• I'm obviously supportive of it.
• We had a support if amended position.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• About support services to students.
• We're strong supporters of dual enrollment.
• So, we are very strong supporters of dual enrollment.
• So, we remain strong supporters of both programs.
• We urge your support of this item. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all