Transcript Highlights:

• And decades of peer-reviewed research has shown consolidation is a major part of the rising costs.
• And decades of peer-reviewed research has shown consolidation is a major part of those rising costs,
• Vote Mama Foundation, a leading nonpartisan 501(c)(3) entity that provides research and analysis on the
• Engaged, Great Education, Epidemiology, and Research.
• Seventh, I'll point out that as my career as a scientist at a premier research institute, I observed

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do research and policy work in the public interest, studying housing policy around the U.S.
• We do research and policy work in the public interest, a study housing policy, an organization.
• Yeah, because I was just doing a lot of research.
• Yeah, because I was just doing a lot of research.
• I think it's wrong from the research I did into the bill on loan or payment.

Bills: SB211 , SB131 , SB183 , SB222 , SB246 , SB254

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: appropriation, local government, Las Vegas, Rodriguez Park, public facilities, zoning reform, building regulations, residential apartments, commercial use, multigenerational housing, local government authority, healthcare, urgent care, emergency services, feasibility study, medical facilities, physician training, medical residency, New Mexico, massage therapy

Transcript Highlights:

• Last session, the legislature created the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and
• to determine the demand and then also research of the vendor market.
• to determine the demand and then also research of the vendor market.
• I think that's a great research point and would require research for our agency.
• We haven't done the market research.

Bills: HB42

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any research on what COVID-related learning and recovery might actually cost?
• Is there any research on what COVID-related learning and recovery might actually cost?
• Can you talk about any of the research on the half-day versus full-day?
• Can you talk about any of the research on the half day versus full day?
• There's a basket of research about middle schools, which shows a couple of things.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Governor’s education budget proposals for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Learning Recovery Block Grant, and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), followed by testimony from State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. On LCFF, Finance outlined the proposed 2.43% COLA, repayment of prior deferrals, and a trailer bill penalty for LEAs that fail to adopt Local Control Accountability Plans on time. The LAO said its COLA estimate was slightly lower and raised concerns that the Governor’s proposed TK staffing ratio increase may be more costly than estimated. Members also discussed whether the current COLA formula should better reflect California-specific or district staffing costs, and whether TK should be more clearly separated from the K-3 grade span adjustment to avoid larger K-3 class sizes. The chair asked staff to work with the LAO on both the TK/K-3 issue and alternative COLA calculations. For the Learning Recovery Block Grant, Finance proposed restoring the first of three delayed payments, $378.6 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund, while the LAO recommended adopting the proposal but extending the expenditure deadline by at least a year. The LAO reported that districts had spent $1.6 billion of the $6.8 billion received through 2023-24 and said most districts were only now shifting from federal COVID relief to block grant spending. Members questioned whether the large state and federal investments were improving outcomes, citing declining reading and math trends, while Finance and the State Board president pointed to some signs of improvement, especially in math, attendance, and gains for some student groups. Darling-Hammond emphasized that student needs have grown, that recovery spending has gone to devices, ventilation, staffing, tutoring, summer school, and community schools, and that targeted interventions appear to be helping some districts recover faster than others. On ELOP, Finance proposed adding $435 million to expand universal access by lowering the Tier 1 threshold from 75% to 55% unduplicated pupils, bringing ongoing funding to $4.4 billion. The LAO said the estimate was reasonable but recommended delaying implementation for a year, aligning ELOP with ASES to reduce overlap, moving toward funding based on participation rather than enrollment, and considering a fixed Tier 2 rate. Members and witnesses discussed staffing challenges, the use of funds for students with disabilities, and uncertainty in Tier 2 funding caused by unspent dollars and opt-outs. Darling-Hammond supported ELOP as part of California’s broader after-school and summer learning strategy, said most districts are now offering full-day TK and expanded learning, and urged the state to reduce fragmentation across categorical programs and build more unified systems for funding, reporting, and support.

Transcript Highlights:

• A few weeks ago, this committee heard from leaders of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center
• ><c> mental</c> Research shows that increasing mental Research shows that increasing mental health<00
• House research indicates DE1 would allow that aid to be used for any safe schools purpose.
• I appreciated Matt Shaver talking about what the research tells us about suspensions.
• The data from Sandy Hook Promise, again, research-based data is very clear. They do work.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3493, the Safe Schools Revenue Increase bill, and first adopted the DE amendment before moving the bill on for re-referral to Ways and Means. Representative Lawrence described the bill as a multi-layered school safety package for all students and schools, including public, nonpublic, charter, and tribal schools, with increased safety funding, mental health support, anonymous threat reporting, school safety plans, and student discipline changes. Several supporters emphasized the need for flexible safety funding and cited real-world safety concerns, including anonymous tip systems that had generated many reports, classroom evacuations, staff injuries, and the need for more resources for mental health and safety infrastructure. Some supporters, including charter school leaders and Catholic Conference testimony, argued the bill’s flexibility and broader safety approach were important, while others supported the K-3 suspension language as a needed tool in severe cases. Opponents focused heavily on the bill’s repeal of Minnesota’s K-3 suspension ban and non-exclusionary discipline requirements. Legal aid, disability advocates, and education groups argued that suspensions harm young children, worsen disparities, and disproportionately affect students of color and students with disabilities, and they urged the committee to keep restorative and non-exclusionary practices in place. Disability advocates also asked that any safety planning explicitly account for students with disabilities and that the bill remain aligned with IDEA protections and individualized education decisions. Several testifiers opposed using public funds for private schools, saying public money should stay in public programs. Other testimony came from school administrators and staff who supported restoring limited suspension discretion, describing serious elementary incidents, classroom evacuations, and injuries that they said required a short-term removal option to stabilize classrooms and plan for students’ return. Mental health and school support personnel witnesses stressed that safety and mental health funding should remain distinct and that more counselors, social workers, and related staff are needed to address student crises. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided beyond adoption of the DE amendment and the motion to re-refer the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gina Placadino with the Research and Action Center. Perfect. Sorry, you're not on debt.
• We'll now move to Gina Platanino from the Food Research and Action Center.
• But decades of evidence, 30 years of research, has shown that that is not what happens.
• So it really is a matter of 30 years of research that has shown that people are working.
• We don't have research on that. We don't have research on that at this time. Okay.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the discussion around major federal changes to work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, immigrant eligibility, and financing rules, while noting the state’s own structural budget deficit and the need for a second hearing later in March on county and safety-net impacts. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center. LAO and Finance described H.R. 1 as driving major enrollment losses and cost shifts. LAO estimated that Medi-Cal work requirements and six-month redeterminations could affect 3.5 million people, with 1 to 2 million potentially disenrolled, while CalFresh changes could subject more than 800,000 people to work requirements and cause over 600,000 to lose food assistance. They also highlighted new ineligibility for certain non-citizens, reduced federal matching for emergency Medi-Cal services, tighter provider tax rules, and higher state and county administrative costs for CalFresh. Finance said the governor’s budget reflects about $1.4 billion in new General Fund costs in 2026-27 and a $2.4 billion reduction in federal funds, with larger out-year impacts and up to 2 million Medi-Cal disenrollments by 2029-30. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, though it said the state could limit losses by choosing not to apply some new requirements to state-funded populations and by keeping some immigrants in full-scope state-funded coverage. The Food Research and Action Center argued that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, homelessness risk, and health costs, while also hurting local economies and increasing administrative burden. Committee members from both parties questioned the fiscal sustainability of Medi-Cal growth, the 11% CalFresh error rate and possible $2 billion penalty, county indigent care costs, and the effect of work requirements; several Democratic members argued the federal changes and state cuts would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color, while Republican members emphasized program growth, work incentives, and the need for budget restraint. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• misinformation and harmful content, and supports state curriculum standards and teaches critical research
• </c><00:09:01.440><c> and</c> and teaches critical research and and teaches critical research and information
• Let's celebrate how many times our students make use of state-funded research resources.
• </c><00:12:50.000><c> For</c><00:12:50.240><c> EHS,</c> funded research resources.
• For EHS, funded research resources.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a question about, uh, the research that was being done.
• Don't we want to research this? I'm confused.
• Uh have there research starts in a lab.
• Have you researched it?
• Have you researched<01:14:09.679><c> it?</c> researched it? researched it?

Bills: HB60

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Keywords: geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02 Roll Call: 00:00:08 26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35 Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59 Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um our our research shows of a year.
• Research shows that in the greater St.
• Research shows that in the greater St.
• Research shows that in the greater St.
• ><c> this</c><01:48:03.520><c> backs</c> there's research that back this backs there's research that

Bills: HF3902 , HF3895

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing tax credit, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, qualified projects, taxpayer contributions, greater Minnesota, zoning, housing, local government, multifamily development, affordable housing, land use, urban development, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to share with you recent research I completed comparing offender outcomes of black and white
• I'm here to share with you recent research I completed comparing offender outcomes of black and white
• So what was the rationale for conducting this research and writing the report?
• and writing the conducting This research and writing the report<00:02:57.879><c> from</c><00:02:58.159
• </c> whole body of of research whole body of of research across<00:37:21.880><c> States</c><00:37:23.000

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue we do issue debt we can research revenue we do issue debt we can only<05:19:51.558><c> issue
• Morse Hall is primarily a research and teaching lab building, along with faculty support space.
• </c><05:25:01.080><c> to</c><05:25:01.240><c> prepare</c> space and in uh researching to prepare space
• So one of the things about EOS and the type of research that they do is that it requires really tight
• So one of the things about EOS and the type of research that they do is that it requires really tight

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage. DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system. Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.

Transcript Highlights:

• much appreciate—I see at least four or five of my colleagues online, and I know that we have some researchers
• if you're willing to start your presentation now, I'd appreciate that, and we'll go back to the researchers
• We have some researchers from around the country who are online waiting to present, but until we get
• I encourage the members of the Minnesota House and Senate to look at her research and emphasize that
• </c><00:41:04.880><c> has</c> think uh Professor Baker's research has think uh Professor Baker's research

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in doing lots of research and engaging with stakeholders across Delaware, natural-leaf kratom is
• And in doing lots of research and engaging with stakeholders across Delaware, natural leaf cratum is
• He said the research is not just on testing, but also on regulation, and that the research part is not
• He said that because there is no in-state capability for kratom, and because the research is not just
• The research is not just with DPH, but also DPH working with DHSS.

Bills: HB305 , HB395 , HB341

Committee: Senate Health & Social Services

Keywords: hemp, marijuana, THC regulations, cannabis products, adult-use industry, public health, youth protection, child support, reunification, Department of Services for Children, family court, liability

Summary: The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite. The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products. The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to ask you a few questions about research and development.
• It's the top 70 research universities in the country.
• This is research and weather, radar, defense, things like that.
• If we're driving research dollars into these industries, imagine the new industries that would set up
• I'm going to take this opportunity again to double down on our research and development initiatives.

Bills: HB1675 , HB3242 , HB1739 , HB3320 , HB3047 , HB4434 , HJR1089 , HB4432 , HB3718 , HB3705

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a long slate of executive nominations and several bills. All of the nominations received broad support and were advanced to the floor, including Lori Burns to the Redlands Community College Board of Regents, Lisa Daly to the Oklahoma State Credit Union, Juana Ellison to the Forensic Review Board, Haley Frick to the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Michael Hillary to the Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dustin Hillary to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, John Holt to the Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufactured Housing Commission, Brian Sweeney to the Capital Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission, and Cale Walker to the USAO Board of Regents. Most nominations passed unanimously; Brian Sweeney’s nomination passed 15-2. The committee then heard and passed several policy bills. HB 1675 created a severe-weather preparedness framework for youth camps and passed 16-1. HB 3242, the Women’s Safety and Protection Act covering shelters, schools, and higher education, passed 15-2 after questions about enforcement and legal remedies. HB 1739 increased state police pension benefits and employer contributions to help retain officers, passing 16-1. HB 3320 overhauled the sunset review process for boards and commissions and passed 15-2. HB 3047 designated LOFT as the central recipient for legislative reports and passed unanimously, and HB 4434 required the governor or acting governor to notify the next successor before leaving the state, also passing unanimously. The committee also advanced HB 4432, which would restore the ability to deduct gambling losses against gambling winnings for state income tax purposes; supporters said it would help ordinary taxpayers, while opponents raised fiscal concerns, and it passed 16-1. HB 3705 raised the parental choice tax credit cap from $250 million to $275 million and passed 13-3 after extended debate over school choice, public funding, and reporting. HB 3718 set timelines for school districts to process evaluations tied to the Lindsay Nicole Henry Scholarship program and passed 12-2, with critics arguing it could create a separate track and strain school psychology resources. HJR 1089, which would have sent voters a constitutional convention referendum, was laid over and not voted on. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• and medical research that's coming out now that it's particularly harmful to children under the age
• So I am aware of the research report, I think, when it came out, and it reminded me I worked on public
• you on with a little more information and sort of making sure that we're embedding that type of research
• you on with a little more information and sort of making sure that we're embedding that type of research
• working with a company, Mortensen Advisors, and we, they're an AI company that has done a lot of research

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission, each by 4-0 vote. The committee also approved a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 (health) to be heard after the policy committee deadline, and took up floor acknowledgments before moving to appointments requiring testimony. The committee then heard from Clint Kellam, nominee to lead the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis labeling, youth protection, attractive-to-children packaging, the SB 540 educational pamphlet, and the department’s efforts to steer consumers from illicit to legal products. Kellam said the department’s role is not to promote increased consumption but to move existing consumption into the regulated market, and he described enforcement against illicit cultivation and retail, consumer education efforts, and a possible AI tool to help licensees review packaging. He also said the department would consider tighter packaging rules, including one-serving packaging, but emphasized the need for research and legislative collaboration. The committee voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. The committee next heard from Jennifer Osborne, nominee to direct the Department of Industrial Relations. Questions centered on DIR’s handling of Cal/OSHA audit findings, labor commissioner backlogs, PAGA enforcement, staffing shortages, IT modernization, and how her administrative background would help address those issues. Osborne said DIR is working on revised Cal/OSHA policies and procedures, additional staffing and intake changes, new IT systems, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also clarified that the Civil Rights Department is not under DIR, but said she would follow up on concerns raised. Public commenters from employer groups, labor, and industry largely supported her nomination, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 to move to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• and medical research that's coming out now that it's particularly harmful to children under the age
• So I am aware of the research report, I think, when it came out, and it reminded me I worked on public
• you on with a little more information and sort of making sure that we're embedding that type of research
• I am working with a company, Mortensen Advisors, and we are an AI company that has done a lot of research
• working with a company Mortensen Advisors, and we, they're an AI company that has done a lot of research

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and procedural items. It unanimously approved three appointments not required to appear: Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. The committee also approved bill referrals, a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 (Health) to be heard past the policy deadline, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes. The committee then heard testimony from Clint Kellam, nominee to lead the Department of Cannabis Control. Senators focused on illicit cannabis activity, consumer education, youth protection, labeling, and packaging that may be attractive to children. Kellam said the department’s goal is to shift consumption from illicit to legal sources, not increase use, and described efforts including the Real California Cannabis campaign, the SB 540 pamphlet, inspections, a package-review team, and an AI image analyzer for licensees. He also discussed enforcement against illicit cultivation, coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, and the department’s role in helping bring legal market compliance and access into balance. The committee voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. The committee next heard from Jennifer Osborne, nominee to direct the Department of Industrial Relations. Questions centered on Cal/OSHA audit findings, workplace safety, PAGA-related litigation, case backlogs, staffing shortages, and how her administrative background would help manage the department. Osborne said she would focus on fixing systemic issues, improving staffing and classification rules, modernizing IT systems, adding intake and investigative capacity, and addressing the Cal/OSHA audit recommendations. She also said DIR would continue working on worker safety, compensation, and apprenticeship programs, and would follow up on some questions about natural-disaster-related enforcement and backlog metrics. Public commenters from employer groups and labor organizations spoke in support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for consideration by the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• and medical research that's coming out now that it's particularly harmful to children under the age
• So I am aware of the research report, I think, when it came out, and it reminded me I worked on public
• you on with a little more information and sort of making sure that we're embedding that type of research
• I am working with a company, Mortensen Advisors, and we're an AI company that has done a lot of research
• working with a company Mortensen Advisors, and we, they're an AI company that has done a lot of research

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vince Perez, House Ways and Means Research Analyst: House Bill 2785 conforms the state statutes to the
• I did some research lately on the California situation.
• Chairman, members, Conor Saccata, House Majority Ways and Means Research Intern.
• So I would do my own research.
• So I would do my own research.

Bills: HB2011 , HB2089 , HB2090 , HB2092 , HB2477 , HB2785

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: individual income tax, subtraction, Arizona Revised Statutes, retirement benefits, adoption costs, charitable contributions, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, education savings

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, let's go with our research staff. Good afternoon. My name is Isabella Gutwine.
• I am a junior at Grand Canyon University, and I am the research intern. Thank you.
• They have university research supporting the work that they're doing with technology first in Ohio.
• They have university research supporting the work that they're doing with technology first in Ohio.
• This is a research project out of the University of Kansas.

Committee: House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Science and Technology met for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills, beginning with HB 2121, which would prohibit original equipment manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, including through firmware or remote updates. Sponsor Rep. Nick Cooper described it as a “True Ownership Act” aimed at consumer products like printers and phones, while members raised concerns about manufacturing, security, and implementation. An amendment by Rep. Fink narrowed the bill to consumer products and excluded commercial, industrial, business-to-business, off-road, and retail-channel equipment. The amendment was adopted, and HB 2121 as amended passed 7-1-1, with one member voting no and one present. The committee next considered HB 2134, which would prohibit Chinese-produced critical infrastructure equipment and restrict government entities and critical communications providers from contracting with Chinese companies that have access to critical infrastructure. Rep. Cooper and supporters framed the bill as a cybersecurity and national security measure, while some members questioned costs, implementation, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission. Testimony from State Armor representatives and an attorney cited federal NDAA restrictions, alleged fraud in sales of certain devices, and examples from other states. The Arizona Corporation Commission director said the agency was neutral but would need several new positions to implement the bill. HB 2134 passed 5-4. The committee also approved HB 2451, which updates the Arizona Space Commission’s board terms, extends the strategic plan deadline, and adds astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s scope. Rep. Justin Wilmeth and Space Commission members described the measure as a technical “trailer bill” to support Arizona’s growing space industry and long-term competitiveness, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 2700, which would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and Technology First initiatives. Rep. Connolly, constituent Sam Shepard, and advocates for people with developmental disabilities testified that the committee would help Arizona identify and expand assistive technologies and remote supports. After adopting a Connolly amendment clarifying the committee’s purpose and membership, HB 2700 passed 8-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, let's go with our research staff. Good afternoon. My name is Isabella Gutwine.
• I am a junior at Grand Canyon University, and I am the research intern. Thank you.
• They have university research supporting the work that they’re doing with technology first in Ohio.
• They have university research supporting the work that they’re doing with technology first in Ohio.
• This is a research project out of the University of Kansas.

Bills: HB2121 , HB2134 , HB2451 , HB2700

Committee: House Science & Technology

Keywords: modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services