Transcript Highlights:

• THE STATEMENT ESTABLISHED OBJECTIVES, RISK CONSTRAINTS INVESTMENT OPTIONS AND BENCHMARKS TO MEASURE PERFORMANCE
• AND SO YOUR BILL ALLOWS MILITARY PERSONNEL TO USE REASONABLE FORCE TO PREVENT DESECRATION OF THE FLAG
• I URGE PHYLLIS CITIZENS AND LAWMAKERS TO REJECT THIS COSTLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL MEASURE.
• THE FIRST AMENDMENT GUARANTEES FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND PREVENTS THE GOVERNMENT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it's equitable, and it would prevent it's equitable, and it would prevent guaranteed<00:36:19.760
• it would prevent that guaranteed it would prevent that individual<00:36:22.079><c> from</c><00:36:22.480
• </c><00:45:08.560><c> and</c> talking about are preventable and talking about are preventable and they're
• . preventable. preventable.
• consistent</c><01:47:34.000><c> with</c> Um these measures are consistent with Um these measures are

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• C-GAPS is in strong support of this measure.
• We support this measure.
• But again, we respectfully oppose this measure.
• </c><00:47:11.280><c> thank</c> respectfully oppose this measure thank respectfully oppose this measure
• You called it a housekeeping measure.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without an alternative option, this bill could prevent eligible citizens from registering to vote or
• So you're saying that the state of Florida can prevent someone who believes that they are eligible to
• What safeguards does the bill include to prevent disparate impacts on Black, Latino, Asian American,
• So I understand that it prevents a carbon tax; it creates a carbon tax prevention.
• So I don't understand how, again, you can't be forward thinking, trying to prevent these collins.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and featured a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a newly awarded PhD, and the day’s doctor. The chamber also adopted a Senate resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. After routine business, the Senate moved to special order bills. The first measures taken up were CS/SB 68 on health care patient protection, which required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, readiness assessments, and a designated pediatric coordinator; it passed 36-0. CS/SB 350 on public records, protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the names of law enforcement officers who are victims in the line of duty, passed 33-4 after questions about access for victims’ attorneys. CS/SB 576 on local government cybersecurity established a state-administered cybersecurity protection program for local governments, prioritized rural and fiscally constrained communities, and was amended before passing 37-0. CS/SB 532 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and incorporating related provisions on legal notices, traffic citation distributions, and municipal fee splits, passed 38-0. CS/SB 696 on trademark registration modernized the filing system and passed 38-0. CS/SB 698 on septic system permits, addressing permit delays and aligning House and Senate language on liability if construction begins early, also passed 38-0. The longest debate centered on CS/SB 1334 / CS/HB 991 on elections and election integrity. The bill would use REAL ID data to verify citizenship for voter registration and list maintenance, revise candidate-qualification rules, change acceptable voter IDs, add citizenship markers to driver licenses and ID cards by July 1, 2027, and make other election-administration changes. Multiple amendments were offered and defeated, including proposals to allow attestations in lieu of documentation, exempt seniors, require human review over automated systems, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, and delay implementation to July 1, 2027. One amendment was adopted to retain a stock-trading disclosure for candidates. The chamber then continued debate on the underlying bill, with supporters citing state reports of non-citizen registrations/voting and opponents warning of disenfranchisement for students, seniors, and others who may lack the required documents.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL, WE'RE JUST TRYING TO PUT MEASURES IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS SAFE.
• WE MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF OUR SERVICE PROGRAM.
• THAT ASSIST IN LARGELY POSITIVE ALLOWING PROVIDERS TO CONTINUE FOCUSING ON THE MEASURES CURRENTLY IN
• NEARLY 70 PERCENT HAVE A FLOOR TO FIVE QUALITY STAR MEASURE FROM THE FEDERAL CENTER FOR MEDICARE AND
• ONE LAST THING I WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT IS OUR FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you favor the measure, vote aye. If you oppose the measure, vote nay.
• If you favor the measure, vote aye. If you oppose the measure, vote nay.
• If you favor the measure, vote aye. If you oppose the measure, vote nay.
• If you favor the measure, vote aye. If you oppose the measure, vote nay.
• Vote will Now, the vote on the measure will occur. Fear the measure. Vote. I oppose the measure.

Bills: HB2268, HB3000, HB3043, HB3066, HB3078, HB3143, HB3144, HB3244, HB3298, HB3320, HB3467, HB3321, HB3329, HB3431, HB3464, HB3499, HB3500, HB3586, HB3590, HB3650, HB3671, HB3695, HB3700, HB3701, HB3764, HB3767, HB3834, HB3931, HB3934, HB3940, HB3944, HB3979, HB3985, HB4113, HB4294, HB4302, HB4317, HB4324, HB4359, HB4426, HB4427, HB4430, HB4431, HB4434, HJR1077, SR42, SR35, HJR1023, HB1225, HB1374, HB1381, HB1590, HB1675, HB2153

Keywords: HB2268, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, appropriation, General Revenue Fund, PACE, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, elderly care, aging Oklahomans, long-term care, Medicaid, health care funding, provider reimbursement, rate increase, low-income seniors, senior services, integrated care, emergency measure, cosmetology, barbering

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> defined measurable defined measurable objectives.<00:11:50.399><c> In</c><00:11:50.640><c> observation
• measures that are based on available data.
• </c><00:15:40.120><c> complaints</c> docketing cases and prevented complaints docketing cases and prevented
• That would help prevent again itself.
• </c> uh and obviously I'm not preventing uh and obviously I'm not preventing anybody<02:07:44.639><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to hear the Legislative Budget Assistant Office’s performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Auditors said the commission was inefficient and ineffective in investigating discrimination complaints and closing cases in a timely manner during fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The report contained 25 observations; the commission fully concurred with 24 and concurred in part with one. Auditors highlighted major problems with case processing delays, inaccurate case data, lack of a case management system, weak strategic planning and risk assessment, outdated and disorganized policies, confidentiality issues, expired administrative rules, fee-setting practices, incomplete financial-interest filings, and failure to complete required reports and reconciliations. Two recommendations, involving complaint screening and conciliation, may require legislative action. Several observations focused on the commission’s intake and investigation practices. Auditors said complaints may have been screened out before docketing, potentially preventing commissioner review required by statute, and that the investigation process lacked clear rules and guidance. They also found investigators were assigned non-investigative tasks, training was inadequate, interview requirements were unclear, supervisory duties were burdensome, and confidential information was not always protected by encrypted email. The audit recommended clearer administrative rules, better internal controls, more focused staffing, a supervisory investigator position, and improved training and documentation. Commission representatives said they had already made progress on several items since the audit began, including posting overdue biennial reports and moving toward a case management system expected to go live in June. They said they were working with EEOC counterparts and legal counsel, but emphasized staffing shortages and high turnover, noting the commission currently had nine people working out of 15 authorized positions, with three investigator vacancies and a vacant paralegal position. Committee members thanked the auditors and commission staff, discussed the history of the audit request, and raised concerns about how long the recommended corrective actions might take. The committee took no vote or formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• These cases demonstrate that our fraud prevention measures are working as intended and that our team
• And guidance on how to prevent fraud?
• Paul we measure outcomes, and we often do that by measuring what we send out, and we don't evaluate effectiveness
• Paul we measure outcomes, and we often do that by measuring what we send out, and we don't evaluate effectiveness
• Paul we measure outcomes, and we often do that by measuring what we send out, and we don't evaluate effectiveness

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a reporting measure. Oh, it's purely about reporting. That's right.
• This is a reporting measure. Oh, it's purely about reporting. That's right.
• This is a reporting measure. Oh, it's purely about reporting. That's right.
• This is a reporting measure. Oh, it's purely about reporting. That's right.
• This is a reporting measure. Oh, it's purely about reporting. That's right.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 733-FN, a bill on third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors financing lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, and contributes to litigation abuse, higher insurance costs, and what he called a “tort tax.” He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with specific references to foreign-entity restrictions, consumer-protection guardrails, and reporting requirements. He also noted a few technical fixes to the draft, including adding the word “knowingly” and restoring a section that had been omitted. Committee members questioned how the bill’s foreign-entity language would work, including whether a governor or the Department of Safety would designate countries of concern, and whether the bill would bar foreign parties from using litigation funding. Cole and others clarified that the bill was intended as a reporting measure, not a ban on litigation funding itself, and that the goal was to disclose who is funding lawsuits and to what extent. Representative Sal asked whether the bill would prevent a litigant from getting outside financing; Cole answered no, emphasizing disclosure rather than prohibition. Brandon Grat of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau testified that the bill’s enforcement provisions were too limited. He said the draft appears to give the Attorney General only a civil-penalty remedy, likely too small to deter violations, and not the broader Consumer Protection Act tools such as injunctions, restitution, or investigation authority. He also raised concerns about whether the Attorney General or Insurance Department would have proper jurisdiction, given that the product may be financial or insurance-related. Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the department sees possible benefits from transparency because disclosure of litigation funding could help insurers assess risk, improve underwriting, and potentially ease hard-market pressures, especially for nonprofits and child care providers. He also said the bill’s language likely needs further work to clarify agency authority and suggested involving the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and banking regulators. Opposition testimony came from the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association. Marissa Chase and Samantha Hering argued the bill is one-sided because it requires disclosure only on the plaintiff side and not from defendants or insurers. They said New Hampshire already has court rules and discovery procedures that cover relevant disclosures, making the bill unnecessary, and questioned whether the existence of a funding contract is even relevant in litigation. The hearing ended with the committee continuing to discuss possible revisions and enforcement options, but no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• benefits from the project, those benefits may only be deducted from the compensation if they are measurable
• Does this prevent that from happening?
• Well, I don't think anybody can prevent a suit, but I think that addresses the situation here.

Summary: The Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee for Transportation heard two bills. House Bill 3758, by Representative Sterling, would require higher compensation standards for property taken through eminent domain for state infrastructure projects, setting compensation at the greater of 150% of fair market value or the cost of comparable replacement property, while limiting deductions for project-related benefits. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would apply to OTA, ODOT, county-managed projects, and existing projects, whether it would affect the right to contest awards, potential lawsuits, and the fiscal impact on road projects. Sterling said the bill was still being refined and was intended as a benchmark to better protect affected property owners. The subcommittee adopted the PCS and passed the bill 5–4. The committee then considered House Bill 4392, also with a PCS, which would create a pilot program called the Sustainable Emerging Aviation Services Investment Program (C-SIP) to support advanced air mobility infrastructure through a public-private partnership model. The bill was described as a community-led program that would invest in enabling infrastructure and near-term services with a path to self-sustainment, eventually supported by user revenues and fees. After brief explanation and no debate, the PCS was adopted and the bill passed 9–0. At the end of the meeting, members were told they would move to another room to discuss transportation funding options for the session, and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1131 by Middleton relates to an advisory committee to study suicide prevention and peer support
• Senate Bill 1152 relates to the establishment of the Dimension Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
• Senate Joint Resolution 50 by Parker proposes a measure related to funding initiatives, further details

Bills: SJR36, SB26, SJR3, SJR48, SJR50, SJR51, SCR15, SCR17, SB3, SB5, SB12, SB18, SB1001, SB1002, SB1003, SB1004, SB1005, SB1006, SB1007, SB1008, SB1009, SB1010, SB1011, SB1012, SB1013, SB1014, SB1015, SB1016, SB1017, SB1018, SB1019, SB1020, SB1021, SB1022, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1026, SB1027, SB1028, SB1029, SB1030, SB1031, SB1032, SB1033, SB1034, SB1035, SB1036, SB1037, SB1038, SB1039, SB1040, SB1041, SB1042, SB1043, SB1044, SB1045, SB1046, SB1049, SB1050, SB1051, SB1052, SB1053, SB1054, SB1055, SB1056, SB1057, SB1058, SB1059, SB1060, SB1061, SB1062, SB1063, SB1064, SB1065, SB1066, SB1067, SB1068, SB1069, SB1070, SB1071, SB1072, SB1073, SB1074, SB1075, SB1076, SB1077, SB1078, SB1079, SB1080, SB1081, SB1082, SB1083, SB1084, SB1085, SB1086, SB1087, SB1088, SB1089, SB1090, SB1091, SB1092, SB1093, SB1094, SB1095, SB1096, SB1097, SB1098, SB1099, SB1100, SB1101, SB1102, SB1103, SB1104, SB1105, SB1106, SB1107, SB1108, SB1109, SB1110, SB1111, SB1112, SB1113, SB1114, SB1115, SB1116, SB1117, SB1118, SB1119, SB1120, SB1121, SB1122, SB1123, SB1124, SB1125, SB1126, SB1127, SB1128, SB1129, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1135, SB1136, SB1137, SB1138, SB1139, SB1140, SB1141, SB1142, SB1143, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1150, SB1565

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, severance tax, oil and gas, Texas STRONG fund, economic stabilization, public health, property tax relief

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate has passed the following measures SB 2 Creighton, relating to the establishment of an education
• including the National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• That the House could take immediate action to make it harder and to prevent local taxing entities from

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate has passed the following measures.
• including the National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• So is it not also true that the House could take immediate action to to make it harder and to prevent

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I what the measurement should be.
• </c><04:42:33.600><c> you</c> um if you have a job that prevents you um if you have a job that prevents
• This would prevent public employees from gathering information from the public on potential ballot measures
• It could prevent public safety issues.
• </c><05:15:12.480><c> reasonably</c> ballot measure in policies reasonably ballot measure in policies

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we've seen is that the actual numbers from the Gambling Control Board, which are based on measured
• What we've seen is that the actual numbers from the Gambling Control Board, which are based on measured
• What we've seen is that the actual numbers from the Gambling Control Board, which are based on measured
• of our Legion and VFW post to ask to pitch in to save a home, to get the power turned back on, to prevent
• of our Legion and VFW post to ask to pitch in to save a home, to get the power turned back on, to prevent

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the problem of myth actually measuring the problem of myth classification<00:03:26.840><c> and</c><00
• </c> also learned how hard it was to measure also learned how hard it was to measure the<00:04:16.120
• </c><00:10:25.320><c> misclassification</c> resources in measuring misclassification resources in measuring
• To deal with this issue, Minnesota invested $3.1 million into its auto theft prevention grant program
• grant program in auto theft prevention grant program in 2024<00:13:53.320><c> Our</c><00:13:53.519><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure passes. Excuse me, ayes 62, no 0 on the urgency, ayes 62, no 0 on the measure.
• The measure passes. Thank you, Madam Clerk.
• The measure passes.
• Ayes 63, noes 0 on the measure. The measure passes.
• The measure passes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That measure passes. The vote is 5 to 0. That measure passes. File item 2, vote is 6 to 0.
• That measure passes. File item 3, the vote is 2 ayes, 4 noes. That bill fails.
• That measure passes. File item 5, the vote is 1 aye, 2 noes. That measure fails.
• That measure passes. That measure passes. File item 7, 5 ayes, 0 noes. That measure passes.
• That measure passes. The consent calendar, 6 to 0, passes.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That measure passes. The vote is 5 to 0; that measure passes.
• File item 2, vote is 6 to 0; that measure passes.
• File item 4, the vote is 5 to 0; that measure passes.
• That measure fails. File item 6, the vote is 5 ayes, 0 noes; that measure passes.
• File item 7, 5 ayes, 0 noes; that measure passes. File item 8, 6 ayes, 0 noes; that measure passes.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, CalTrout, and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations said the bill would strengthen the steelhead report card program, refine crab fishery rules, and clarify vessel transit through closed crab areas. There was no opposition, and the bill was accepted with amendments and moved on a 4-0 vote to the Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, with performance targets and coordination with wildlife agencies. The author and supporters argued it would improve ecosystem connectivity, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, and save money by integrating crossings, culverts, and fencing into planned projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would apply to transportation rights-of-way and not create exactions on private property. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1212, which would repeal California’s ban on importing and selling kangaroo products. The author argued kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated and that California’s ban is outdated, while opponents from Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others said the bill would reopen the market to products from a cruel commercial slaughter industry and undermine long-standing wildlife protections. No motion was taken at that point. The committee also heard SB 1268, codifying the Outdoors for All initiative, which supporters said would protect and expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation; it advanced 3-0. Finally, the committee heard three Western Joshua Tree bills from Senator Arreguín: SB 1061, SB 1062, and SB 1063. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the bills would reduce fees and streamline permitting for tree relocation, public infrastructure, and basic utility hookups in desert communities. Opponents withdrew or softened opposition on the first two bills after amendments, but objected to SB 1063 as too broad. SB 1061 and SB 1062 each passed 2-0 to Appropriations, while SB 1063 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, SCR 1001 is a vote of referral measure that would constitutionally require the
• Madam Chair, Members, SCR 1001 is a vote of referral measure that would constitutionally require the
• Is there anything preventing the tribal government from issuing a birth certificate?
• All this does is put referrals and ballot measures, all ballot measures, on the same footing as candidates
• Yeah, I guess my question is: why does this need to be a ballot measure?

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1066, which would allow the Attorney General or a county attorney to sue researchers for knowingly or recklessly publishing fraudulent scientific research, and would let injured parties recover damages. The sponsor and a supporting witness argued the bill would create personal accountability for deliberate research fraud and cited examples of retracted or manipulated studies; opponents warned that peer review and existing scientific processes already address bad research and that the bill could chill research and speech. The committee later passed SB 1066 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard SB 1015, which would impose strict personal liability on providers who perform gender transition procedures on minors for later detransition costs and related injuries. Supporters, including the sponsor, a doctor, a detransitioner, and a parent, said the bill would protect children, create accountability, and help families seek redress for irreversible harm. Opponents from the ACLU and others argued the measure discriminates against transgender patients, would likely chill care by making providers uninsurable, and could function as a backdoor ban; the committee nevertheless advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote. SB 1049, as amended, limited spousal maintenance to four years and adjusted eligibility and guideline factors. The sponsor and a family law attorney said the bill would curb overly long awards and better account for assets and income, while the Judicial Council explained the existing guideline work and noted the new calculator was intended to add uniformity; one senator objected that the cap was arbitrary and ignored case-specific context. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 4-2. The committee also unanimously passed SB 1189, allowing campaign funds to be used for candidate and family security, and SB 1133, eliminating a duplicate financial disclosure filing for candidates who already filed an annual statement. Finally, the committee heard SB 1081, which would bar a DCS attorney from appearing before a judge after appearing before that judge in any of the attorney’s previous five DCS cases, and advanced it 4-3 after debate over judicial familiarity and rural-court impacts. The committee also heard SCR 1001, a proposed constitutional referral to end early voting the Friday before the election, require proof of citizenship and government ID, and restrict mail ballots to voters who affirmatively request them; supporters framed it as an election-integrity measure, while ADOT testified neutrally but warned that free IDs could cost tens of millions in lost revenue and affect road funding. The transcript ends during testimony on SCR 1001, before any vote on that measure.