Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Darcy Nautamaker, here with Washington Conservation Action and the Environmental Priorities
• One of the four environmental priorities this year is on the budget, and at the forefront of this priority

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Darcy Nautamaker, here with Washington Conservation Action and the Environmental Priorities
• One of the four environmental priorities this year is on the budget, and at the forefront of this priority

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing. Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account. Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have authority over environmental regulation of agriculture and livestock facilities.
• Members, we are going to continue our morning with Director Singleerry and the Department of Environmental

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a member of the Hupa tribe, but I'm also the executive director of the Native American Environmental
• I'm a member of the Hupa tribe, but I'm also the executive director of the Native American Environmental

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture heard three bills. SB 18 by Senator Rubio would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program at CDFA to help open or improve grocery stores in food desert communities. Supporters said it would improve access to healthy food, create jobs, and help underserved neighborhoods; opponents argued it could favor large chains, lacked community input and accountability, and should better prioritize tribal, BIPOC-owned, and community-led retail. Committee members raised concerns about population thresholds, community engagement, and long-term commitments, and the author said the bill could be strengthened with guardrails. SB 18 passed 7-0 and was sent to Appropriations. SB 312 by Senator Umberg would require out-of-state shippers of dogs to electronically submit health certificates to CDFA and make them available to buyers and enforcement agencies, aiming to improve consumer protection and traceability in the puppy import pipeline. Supporters from animal welfare and humane organizations said the bill would help stop sick or misrepresented puppies from entering California and give investigators a central record. Members asked about privacy and enforcement, and the author indicated amendments could address consumer privacy concerns. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. SB 493 by Senator Becker would change how compensation is set for secretary managers of district agricultural associations and fairgrounds, shifting salary-setting authority to CDFA and requiring periodic salary surveys. Supporters said fairgrounds are critical emergency-response and community facilities and that the bill would help recruit and retain qualified leaders with fairer pay. Some members expressed concern about local control and appointment delays, but clarified the bill only addressed salary, not appointments. SB 493 also passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, there's going to be demos of control materials, environmental stewardship.
• Uh, there's going to be demos of control materials, environmental stewardship.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think the first environmental issue that we have to tackle is the environmental damage that

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met under suspense-file procedures, with the chair explaining limits on testimony, position letters, and that bills with fiscal impacts of $150,000 or more would generally be sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. Several bills were pulled from hearing, and a consent calendar of committee bills later passed 4-0. AB 761 by Addis, the only item initially slated for a vote, was ultimately held over to the next hearing. The committee heard testimony on a series of tax-related proposals. AB 232 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax money for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, but was sent to suspense. AB 1443 would exempt tips from state income tax for five years and was supported by the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner, but also went to suspense. AB 1435 would provide relief to businesses and property owners facing cleanup and security costs from unauthorized encampments and illegal dumping; it received broad support from business, real estate, trucking, retail, and local government representatives, and was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1428, which would create a California Affordable Child Care Fund financed by a 0.5% tax on income above $10 million; child care workers and SEIU-backed witnesses supported it, while taxpayer and business groups opposed it as harmful to competitiveness and affordability. AB 691 proposed a tax credit for adopting shelter pets and covering veterinary costs, AB 1219 proposed a middle- and low-income personal income tax cut, AB 1354 proposed a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums, AB 19 proposed an education savings account/voucher-style program, and AB 567 proposed insurance rate stabilization and related tax/fund changes; each drew testimony for and against where present, but all were referred to suspense. The meeting ended with the committee adjourning after the held-over AB 761 item was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sarah Hertoghe, and I'm a wildlife biologist with a master's degree in environmental science
• them an alternative to be able to fund both improvements in the storm. water utilities as well as environmental

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have to call out specific technologies, and maybe if we could come to an agreement on what the
• because it's hard to measure, or difficult to measure, sorry, the participant benefits and reach agreement
• residents and businesses, but they also play a critical role in fostering economic growth and environmental
• residents and businesses, but they also play a critical role in fostering economic growth and environmental
• <01:29:20.440><c> public</c><01:29:20.679><c> health</c> environmental public health environmental public

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Cronin for the Department of Environmental Protection waives in support, Chris Dawson from Clay

Transcript Highlights:

• He holds a Ph.D. in environmental and society from Utah State University and recently completed his postdoctoral

Summary: The committee began with a brief introduction of Dr. Ryan Tarver, a new postdoctoral researcher with a Ph.D. in environmental and society, and then introduced page Marley Johnson of Eagle High School, who said she plans to attend commercial flight school after graduation. Senator O’Connor noted his role on the Transportation Committee and invited her to coordinate if she is interested in airport-related tours or activities. The committee then considered three water-related RS measures. Senator Anthon presented RS 32-962, a follow-up to last year’s domestic well exemption legislation, explaining that implementation raised questions about subdivisions already in progress before the enactment date; the committee voted to introduce it. Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association presented RS 32-937, which would let water district patrons adopt a resolution to charge certain property-specific costs directly to the affected property rather than spreading them across all users; the committee voted to send it to print. Arrington also presented RS 32-938, which would change PERSI-related language from “irrigation districts” to “irrigation and drainage entities” to better match how the retirement system applies the law; the committee voted to introduce it. No testimony opposed the measures, and all three RS items were approved by voice vote. The committee then concluded its business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• for a private property owner to be able to create defensible space when we have so many of these environmental

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> HAS THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAD INPUT ON THIS AMENDMENT OR WHAT HAS THEIR ROLE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• time and time again that these materials, like vegan leather and synthetic fur, have a larger environmental
• </c><02:21:40.439><c> impact</c><02:21:40.800><c> of</c> fully that the environmental impact of fully
• that the environmental impact of these<02:21:41.240><c> Alternatives</c><02:21:42.240><c> is</c><02:
• <02:21:55.040><c> footprint</c><02:21:56.040><c> a</c><02:21:56.200><c> study</c> environmental footprint
• a study environmental footprint a study published<02:21:56.880><c> in</c><02:21:56.960><c> the</c><02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we were both on the environmentally triggered chronic illness committee together, so I understand
• Why the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services?
• Services because they run Environmental Services because they run the<05:05:29.638><c> um</c><05:05:
• I started over at the Department of Environmental Services, and the biggest thing I hear, and have heard
• I started over at the Department of Environmental Services, and the biggest thing I hear, and have heard

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our rivers, springs, estuaries, wetlands, and coastlines are not only environmental treasures.
• Representative Overdorf, when you walked into this chamber, the expectation was that the environmental
• Representative Overdorf, when you walked into this chamber, the expectation was that the environmental
• to be Representative Overdorf, when you walked into this chamber, the expectation was that the environmental
• contaminated. ...is the development of residential housing on infill development lands that are environmentally

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities. The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0. Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Aaron, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, please introduce yourself for the record and
• Next, Aaron, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, please introduce yourself for the record and
• My name is Aaron Clems, and I'm the chief strategy officer at the Minnesota Center for Environmental
• c> Center</c><00:15:03.120><c> for</c> at the Minnesota Center for at the Minnesota Center for environmental
• advocacy or mcea mcea is a environmental advocacy or mcea mcea is a nonprofit<00:15:07.240><c> organization

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the Department of Environmental Quality to submit an exceptional event demonstration to the

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Democratic Caucus met on Minority Caucus Calendar items and reviewed several Senate-amended House bills. HB 2003 would lower the learner’s permit age from 15½ to 15 and increase supervised driving time; the Senate added a delayed effective date of December 1, 2026, and the sponsor was said to have refused the amendment after previously concurring. HB 2693 would allow chambers of commerce to set up insurance purchasing pools for small businesses, and the Senate added a third-party-funded feasibility study by ADOA on what it would cost for state health insurance to enter the marketplace; members raised concerns that the study could be used to undermine the state self-insured plan, but no action was taken. HB 2133, dealing with synthetic sexual depictions and online sexual material verification, had multiple Senate changes that removed the synthetic-depiction expansion, added parody/artistic-expression exceptions, altered verification and record-retention rules, and removed AG inspection authority; the sponsor was expected to refuse the changes, and members were directed to stakeholder emails outlining concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the Department of Environmental Quality to submit an exceptional event demonstration to the

Summary: The House Democratic Caucus reviewed several Senate-amended bills on the Minority Caucus Calendar. HB 2003, which lowers the learner’s permit age and increases supervised driving time, had a Senate delayed effective date added; members were told the sponsor had previously concurred but now intends to refuse. HB 2693, allowing chamber-of-commerce insurance purchasing pools and adding a third-party-paid feasibility study on state health insurance entering the marketplace, drew questions about possible impacts on the state employee health plan and whether the study could be used to undermine the current self-insured system. HB 2133, dealing with sexual material consent and synthetic depictions, generated the most discussion. The Senate removed the synthetic-depiction language from the revenge porn statute, added parody/comedy/artistic-expression exceptions, narrowed and expanded various verification provisions for commercial entities, removed limits on retaining identifying information, and eliminated AG inspection authority; members were told the sponsor intends to refuse the changes and that stakeholder concerns were outlined in emailed comments from the ASEO of Arizona and the Motion Picture Association. HB 2013, requiring ADEQ to submit exceptional-event demonstrations to EPA for certain wildfire impacts, had a Senate amendment limiting it to wildfires over 25,000 acres and tied to smoke or land damage; the sponsor was expected to concur, though stakeholders’ concerns remained unresolved. HB 2226, which requires courts to ask about veteran status at initial appearance and provide information about veterans’ services, was amended by the Senate to have the court rather than the prosecutor provide the information; members said the sponsor likely would concur. HB 2032, adjusting statewide assessment testing windows and related deadlines, was amended to extend the testing window to six consecutive school weeks and move the start of testing for grades 3-8 to the second week of April; the sponsor concurred, and members noted that organizations previously opposed had shifted to support. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I would move to send the gubernatorial reappointment of Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first considered the gubernatorial reappointment of Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental Quality. After a motion by Senator Harris and a second by Senator Blaylock, the committee voted by voice vote to send the reappointment to the Senate floor with a recommendation that he be confirmed. The committee then reviewed docket 16-0602-2501 on foster care licensing, presented by Jared Larson of the Department of Health and Welfare. Larson said the temporary and pending rules implement last year’s kin-specific licensure legislation, make a largely cosmetic change to suspension/revocation language, and add a substantive standard allowing the department to deny licensure if it can show by a preponderance of the evidence that an applicant committed disqualifying conduct even without a conviction. Senators asked about the effect of raising the foster parent age limit from 21 to 23 under prior legislation; Larson said participation has increased, he had not heard of downsides, and the department would provide a written summary of the impact. The committee approved the docket by voice vote. Finally, the committee took up docket 16-0613-2501, a pending rule repealing the Emergency Assistance for Families and Children chapter. Larson explained the program is entirely federally funded and the existing state rules were essentially a word-for-word copy of federal law, so the department was repealing the redundant chapter in line with its broader effort to remove rules already covered by higher authority. After no questions, the committee approved the repeal docket by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I would move to send the gubernatorial reappointment of Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all