Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Mike West, and I represent the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California
• Chair and members, Mike West, on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council, also in
• Western States Council, in support. Jenna Thompson, the U.S.W. Western States Council, in support.
• California State Pipe Trades Council, in opposition.
• Chair and members, Mike West, on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keith Dunn here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council.
• Metro, and Keith Dunn with State Building Trades. I'll defer to them.
• Metro, and Keith Dunn with State Building Trades. I'll defer to them.
• Keith Dunn on behalf of the State Building Trades Council. I'd like to echo the comments of L.A.
• This does not shift the State Building Trades, or, I know, this Legislature or this Governor's office

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on driver accountability, curb management, privacy, illegal dumping enforcement, rail coordination, billboard signage, and high-speed rail development. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through diversion; the author and supporters, including a victim’s mother and CHP representatives, argued it would ensure fatal conduct is reflected in driving records, while no opposition testified. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb use in designated zones with human review of citations; supporters said it would help manage modern delivery and loading activity, while one privacy group remained cautious but noted the committee amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED advertising displays; supporters said it preserves local revenue and existing signs, while the outdoor advertising industry opposed it over federal compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy and security rules, require DOJ audits, training, and a 30-day retention limit; privacy advocates supported it as a needed enforcement measure, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention cap and hot-list limits as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; local officials and city representatives strongly supported it as a deterrent, and no opposition was heard. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service to major events and integrate fares and schedules; transit and rail advocates supported it, with some agencies taking a work-with-author or neutral position. SB 1425 by the committee chair would create a permit process for new encroachments on high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect and manage the corridor, while utilities and a city raised concerns about rights-of-way and enforcement language. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters from Metro, labor, and rail groups said it would help leverage funding and advance the project, while Merced-area agencies remained cautious but noted amendments. Most bills were moved on committee votes, generally along party lines or with broad support, and several were left on call after roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, Representative Anderson and I welcome Laura Tanaka from the Council of State Governments
• In addition, Representative Anderson and I welcome Laura Tanaka from the Council of State Governments
• </c><00:01:10.000><c> of</c><00:01:10.159><c> State</c> Laura Tanaka from the Council of State Laura
• Tanaka from the Council of State Governments<00:01:10.799><c> who's</c><00:01:11.040><c> here</c><00:
• </c> State your name for the record.

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• They will be giving the State of the State of Veterans Affairs. the state of the state of military affairs
• I am also a current state employee.
• So we already have a list building.
• If there's a code in ICU, I got to be there. If there's a code in ER, I got to be there.
• There are plenty of nurses in our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, like I said, state tuition reimbursement, state reenlistment bonus.
• </c> Uh 800,000 for state fiscal year 2026. Uh 800,000 for state fiscal year 2026.
• ><c> uh</c><00:08:44.159><c> state</c> state tuition reimbursement, uh state state tuition reimbursement
• We've opened three new state veterans homes and one new state veteran cemetery.
• Interagency Council on Homelessness, who has made that determination for the states and the continuums

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know if other states already do something like this and we're just basically If other states already
• I don't have a good answer on the other states.
• I don't have a good answer on the other states.
• in Washington State when House Bill 1169 was passed.
• Real quick, I work as a victim advocate for the state.

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills, with testimony limited because of the large number of sign-ups. House Bill 2146 would expand the crime of sexual exploitation of a minor to include causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct that is being photographed or shown in a live performance. The prime sponsor, Olympia police, and Pierce County prosecutors described cases involving adults masturbating in front of children and argued the current law leaves a gap by treating such conduct as only misdemeanor indecent exposure or communication with a minor. Committee members asked about comparisons to other states, forensic interviews, and whether related offenses could be enhanced. House Bill 2349 would expand notice requirements for sexually violent predator releases, conditional releases, address changes, discharges, and escapes to include local elected officials such as sheriffs, county executives, city officials, and legislators. The sponsor said the bill would codify a practice already occurring in some cases and help officials respond to community concerns with accurate information. DSHS supported increased communication but requested technical amendments. Several city officials testified in support, saying they had not always been notified in advance of placements in their communities. Defense advocates opposed the bill, warning that broader notification could fuel public pressure, vigilante responses, and constitutional problems for the civil commitment system. The hearing on the bill was left open for amendments. House Bill 2532 would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters or similar containers, with exemptions for medical, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses. The sponsor and supporters described rising misuse among youth and young adults, public health harms, and incidents involving impaired driving and overdose deaths. Tribal representatives, the Attorney General’s Office, the Washington Poison Center, and public health officials supported the bill, while veterinary representatives asked for clarification or an amendment to preserve veterinary use. The committee also heard testimony on House Bills 2430 and 2457, which both concern the crime victim penalty assessment. Representative Barno’s bill would restore the assessment for certain offenses involving victims, while Representative Davis’s bill would increase the assessment and add a surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources. Victim advocates, prosecutors, and sheriffs supported the bills as needed to restore funding for victim services, while defense groups opposed them as burdensome fees on indigent defendants. The chair directed the two sponsors to work together on a single proposal, and the hearings were held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, we'll be hearing from first John Traynor from the Washington State Labor Council and Samantha
• John Schreiner, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, here in support of 2144.
• Secondly, we’ll be hearing from Joe Kenda from the Washington State Labor Council and Josh Dye from the
• My name is Joe Kenda here with the Washington State Labor Council.
• My name is Boris Gressley, and I'm with the Western State Regional Council of Carpenters in strong support

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 2303 would prohibit employers from requesting, requiring, or coercing employees to receive subcutaneous microchip implants, with enforcement through L&I complaints, civil penalties, and private lawsuits; the sponsor said it was a preventive labor standard and noted there was no opposition. HB 2144 would require employers to give written notice before using electronic monitoring for employee performance evaluations, and testimony split between labor supporters, who said workers should know how they are monitored, and business, local government, trucking, retail, construction, and law enforcement representatives, who raised concerns about broad definitions, safety uses, and litigation exposure. HB 2190 would expand collective bargaining rights for language access providers so missed or canceled appointments could be bargained as compensation; interpreters and union representatives supported it, saying they lose income when clients no-show, while the sponsor said the bill would clarify bargaining rights without changing employment status. The committee also heard HB 2345, a technical change to the state paid family and medical leave premium split in response to IRS guidance. Staff explained the proposed substitute would shift the employer contribution from the medical share to the family share so benefits would not be treated as taxable wages, while keeping the overall premium burden roughly the same; supporters called it a common-sense fix, and some business and school district witnesses said they wanted to avoid additional taxes and preserve program stability. The most extensive debate was over HB 2191, which would make property owners and direct contractors liable for unpaid wages and benefits in construction projects, with exceptions for government and small residential properties. Workers, unions, the Attorney General’s office, and some contractors supported the bill as a way to combat wage theft and level the playing field, while industry groups and subcontractors argued it would impose broad liability on responsible contractors, raise costs, hurt small businesses and minority-owned firms, and should be narrowed with safe harbors or right-to-cure provisions. No votes were taken; the committee held hearings on the bills and adjourned after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• those codes.
• </c><00:37:00.960><c> were</c><00:37:01.200><c> build</c> treatment services are build were build treatment
• </c> codes into um, six distinct new codes codes into um, six distinct new codes um,<00:37:41.440><c>
• criminal code.
• to</c><01:03:56.160><c> to</c><01:03:56.480><c> get</c> state our state standards to to get state our

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a member of the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council would respectfully oppose.
• Kristen Heidelbach here on behalf of UFCW Western States Council in support. Thank you. Mr.
• But the National Bank Act precludes states from mandating what the states can charge.
• code, which often leads to irreversible and quite frankly, like, definitions in our state code, which
• Workers, the California State Pipe Trades Council, and the Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, in addition to the preparation and execution of the state parks and state parks police officers
• I'm very proud of the response of our game wardens, state park police, state park staff.
• I know there's, you said 89 state parks, state parks and I'm sure to be 90 in about a week.
• We will start with state agency with oversight over youth camps, the Department of State Health Services
• As Texans know, Texas is a huge state.

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• It explicitly states in subsection 9, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require any state
• In order for any officer or employee of a state or political subdivision of a state to, A, communicate
• And they come here to the state of Florida, and they want to go to Florida State, FAMU, whatever case
• At every one of them, at every state university in this state, the acceptance of an illegal immigrant
• I know that we've worked over time to brand our state as the so-called Free State of Florida.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar. The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement. A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keith Dunn, on behalf of the State Building Construction Trades Council as well as the District Council
• The State Water Project is the state project.
• The state typically funds the state canals, and the federal typically funds...
• Members of the Committee, Keith Dunn, here on behalf of the State Building Construction Trades Council
• Madam Chair and members, James Thoreactor with the California State Council of Laborers, in strong opposition

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes buildings run and overseen by state governments, state agencies, as well as those overseen
• that state buildings and major renovations initially exceed the state energy code as established in
• that state buildings and major ensure that state buildings and major Renovations<00:18:11.520><c> initially
• exceed the state Renovations initially exceed the state energy<00:18:13.400><c> code</c><00:18:14.200
• You know, there are projects that are for state agencies, like the Senate office building or the State

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state of Alabama? state of Alabama?
• </c> council wants to do. council wants to do.
• in the United captured to the zip code in the United States<01:38:16.480><c> or</c><01:38:16.639><c>
• state of the state mentioned this in her state of the state and<01:56:27.599><c> at</c><01:56:27.760
• less than building a new building.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• essential for the future of this state.
• the people in the state of California.
• He also educated the state of California.
• history before coming to the State Assembly.
• The 818 is more than an area code.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded to a ceremonial floor session honoring departing members. After the roll was called and a quorum established, the body moved through tributes to members leaving the Assembly, with remarks focused on their service, district priorities, and personal relationships built across party lines. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on in the portion provided, though the Majority Leader gave notice to remove SB 259 from the inactive file and the chamber suspended Rule 118A to allow guests on the floor and at members’ desks. Members were recognized in turn, with colleagues praising Stan Ellis for his science-based approach and work on water issues; Damon Connolly for environmental, housing, labor, and transportation work; Jackie Irwin for technology, cybersecurity, gun violence prevention, and implementation tracking; Jasmine Baines for her medical background, rural health advocacy, and work on fentanyl and emergency response; Esmeralda Soria for Central Valley agriculture, housing, water, and hospital recovery efforts; Avelino Valencia for tribal issues, cryptocurrency, and cultural advocacy; Diane Dixon for bipartisan work on public safety, e-bike safety, foster youth, and coastal protection; and Tom Lackey for his public safety record, CHP background, and reputation for honesty and bipartisanship. In their own remarks, the departing members reflected on the honor of service, thanked staff and family, and emphasized relationships, constituent service, and the importance of continuing public service in new roles. Several noted upcoming transitions to the Senate or other offices, while others said they would continue serving their communities outside the Assembly. The tone throughout was celebratory and reflective, with repeated emphasis on collaboration, district advocacy, and the personal bonds formed during their time in the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• You are recognized to present PCS for CS for HB 1169, enforcement of the Florida Building Code.
• Code to pay for construction of a building that houses the local government's building code enforcement
• Every city in the state has started either building their budget in January and February or March.
• I'm the state president of the Florida Building and Construction Trades, but I am an electrician.
• Teresa King, Florida State Building and Construction Trades, waves in opposition.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of bills, many of them amended. Early action included PCS for CS for HB 639, which would expand an existing Fraternal Order of Police specialty license plate to all Floridians, tighten specialty plate rules for future applicants, require financial projections and reporting, and create several new specialty plates. After questions about Florida nexus requirements and a successful amendment adding a Florida Film Legacy plate, the bill was reported favorably 26-0. PCS for CS for HB 1169, limiting local governments’ use of excess building-code enforcement funds for construction of the code-enforcement building, also passed unanimously after testimony from the Florida Home Builders Association. The committee then approved HB 139, expanding whistleblower protections for state, local, and contract employees who file ethics complaints, with support from the Florida Commission on Ethics. PCS for HB 273, which would make special districts eligible for certain state and federal grants and direct pay options, passed 24-1 after testimony from both supporters and opponents. Members also approved CS for HB 1087, a public-records exemption for certain stablecoin issuer information, and CS for HB 1085, updating the local government cybersecurity grant program by moving it to Cyber Florida at USF, adding a sunset, and limiting consecutive awards. Several environmental and local-government transparency measures drew extended debate. CS for CS for HB 1417, a broad environmental bill, was amended to remove several provisions, retain others on the Environmental Regulation Commission, springs, solar facilities, Indian River Lagoon septic deadlines, and coastal resiliency partnerships, and then passed 24-0 amid mixed testimony from DEP, water management districts, and environmental advocates. CS for HB 1457, creating a framework for regional stormwater management systems and water quality enhancement areas, passed 24-0 after discussion of port impacts. CS for HB 1329, requiring local budgets to be posted earlier, retained longer, and made searchable, and adding a 10% budget-cutting exercise, passed 17-6 after strong opposition from local-government groups who argued it would be costly and duplicative. The committee also approved CS for HB 4091 creating a special district for stormwater and flood control in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and then took up CS for HB 995, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission and union-related procedures, including registration, dues disclosure, election rules, leave-time limits, and expedited bargaining over legislatively appropriated salary increases; that bill was still under questioning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It builds proficiency in our staff.
• So we have robust rehabilitative programs in the state.
• But we see it throughout the state. That's a challenge.
• They were really just trying to build capacity.
• No, no, the newest building, the youngest building.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments and routine agenda items. It first approved, on call, appointments not required to appear for Olivia May Assuncion to the Commission on Disability Access, William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors, and two California Law Revision Commission nominees, with one of the law revision appointments drawing a split vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments before moving to appointments required to appear. Brian Bishop, nominated to lead the Division of Adult Parole Operations at CDCR, testified that he would emphasize public safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and staff well-being. In questioning, senators focused on risk assessment for higher-risk parolees, GPS monitoring, coordination with local law enforcement, victim protections, supervision of unhoused parolees, and oversight of private reentry/housing contractors. Bishop said DAPO uses data-driven supervision, risk tools, compliance sweeps with law enforcement, exclusion zones and administrative transfers to protect victims, and contract monitoring through invoices, site visits, and utilization reports. Public commenters from reentry and justice organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 5-0 to send the nomination to the full Senate. Sarah Larson, nominated to direct CDCR’s Facilities Management and Construction, described her CDCR background and said she wanted to help modernize the department’s aging infrastructure to support staff and incarcerated people. Senators asked about aligning facilities with a declining prison population, cooling and heat mitigation, safety during construction, prison closures such as Norco, disaster planning, and how closed facilities are maintained or could be reopened. Larson said CDCR has reduced its footprint, is piloting cooling upgrades at several sites, maintains closed facilities in cold shutdown with minimal upkeep, and uses emergency planning and mutual aid for disasters. She also said the department is exploring infrastructure master planning and more substantial, targeted improvements, and the committee again heard supportive public testimony before voting 5-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts and every other state can follow that lead.
• We have worked with the AMA and ASCO on coding and payment improvements.
• But state-level coverage policies are still needed to ensure equitable access.
• There are no current diagnostic codes specific to detransition.
• clinicians, in-state patients, and citizens, and out-of-state experts.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of health insurance and public health bills, with most speakers focused on expanding coverage for specific treatments and services. Bills discussed included H. 1187/S. 792 on rehabilitation counselors, H. 1173/S. 692 on patient navigation, S. 2600 on scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, S. 2599 on medically necessary treatment for port wine birthmarks, H. 1164 on licensed educational psychologists for child and adolescent mental health services, S. 754/H. 1254 on autism diagnosis and treatment by nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, S. 714/H. 1137 on infectious disease response and coverage, and S. 791 on making nature a prescriptive therapeutic intervention. Speakers generally argued these bills would improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and address gaps in current insurance reimbursement rules. Testimony in support emphasized personal stories and clinical evidence. Cancer patients and providers described the benefits of patient navigation and scalp cooling for dignity and quality of life during treatment. Boston Children’s Hospital staff and families said port wine birthmark treatment is medically necessary, can prevent complications, and should not be denied as cosmetic. Rehabilitation counselors and school psychologists argued their services are effective, cost-saving, and underused because they cannot bill insurance. Autism advocates said current insurance statutes are outdated because nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists already provide evaluations and should be recognized for reimbursement to avoid delays in early intervention. Public health and GLAD Law testimony supported stronger infectious disease coverage to remove barriers to testing, treatment, and PrEP access. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 1172, a bill requiring insurance coverage for detransition-related care. Supporters said it would ensure coverage for medically necessary care for people who regret or reverse gender transition, while opponents argued it would legitimize anti-trans narratives or, conversely, that detransition care is needed because transition procedures can cause harm. The committee also heard strong support for S. 791 from advocates who described nature access as a health intervention that could help with trauma, anxiety, substance use recovery, and environmental justice, with claims that insurance coverage and reduced park fees would improve access. No votes were taken during the transcript, and the chair repeatedly thanked speakers and moved through the long list of public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is one of the most diverse states.
• States like California have a choice in that.
• Senate Bill 46 amends the California Elections Code to ensure that the California Secretary of State
• two terms as President of the United States.
• State your name, organization, and position.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the state, there are four programs: University of Arkansas, Arkansas State, Pulaski Tech, and Southern
• We have a new business that is building a scholarship for the Empower Program.
• The vision that we are building toward... ...adulthood.
• I mean, I think that I was there with Susie traveling the state.
• I think I had an opportunity to... ...code anyway.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The committee heard presentations on three Arkansas programs serving students and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. University of Arkansas representatives described the Empower Program, a non-degree, four-year inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program, which provides intensive academic, peer, and career coaching for degree-seeking students with autism. They explained the programs’ person-centered planning, residential and employment supports, fee structure of $5,000 per semester for each program, and scholarship/fundraising efforts to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, mentoring, individualized plans, and how students move in and out of support services, and the presenters emphasized independence, integrated campus life, and transition planning. Pulaski Technical College staff then presented the 3D program, a three-year transition program in culinary, baking, and hospitality for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They outlined integrated classes, internships, job placement outcomes, and data showing strong completion and employment retention rates. Questions focused on how success is measured, tuition and financial aid, and the challenge of securing community partners for practicum and employment sites. The presenters said the program uses rubrics that include technical and professional skills, charges $5,700 per semester, and is pursuing accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. The final presentation was from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, and community initiatives. Leaders described their vision for a future mixed-use “live-work-play” development at Cato Springs, current residential and vocational services, and community events such as a 5K and a neurodiversity health care conference. Family members testified about the need for adult services, trained direct support professionals, and better reimbursement and behavioral health supports after age 21. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes, and members also announced upcoming autism-related events and requested future discussion on task force appointments and ABA-related issues.