Transcript Highlights:

• So, for example, soil health practices can double as nutrient management practices that could support
• Using dry manure management practices prevents the creation of methane.
• So in the perfect world that would work out, but I'm not sure that that seems that practical.
• Farms are applying for AMP practices even when they have digesters on site. Okay. There. Oh.
• Every digester includes a solid separator, which is an alternative manure management practice.

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined how California agricultural programs have used cap-and-invest funding and what role agriculture should play in future climate investments. Committee chairs framed the issue as balancing climate goals, food production, rural economic vitality, and the fact that agriculture was not specifically funded in the recent cap-and-invest reauthorization. The first panel from CDFA and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described the state’s climate-smart agriculture portfolio, including Healthy Soils, SWEEP, the Dairy Methane Reduction Program, and Alternative Manure Management, and explained that GGRF revenues are now more constrained and may not fully support all tiered programs. LAO emphasized that agriculture is about 8% of California’s emissions, that most ag emissions are outside the cap, and that the Legislature should consider program effectiveness, the role of incentives, and GGRF priorities. CDFA testified that roughly $727 million has been invested in its flagship climate-smart ag programs, producing estimated reductions of 31 million metric tons of CO2e, 1.6 million acre-feet of water savings, and about 4,000 projects. The department said technical assistance is essential because farmers face risk when adopting new practices, and noted new Proposition 4 funding for Healthy Soils, SWEEP, and a regional farm equipment sharing program. University researchers then presented economic and methane-reduction analyses: UC Berkeley’s Dr. Hill described working landscapes as a major economic driver, while UC Davis’ Dr. Kibreab outlined dairy methane reduction pathways, including herd efficiency, digesters, alternative manure management, and emerging feed additives such as 3-NOP and seaweed, arguing that incentive-based programs have helped California move toward its methane goals. A later panel featured sharply different views on dairy digesters. Phoebe Seton argued that digesters worsen air and water quality, encourage manure liquefaction, and are an inefficient use of public funds, while CalCAN’s Brian Schobey and agricultural representatives said programs like AMP, SWEEP, Healthy Soils, FPIP, and the Farmer Program deliver measurable emissions reductions plus co-benefits such as water savings, lower energy costs, and improved air quality. Farm and industry witnesses stressed that stable, incentive-based funding helps family farms remain viable, supports co-investment, and should be treated as a partnership rather than a regulatory stick. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing ended with public comment and a continued call for future funding and policy discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can I say that there will be corporate practices or any practice that hires a VP and doesn't pass the
• Can I say that there will be corporate practices or any practice that hires a VPA and doesn't pass the
• So what this bill does is align it to existing practice anyway.
• The thing that we're doing is we're aligning the law with the current practice.
• So what this bill does is align it to existing practice anyway.

Bills: S0302 , S0394 , S0480 , S0546 , S0636 , S0774 , S0796 , S1028 , S1050 , S1066 , S1120 , S1230 , S1288 , S1682

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Keywords: cybersecurity, information technology, data management, local government compliance, cloud services, state agency oversight, integrated governance, conservation lands, land exchange, state-owned land, Acquisition and Restoration Council, Florida water management, environmental protection, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach

Transcript Highlights:

• well aware of the consequences of climate change if we do not take any action consistent with past practices
• well aware of the consequences of climate change if we do not take any action consistent with past practices
• well aware of the consequences of climate change if we do not take any action consistent with past practices
• Especially in recent years, we've enjoyed a very positive and collaborative working relationship with
• Especially in recent years, we've enjoyed a very positive and collaborative working relationship with

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• developed and announced our growth grants, GROWW, to help support, directly, you know, find funds to practically
• announced our what we call our Grow grants, GROWW, to help support directly, you know, find funds to practically
• DDS has the Urban Youth Collaborative, which is diverse and is awesome.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the January minutes. Members then heard from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler, who gave an update on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s apprenticeship efforts and emphasized apprenticeship as an earn-while-you-learn model that can help address workforce shortages while including people with disabilities. He described growth in apprenticeships across sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, and noted recent milestones including the state’s 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to support program development. Committee members focused on how apprenticeship could be adapted for human services and disability-related jobs, including early education, direct care, PCA work, sterile processing, and related health occupations. They asked about funding structures, employer participation, community college involvement, and how to make programs accessible to people with disabilities. Cutler explained that apprenticeship programs are employer-designed but must meet core requirements such as paid employment, at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages. He said the state can support programs through the registered apprenticeship tax credit, which he said is $4,800 per apprentice and can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit, and through Grow grants, which were most recently awarded at about $2.1 million statewide. Members and Cutler discussed using intermediaries such as trade associations, nonprofits, and disability organizations to help employers set up programs and navigate incentives. He said the commission could be useful as a convener and suggested a targeted panel or information session with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and existing sponsors to identify a few specific occupations and build a proof of concept. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on potential partner employers, including Eastern Bank, and on possible next steps for a focused panel or pilot opportunities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about regional collaboration and how do we share resources and coordinate.
• I'm wondering, as part of the work that we do, is look for best practices, maybe of groups like ours.
• and their success, not only in Myanmar, but maybe doing similar work so we can capture some best practices

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The commission met to approve prior minutes, note attendance, and discuss updates on its work to plan a Cape Verdean Culture Center/Museum in Massachusetts. The minutes from the March 11 meeting were reviewed and accepted by motion and vote, with one correction noted about duplicate section numbering. Members also discussed a vacancy left by Julius Brito’s inability to accept appointment, and the need to potentially extend the commission’s deadline and broaden the window for adding commissioners. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on funding and legislative strategy. Staff reported that an amendment to extend the commission’s sunset date from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 was filed in the Senate’s fair share budget but was not accepted. Commissioners and legislators discussed other possible vehicles for the extension, including the regular budget, supplemental budgets, or other moving bills, and also reviewed past and possible future funding sources for a feasibility study, including House and Senate earmarks, a bond bill, and eventually a nonprofit structure that could fundraise. Members emphasized the need for a consultant to support a feasibility study and for public pressure or commissioner advocacy if needed. The bulk of the meeting was a brainstorming session on community engagement and outreach. Commissioners discussed a three-part approach involving site visits, traditional listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, with possible additions of social media, a website, surveys, recordings, and canvassing. Suggested locations included New Bedford, Cape Cod, Boston, Brockton, Taunton, and potentially Rhode Island sites such as Pawtucket, with several members stressing the historical importance of New Bedford and Cape Cod. Participants also raised the importance of historical accuracy, youth engagement, visibility, and involving existing Cape Verdean organizations and museums. The meeting ended with agreement to continue refining the engagement framework, compile event lists, and return with more concrete dates and plans at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• look at comparison states and efficiencies to see how Missouri might be able to learn some best practices
• look at comparison states and efficiencies to see how Missouri might be able to learn some best practices
• Focusing on addressing the emerging and unmet regional and statewide workforce needs, increasing collaboration

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, the legislature appropriated $450,000 to commission a study about what are the best practices
• And then we've talked several times about collaboration.
• It's based on practices that are being implemented all over the country, but that doesn't mean the particular

Committee: House Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• developed and announced our Grow grants, GROWW, to help support directly, you know, find funds to practically
• announced our what we call our Grow grants, GROWW, to help support directly, you know, find funds to practically
• DDS has the Urban Youth Collaborative, which is diverse and is awesome.

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in the Healey-Driscoll administration. Cutler described apprenticeship as a key workforce tool, especially for sectors with labor shortages, and highlighted growth in early education, health care, banking, bio, and human services. He noted the administration’s milestones and supports, including reaching 10,000 registered apprenticeships, expanding the registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATSY), lowering program fees, adding apprenticeship liaisons, and issuing Grow grants to help employers start programs. Members focused on how apprenticeship could better serve people with disabilities and human services employers. They raised examples such as sterile processing, radiology, PCA services, developmental disability supports, and community college partnerships, and asked how smaller or lower-paid providers could afford to participate. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include on-the-job learning, related instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages, and employers largely design their own programs. He said the state can support through tax credits, grants, and intermediaries such as trade associations or disability organizations that help employers navigate the process. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of intermediaries, and possible collaboration with community colleges and organizations like Commonwealth Corporation. Cutler said Eastern Bank did not currently have a program but could be a potential partner, and he confirmed that the RATSY credit is $4,800 per apprentice, with a cap and online application process, and that it can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit. The subcommittee agreed to follow up with Cutler’s team, identify a few priority occupations, and consider a targeted panel or information session to help expand apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and in human services.

Transcript Highlights:

• announced our what we call our Grow grants, GROWW, to help support directly, you know, find funds to practically
• announced our what we call our Grow grants, GROWW, to help support directly, you know, find funds to practically
• DDS has the Urban Youth Collaborative, which is diverse and is awesome.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in Massachusetts. Cutler described the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to grow apprenticeships beyond the building trades into sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, emphasizing that apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model with strong retention and career advancement. He noted recent milestones and supports, including the 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to help employers launch programs. He also said the administration is open to using grants, incentives, and convening power to encourage more human services and disability-focused apprenticeships. Members focused on how these models could work for disability and human services providers, especially in lower-wage fields like early education and direct care. They raised examples such as sterile processing, PCA services, mental health, brain injury, independent living centers, and programs involving community colleges, Bridgewater State, and vocational schools. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, 150 hours of related instruction, a mentor relationship, and progressive wages, but employers largely design the program themselves. He said intermediaries such as the Massachusetts Bankers Association or disability organizations can help employers navigate the process and that the state can support these efforts through grants and tax credits. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of community colleges, and how to make careers in disability services more visible and valued. Cutler said the registered apprenticeship tax credit is $4,800 per apprentice, can be claimed twice for longer apprenticeships, and is stackable with the disability employment tax credit. Members suggested hosting a targeted virtual panel with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and intermediaries to identify a few priority occupations and develop concrete next steps. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on specific opportunities and potential partners, including Eastern Bank and existing apprenticeship programs in health care and related fields.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Madam Chair, this amendment is kind of a collaboration between some points that a drafter discovered
• If this bill goes through, we'll be able to continue to farm, be able to continue our ranching practices
• Chama Land Grant has initiated an irrigation project to reinvigorate some of those past historical practices

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in order to enfranchise and to include as many people as is practical, this bill moves that election
• And other parts of the country and adopt best practices in California, because I think the explosion
• Collaboration between the, what's the department of, what is it?

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and staff legislative leadership, and especially all public safety leaders for their continued collaboration
• Whatever the practice has been in the past, we all know.
• allowed to self-certify that an area would be served, it seems like this bill essentially mirrors that practice

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard AB 470 by Assembly Member McKinnor, a bill to modernize California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules for voice telephone service and create a process for carriers to transition away from obsolete copper networks in favor of advanced telecommunications infrastructure. The author and supporters said the bill is aimed at preserving reliable voice and 911 access while encouraging private investment in fiber and other modern networks, and emphasized that it is not a broadband bill. Support came from AT&T, business groups, and a former Cal OES director, who argued the bill provides a careful, phased modernization with CPUC oversight and increased public-safety investment requirements. Opposition came from TURN, CWA District 9, digital equity organizations, labor groups, and several local governments and county representatives. Critics raised concerns about the adequacy of the mapping process, reliance on broadband and wireless coverage data, the lack of on-the-ground verification, the challenge process, possible loss of Lifeline protections, and the impact on workers and union jobs. They also argued the bill could allow carriers to reduce universal-service obligations without enough safeguards for rural and vulnerable customers. Committee members discussed those concerns at length, especially the map-making process, the challenge procedure, and whether the bill sufficiently protects workers and customers who could be left behind. The author said the bill includes a 10-year backstop if service is lost, a CPUC-led process, and a three-to-one fiber buildout requirement tied to relinquishment, and expressed willingness to continue working with labor on workforce language. The committee ultimately passed AB 470 on a 7-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Among them, from Philadelphia to Laneville, medical collaborators might be employed by Dr. Alesi.
• Nursing improves the health of Texas by advancing nursing excellence through leadership. clinical practice
• HB 632 by BC relating to the regulation of the practice of pharmacy refers to the subcommittee on disease

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:52.960><c> all</c><00:38:53.200><c> of</c> practicing all of practicing all of the<00:38:55.119
• I'm a no on the general practice of creating a trainee license.
• Um I'm gravely gravely practice.
• Any response you want to offer from a practical standpoint?
• I think the 48 a practical standpoint?

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 66’s explicit inclusion of the social work practice act is critical.
• Practices continue to struggle with recruitment and retention of providers.
• To repayment and 50% going to providers who are practicing in New Mexico. Is that correct, Mr.
• They are eligible if they are practicing or commit to begin practicing within 90 days of being awarded
• As all of you know, we're desperate to bring physicians into the state to practice.

Bills: SB241 , SB145 , HB2

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 66's explicit inclusion of the social work practice act is critical.
• HB 66's explicit inclusion of the social work practice act is critical.
• Practices continue to struggle with recruitment and retention of providers.
• They are eligible if they are practicing or commit to begin practicing within 90 days of being awarded
• As all of you know, we're desperate to bring physicians into the state to practice.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 7, the Apprenticeship Assistance Act, which would keep apprenticeship trust fund distributions at $2.5 million rather than reducing them and remove a reference to the tobacco settlement permanent fund. Labor, construction, business, and environmental groups testified in support, emphasizing workforce development, retention of workers in New Mexico, and expansion of apprenticeship opportunities. The bill was moved and adopted without opposition. Members then considered House Bill 66, as amended, to increase funding for health professional loan repayment and related workforce supports. The amendment struck an appropriation because the funding was already included in House Bill 2. Testimony from health care providers, chambers of commerce, social workers, and physical therapy advocates supported the bill as a way to address provider shortages and improve recruitment and retention. After questions about eligibility, repayment terms, and overlap with similar Senate bills, the committee voted to do pass the bill as amended. House Bill 96, creating a working group to study a possible New Mexico Space Commission, was also amended to strike an appropriation. Support came from the chamber, Virgin Galactic, and aerospace advocates, who said a commission could help coordinate economic development and workforce efforts in the space sector. Members asked about other states’ commissions, workforce pathways, and the working group’s timeline, and the sponsor agreed to add clearer dissolution language later. The committee then passed the bill as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 80, a committee substitute to redirect more of the oil and gas conservation tax to the reclamation fund for orphan well plugging and site remediation. Supporters from industry, environmental groups, tribal advocates, and chambers said the bill would better align the tax with its original purpose and provide stable funding for cleanup, while an opponent argued the bill shifts costs from industry to the public and should instead raise the tax or bonding requirements. After discussion of backlog, phase-in timing, and procurement reforms, the committee voted do pass. The committee also heard House Bill 4, as amended, which phases in a larger share of premium surtax revenue to the Health Care Affordability Fund over three years. Supporters said it would sustain BeWell enrollment and affordability programs, while opponents questioned the burden on private payers and the size of the general fund impact. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed it on a 10-7 vote. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 65, as amended, creating a Foster Care Plus pilot project for children in CYFD custody, with testimony both supporting the need for better services and cautioning that implementation should respect tribal law, cultural practices, and family reunification. The committee also tabled House Bill 68 at the sponsor’s request. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 88, which would make minor changes to the land grant assistance fund, including capturing reverted payments that currently go back to the general fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• As background, third-party litigation funding refers generally to the practice of providing money to
• of prohibited practices for a third-party litigation funder, including a prohibition on deciding or
• But it adds transparency and reasonable guardrails to a practice that has been unregulated.
• But it adds transparency for reasonable guardrails to a practice that has been unregulated.
• You have states like Montana that almost don't allow the practice.

Bills: HB2255 , HB2320 , HB2548

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: litigation finance, legal funding, lawsuit, financial services, access to justice, firearm regulation, manufacturing, safety standards, background checks, license requirements, health care market standards, hospital consolidation, merger review, health care transaction notice, attorney general review, antitrust, provider organizations, hospital systems, contracting affiliation, material change

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...practices can lack transparency and consistency.
• This bill does not expand the scope of practice for any provider. It does not prevent...
• I practice podiatry in Hunt County, Texas for over 40 years.
• I practice in a rural area. Good afternoon, my name is Dr.
• We can't thank her staff enough for being so attentive and collaborative.

Bills: SB623 , SB1266 , SB1310 , SB1373 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2032 , SB2269 , SB2544 , SB2653 , SB2796

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: pharmacist, vaccine administration, COVID-19, exclusive authority, healthcare, Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, senior retirement communities, emergency response, residential safety, contract provisions, health and safety regulations, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment leaves the current practice for hearings unchanged so that no special commissioner on retainer
• :13:32.680><c> leaves</c><00:13:33.279><c> the</c><00:13:33.440><c> current</c><00:13:33.920><c> practice
• </c> amendment leaves the current practice amendment leaves the current practice for<00:13:34.519><c>
• single member of our three-member Public Utilities Commission to issue rules dictating policy and practice
• Currently, the attendance bar is set in the RSAs by the phrase, quote, “not being reasonably practical

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I prescribed opiates to people in my practice very sparingly since I was someone in long-term recovery
• I prescribed opiates to people in my practice very sparingly since I was someone in long-term recovery
• I prescribed opiates to people in my practice very sparingly since I was someone in long-term recovery
• So, as a practical matter, I don't think it's an issue.
• practically practically non-existent<06:04:17.558><c> um</c><06:04:17.958><c> medical</c><06:04:18.280

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all