Transcript Highlights:

• In order to hear as much from the public within the limits of our time, we will not permit conduct that
• Air Resources Board has adopted a strong oil and gas regulation that governs in-state production, limiting
• We are concerned that the bill's rigid requirements could limit stakeholders, PG&E's, and the CPUC's
• And so our goal is to reduce the complexity of programs, also to ensure they have the benefit of all
• I will say that if there's anybody that actually has tried to make sure that those that benefit from

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• One other example: in some cases there's a polling place with limited parking, so parking is utilized
• One other example: in some cases there's a polling place with limited parking, so parking is utilized
• One other example: in some cases there's a polling place with limited parking, so parking is utilized
• </c><01:13:53.040><c> so</c> which I think is the greatest benefit so which I think is the greatest benefit
• <01:39:21.960><c> that</c><01:39:22.040><c> are</c><01:39:22.360><c> here</c> limits that are here limits

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• trust who is currently the primary resident of a single-family home, or the owner or member of a limited
• trust who is currently the primary resident of a single-family home, or the owner or member of a limited
• The resources to do so, I think, is clearly a limitation that is holding back some of the opportunities
• Pending actions can use the new clarity of the statute of limitations under this legislation.
• And in the Coachella Valley, our low-resourced cities have benefited from it.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully we can see something like that happen in this area and really provide a true regional benefit
• And for those reasons, there's going to be more limited recreational tags allotted to those southern
• Are you guys going to limit a certain amount on the WMAs, or y'all just going to kind of...?
• We do have a guest who works in that industry that can explain the benefits of this.
• We do have a guest who works in that industry that can explain the benefits of this.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or additional benefits.
• Because at this point in time, to me, it looks like they have a really limited scope.
• Because at this point in time, to me, it looks like they have a really limited scope.
• Well, yeah, and again, the issue is it's limiting to what generic drugs are available.
• I know there's limited resources for how much care can be given.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So now, rather than just being limited to one fund, which is called the executive orders for disaster
• Second, it sets a clear limit and structures around the governor's executive orders pending authority
• And the limitation before was $750,000 per check but an unlimited number of checks, and this time you
• say there's no limit on the check size but it can only come from that one bank account, so there's a
• It's something that we all love, something that we all cherish, use, and benefit from.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 180, a disaster-funding measure that was amended with a substitute adding reporting requirements for the Natural Disaster Revolving Fund, creating a new funding “waterfall” that could draw first from the executive orders for disaster fund, then the appropriation contingency fund, and then the revolving fund, and removing language tied to the end of a fiscal year. The sponsor said the bill clarifies which disaster funds may be used for natural and non-natural disasters, limits and structures executive authority, and improves transparency. Supporters included the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts and the Village of Ruidoso; DFA raised concern that the transfer language could unintentionally create a deficit and threaten bond obligations. After questions about non-natural disasters, executive orders, and the fiscal impact, the committee voted do not pass on the original bill and do pass on the committee substitute. House Bill 158, dealing with the Government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust, was amended with a technical change replacing “expendable trust” with “program fund” in several places. The bill would require agencies receiving GROW appropriations to submit accountability and evaluation plans to the state budget division director and LFC director. Sponsors said they had worked with DFA and tried to address concerns raised in a prior veto message. There was no public opposition, and the committee approved the bill as amended. House Bill 271 proposed a one-time $100 million general fund appropriation to the Office of Natural Resources Trustees for public land expansion and restoration, plus up to $30 million for state matching funds for political subdivisions with approved federal disaster assistance. Supporters from outdoor recreation, conservation, wildlife, and local government groups said the bill would help restore fire- and flood-damaged lands, expand access, and support rural economies; opponents or skeptics raised concerns about land management, tax base loss, tribal consultation, and whether the state should acquire more land given New Mexico’s already high public-land percentage. After extended debate, the committee tabled the bill. Finally, House Bill 246 was heard as a Lincoln County/Ruidoso floodplain mitigation bill. It would provide state matching funds so local governments can leverage federal Emergency Watershed Protection dollars to buy out and rehabilitate repeatedly flooded properties, with the goal of reducing future disaster risk. The sponsor and county officials said the program is voluntary, based on pre-disaster valuation, and intended to help residents relocate while restoring floodplains; supporters from conservation and recreation groups said it could become a model for disaster recovery. Committee members asked about property priority levels, voluntary participation, ownership after acquisition, and climate-related planning. The discussion ended with the sponsor describing the bill as a Lincoln County-specific effort tied to ongoing flood recovery and forest-management concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amtrak's Sunset Limited route once connected New Orleans, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando
• This absence has limited transportation options, hindered economic growth, and reduced emergency evacuation
• Of course, many of Florida's rural communities would benefit from having passenger rail stops in their
• But I just want to point out, it says, "to the maximum for the maximum benefit." Maximum?
• What is a maximum benefit? I'm not sure; I know it may be judged differently in...

Transcript Highlights:

• Does benefit the elderly and disabled.
• More citizens get benefit, right? And more elderly, deaf, and blind citizens get benefit.
• More citizens get benefit, right? Great. More citizens get benefit, right?
• And if you go everybody would benefit.
• They're going to did facilities benefit?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This competition ultimately benefits consumers.
• And it is that benefit to consumers that we should be looking for in this proposal.
• Is it the author's intention to put a geographic limitation on actions and remedies?
• While the bill is well intended, it won't benefit consumers and retailers.
• While the bill is well intended, it won't benefit consumers and retailers.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• bill and the significance of that, to be clear, our concern is to ensure that we don't inadvertently limit
• these folks, and it will also be a practical and sustainable way to strengthen fighter retirement benefits
• state in the country, but the only location in the world that provides fighters with a retirement benefit
• And for those who are able to access these funds, it can... ...with a retirement benefit.
• And thanks to your support, when we extended those benefits to our mixed martial artists, fighters, we

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh despite the fact uh that benefit Uh despite the fact uh that benefit mandates<00:22:54.799><c
• And those healthcare benefits later on.
• The other piece is really around changes to benefit structure.
• 01:09:45.520><c> um,</c><01:09:45.679><c> since</c> benefit of the committee, um, since benefit of the
• </c><01:28:44.480><c> to</c> do the math, our SPRA fund is limited to do the math, our SPRA fund is limited

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then at the end, we’re going to be taking public comment, and public comment will be limited to two
• Our department deployed a guideline, a harvest catch-rate guideline, where we set an upper limit.
• I think it is already showing benefits, as Director Bonham mentioned, for what we saw in the ocean and
• And we’re seeing those benefits.
• We work worldwide on developing conservation solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual State of the Fishery forum, focusing on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, ocean conditions, and related aquaculture and committee reports. Opening remarks from committee leadership emphasized climate impacts, reduced federal NOAA support, state investments through Proposition 4, coastal resilience funding, and the importance of fisheries to rural economies and tribal communities. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot described a decade of drought and climate stress, highlighted progress such as Klamath River dam removal, wetland restoration, and the state’s salmon strategy, and warned that federal funding uncertainty and staffing cuts could undermine restoration and fishery recovery efforts. Senator Cortese raised concerns about illegal cannabis cultivation damaging riparian habitat and water flows, and both Crowfoot and Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham said enforcement against illicit grows remains a major environmental priority but is constrained by resources. Director Bonham provided a broad update on California fisheries, reporting encouraging signs for salmon after several difficult years, including improved ocean conditions, stronger returns in some runs, and successful short recreational openings in 2025. He also noted major challenges, including reduced federal hatchery production at Nimbus, ongoing uncertainty around winter-run and spring-run recovery, and the need for continued habitat restoration, monitoring, and hatchery investment. On Dungeness crab, Bonham said the fishery remained valuable but constrained by whale entanglement risk, warming ocean conditions, and domoic acid concerns; he described new marked-line distribution, ropeless and alternative gear trials, and ongoing aerial and vessel monitoring. He also said the department’s unified cannabis enforcement task force had served numerous warrants and seized large amounts of illegal cannabis, but more funding is needed for sustained operations. In the salmon panel, Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath still faces low run sizes, climate-driven warming, wildfire impacts, and federal uncertainty, but he pointed to dam removal, restoration work, and AB 263’s river-flow protections as major advances. PCFFA president Bradshaw stressed that the three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities and argued for major reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatchery infrastructure and better broodstock management at Fall Creek. CalTrout’s Schneider said salmon remain at risk statewide, but cited Prop 4, habitat reconnection, floodplain restoration, improved water management, and monitoring as the main tools for recovery. In the crab panel, CDFW’s Schumann reported that the 2024–25 season produced record prices per pound and about $55 million in value despite delays and trap reductions, but he warned that three confirmed whale entanglements and elevated whale presence could force a conservative opener for 2025–26. PCFFA’s Domrash supported marked line, alternative gear, and a new gear-recovery network, while also criticizing the current ramp system as a response to a problem not fully grounded in science.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:33.359><c> to</c><00:37:33.599><c> our</c> but there is a limit to our but there is a limit
• </c><00:47:41.760><c> from</c> neighbor Islands could benefit from neighbor Islands could benefit from
• </c><01:06:02.880><c> amount</c> able to do this given the limited amount able to do this given the limited
• </c><01:11:47.239><c> the</c> kill people not guns by limiting the kill people not guns by limiting the
• </c> property is threatened having a limited property is threatened having a limited number<01:12:25.280

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They want government to set limits.
• And in this instance, it's wholly appropriate to set the limits that this bill does.
• But we do think it's appropriate for limits here, and we urge your vote on the bill. Thank you.
• Workers should not include independent contractors because they're often limited-term work for a designated
• Isn't technology supposed to benefit everyone, or is it just supposed to benefit a few people?

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anthony, we're going to limit this to 15 minutes if you can, please. Thank you.
• Account expenditures are limited to grant projects or programs for bicycle, pedestrian, and non-motorist
• We do hope this committee would consider adding in an increase to the state highway work bid limit, such
• and taxes and future increases in aviation fees or taxes be used only for aviation projects that benefit
• And I'm representing the teachers of my district that have seen the immense benefit of this program.

Bills: SB6352

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, resources, funding, state law, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Blue was founded in 2000 with a vision of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit
• New Glenn will help us build a road to space for the benefit of Earth.
• And I would never want to limit.
• And I would never want to limit. You know, with space exploration.
• And I would never want to limit that.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Committee of Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security heard a series of informational presentations focused on Florida’s aerospace and space ecosystem. Blue Origin described its Florida operations at Rocket Park, Launch Complex 36, and Port Canaveral, highlighting New Glenn and Blue Moon development, recent launch activity, workforce development efforts, and major capital investment in the state. Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) outlined its low-Earth-orbit broadband network, customer terminals, satellite and gateway architecture, dark-sky mitigation efforts, and Florida investments including a payload processing facility and launch support infrastructure. Starcatcher Industries presented its concept for an orbital energy grid that would beam power to satellites, discussed demonstrations in Florida, customer interest, and plans for a first satellite launch next year. Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace industry, citing billions in private investment, growth in aerospace establishments and projects, spaceport infrastructure investments, workforce and university partnerships, and the importance of maintaining Florida’s competitiveness against other states. NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro then emphasized Artemis II preparations, rising launch demand, aging infrastructure, and the need for stronger state-federal coordination and investment in research, workforce, and common-use infrastructure. She compared Florida’s support structure with Texas and argued that Florida must act to avoid losing aerospace leadership. Members asked questions about mobile and aviation applications for Amazon Leo, dark-sky impacts, satellite counts, Starcatcher’s power transmission losses and storage approach, and NASA’s funding and infrastructure constraints. Petro also discussed limits on commercial investment in common infrastructure under federal rules and suggested that state investment and better alignment among partners could help. No bills were considered and no votes were taken beyond adjournment; the committee concluded by adopting a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• It'll enhance graduate programs and faculty quality across those universities in ways that benefit Texas
• I don't look at this bill as specific or limited only to that circumstance.
• Senator Creighton mentioned earlier that the bill, as written, does not limit, is not limited to one
• Berciaga, we're limited on time to head to the floor.
• , funding, facility use, or official recognition... ...universities cannot provide benefits, funding,

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard several bills before recessing to the floor, with most measures left pending subject to the call of the chair. SB 2986 would allow public schools and universities to permit after-hours facility use by religious groups on the same terms as other nonprofits, and SB 1032 would open the Governor’s University Research Initiative to private and independent universities; both had committee substitutes adopted and were left pending after brief testimony. Supporters of SB 1032 from Rice and Baylor said the change would help Texas recruit top researchers and strengthen the state’s research economy. The committee also heard SB 2058, which would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to publish annual data on nursing clinical training sites to improve placement coordination, and SB 2683, which would bar public colleges from giving benefits or recognition to student organizations that receive support from foreign entities of concern; both were left pending after testimony. A large portion of the meeting focused on SB 2233, which would require public institutions of higher education to adopt policies prohibiting students or employees on nonimmigrant visas from publicly supporting terrorist activity or organizations, with enforcement through investigations, reporting to Homeland Security, and possible Attorney General action and fines. The author said the bill was intended to reinforce existing federal definitions and campus safety, while senators questioned the bill’s scope, the definition of terrorist activity, and the clause tied to U.S. policy or practice. Public witnesses, including civil rights advocates, law students, and others, argued the bill was vague, overbroad, unconstitutional, and likely to chill protected speech and increase surveillance of international students and Black and brown communities; several Jewish witnesses also said the bill misused Jewish safety concerns and could be used for viewpoint discrimination. SB 2233 was left pending after public testimony. The committee then took up SB 735, which builds on prior Holocaust education legislation by funding optional age-appropriate and bilingual curriculum, museum field trips, teacher preparation partnerships, annual reporting, and regional collaboration with Holocaust museums and education service centers. The author and invited witnesses said the bill responds to survey findings showing uneven Holocaust instruction and a need for better teacher training and accountability. A fifth-grade teacher and the director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio testified in support, emphasizing the need for accurate, age-appropriate instruction and professional development. The committee recessed before finishing the agenda, and SB 735 was set to resume after the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• They got better benefits, and we had more effective cost management strategies.
• Arizona Benefit Plan, so we're a managing general agent here in Arizona.
• This limits their options.
• As someone who also benefited from the FAFSA, I'm a Pell Grant recipient.
• As someone who also benefited from the FAFSA, I'm a Pell Grant recipient.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, we would not advocate for limiting the ability for industry to come into the state.
• CETA puts limits on the use of fossil power and CCA puts a price on the carbon emissions.
• CETA puts limits on the use of fossil power and CCA puts a price on the carbon emissions.
• The portable solar generation, or balcony solar, limit in the bill is 1,200 watts.
• So unfortunately, there's no limit on the amount of smoothie machines that you've got going.

Bills: SB5982 , SB6008 , SB6050 , SB6056

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, energy storage, residential battery, grid connection, renewable energy, incentives, distributed energy, renewable resources, energy policy, sustainable energy, state regulations, utility vehicles, emission standards, environment, regulation, exemptions

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee's benefit.
• Because we pay for it, but we pay for it in the project phase instead of... we do have a limitation on
• And they get the added benefit, again, that if gaps are identified, the state is going to be much more
• Again, we have time limitations here, but this is an important conversation.
• But it all became moot with the new benefit-of-the-bargain round as we were nearing completion.

Committee: Joint Information Technology Committee

Keywords: 908, all