Transcript Highlights:

• Well, basically for many years I've been on a Legislative Audit Commission, where we see during the audits
• the increased focus on audits, I talked with Ann Rest, who's the chair of the Legislative Audit Commission
• the increased focus on audits, I talked with Ann Rest, who's the chair of the Legislative Audit Commission
• </c><00:02:04.440><c> that</c> made by members of the commission that made by members of the commission
• </c> um uh for services and and commodities um uh for services and and commodities and<00:06:52.400><

Transcript Highlights:

• So get 50% there in the budget here and then keep going in the future.
• That would also be considered in future rate setting.
• What can California do to strengthen the IHSS workforce and meet the needs of the future?
• Recruitment will be a huge need in the future, as our population ages.
• I'm with the California Commission on Aging.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees held a joint hearing on older adults and long-term care supports and services, with members and witnesses focusing on the growing “forgotten/overlooked middle” of Californians who are too wealthy for Medi-Cal but unable to afford long-term services and supports (LTSS). Administration witnesses from DHCS and the Department of Aging described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role for low-income residents, and ongoing state work on LTSS financing, including a 2024 financing initiative and a final report due in 2026. Testimony emphasized rising costs, caregiver shortages, homelessness among older adults, and the need to preserve home- and community-based services to avoid more expensive institutional care. Several advocates urged immediate action, especially Medi-Cal share-of-cost reform, housing supports, and protection of HCBS funding. Members asked for the most urgent budget priorities and were told to focus on share-of-cost reform and assisted-living rate protections, along with broader system navigation and caregiver support. The committee also heard testimony on the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS serves about 42,000 participants through 304 centers, with demand generally stable but geographic gaps in some regions and staffing challenges after the pandemic. DHCS explained a rate-setting issue: a 10% CBAS rate increase had been mistakenly posted on the Medi-Cal fee schedule in 2024, and while Proposition 35 later made the targeted SB 159 rate increase inoperative, DHCS said any repayment by managed care plans would depend on contract terms and the department would not require clawbacks. CBAS providers and advocates warned that the program is in a financial crisis, with six center closures since June 2024, and requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close about half the gap between current reimbursement and costs. Members expressed concern that clawbacks could accelerate closures and noted the program’s role in preventing institutionalization and supporting family caregivers. In the final panel, CDSS presented on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider recruitment and retention and on the AB 102 statewide bargaining report. CDSS said the IHSS Career Pathways program has concluded successfully, with more than 59,000 providers completing training, and that the AB 102 report—based on workgroup meetings and consultant analysis—will be sent to the Legislature shortly. The department said the workgroup viewed statewide bargaining as more viable than regional bargaining, but identified major issues around consumer participation, county fiscal impacts, administrative responsibilities, and the need to define bargaining scope in statute. CDSS estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Provider unions supported statewide bargaining, arguing it would improve wages, benefits, and workforce stability, while county representatives said any statewide model should preserve consumer focus, protect county finances and realignment funds, and keep core administrative functions with local public authorities. The hearing concluded without votes, with members requesting additional follow-up information and urging continued engagement ahead of the May revise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jim Kish, member of the commission. >> Katie Taylor, member of the commission.
• Goen, member of the commission. I got everybody. &gt;&gt; Katie Taylor, member of the commission.
• </c> enable real time trading and settlement. enable real time trading and settlement.
• So basically, it allows a property owner to trade some of their future rental income for present access
• </c><01:29:49.120><c> rental</c> to trade some of their future rental to trade some of their future rental

Summary: The meeting began with roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, which passed unanimously. Members then introduced the day’s presentations, including one on the Canton network and another on tokenizing real-world assets, with a focus on how blockchain systems can support regulated financial institutions and asset tokenization. Julie, the director of policy and government affairs at Digital Asset, presented on the Canton network, describing it as a privacy-enabled public blockchain designed for regulated finance. She said tokenization should preserve the same legal and economic rights as the underlying asset, and argued that blockchain-based books and records can shorten settlement times, improve 24/7 trading, and reduce friction in capital markets. She identified three main barriers to institutional adoption of public blockchains: lack of privacy, limited throughput/scalability, and lack of control for compliance purposes such as freezing assets, pausing transactions, and meeting AML/sanctions obligations. She explained Canton’s structure as a public, permissionless network with application-level privacy controls, a global synchronizer, and super validators chosen by vote. She also highlighted current ecosystem participants and use cases, including Broadridge, Circle, and the DTCC’s planned tokenization of U.S. Treasuries on the network. Members and online participants asked about the relationship between tokenized assets and the Clarity Act, tokenized deposits, safeguards for faster settlement, and whether the platform could be used for municipal or property records. Julie said Digital Asset was not taking a position on rewards, but supported clearer statutory definitions because tokenized securities should carry the same rights as the underlying assets and investors need to know whether a token is a true tokenized security or a synthetic/reference token. She said the company is agnostic on whether the cash leg is stablecoins or tokenized deposits, though it expects both to develop. In response to concerns about rapid settlement, she pointed to institution-level permissions and SEC disclosure expectations as safeguards. She also said the technology could be used for other records, including potentially property-related records, if those assets can be tokenized.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what would the future look like?
• I'm from your future. I've lived your future. This is what drug prevention looks like.
• Hemp was meant to be an agricultural commodity but has been turned into an addiction. Commodity.
• Farmers of my generation have a bleak future when it comes to profitability.
• In the first year we launched the product in 2019, I did 36 trade shows.

Bills: HB5

Committee: House Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• And trade tensions have really exacerbated that slump in the last year.
• And if California wine sales keep declining, we're going to need to move more vineyards in the future
• Even when vineyards are successfully removed, the future of that land becomes uncertain.
• That's what we're constantly working on with this, and building engagement in the future.
• Investing in a skilled agricultural workforce is essential to California's future.

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry held its first meeting at Napa Valley College, with Chair Christopher Cabaldon and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry opening the hearing by stressing the wine industry’s importance to California’s economy, communities, and tourism. They said the purpose of the hearing was informational rather than legislative, with no votes or bill actions taken, and framed the day as a fact-finding session to inform future legislation, budget work, and oversight. The first panel focused on research and trends, with Dr. Damien Wilson of Sonoma State, UC Davis professor Ben Mumpeteet, and wine economist Chris Bitter describing the industry as facing structural change rather than a temporary downturn. The research panel highlighted falling wine production and sales, rising costs, and changing consumer behavior. Wilson argued the industry has relied too heavily on premiumization and technical elitism, pricing out younger consumers and needing to focus more on new customer acquisition, accessible brands, and evidence-based business decisions. Mumpeteet emphasized external threats such as grapevine diseases, extreme weather, water shortages, and wildfire smoke, and called for more public investment in viticulture and enology research, especially through California’s university system. Bitter said growers are dealing with depressed grape demand, a grape glut, vineyard removals, and sharply higher production costs driven largely by regulation and labor, and he urged review of regulatory costs, trade conditions, vineyard removal support, and barriers to replanting. Committee members then asked about how the industry can adapt, whether change will come through existing producers or market turnover, and how California might use its research capacity to improve regulation and compliance. Witnesses said the industry needs cultural change, better marketing to younger consumers, more data on health and consumption trends, and more efficient, science-based regulation. The second panel, with representatives from growers and the Wine Institute, described severe market stress: unharvested grapes, vineyard removals, and closures in some regions. Michael Miller said growers are seeing fruit left on the vine and called for relief on regulatory and trade pressures, while Honor Comfort described Wine Institute’s Share Wine Co-Lab, an open-access marketing platform aimed at helping wineries reach younger consumers through digital and data-driven strategies. A final panel addressed tourism, farmworkers, and water regulation. Visit Napa Valley’s Lindsay Gallagher said Napa remains relatively strong but is broadening its message beyond wine to cuisine, wellness, and outdoor experiences, while noting international visitation, especially from Canada, has fallen sharply. Sonia DeLuca of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation said declining sales and rising costs reduce hours and income for farmworkers and called for targeted relief, wage-loss support, and continued workforce training. Annalisa Kiara of the State Water Board provided an update on the Winery General Order, explaining that it was created to streamline and standardize wastewater permitting while protecting water quality; she said 56 wineries have enrolled and 122 more are under review, and noted ongoing coordination with industry sustainability programs. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for updated regulations, better data, and collaborative solutions, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• chamber always be a place where every community sees itself reflected in the laws we pass and the future
• It is a story of perseverance through hardship, of families building a future in the face of exclusion
• These future leaders have demonstrated diligence.
• When we invest in them, we are investing in the future of California.
• She was also recognized by the Orange County Human Relations Commission with a Legacy Award, honoring

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 35 recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month, with extensive floor remarks from caucus leaders and members highlighting AAPI history, contributions, and solidarity with other communities. The chamber then honored 14 AAPI honorees from across the state, including public servants, advocates, artists, health professionals, and community leaders, before moving to the regular file. On the floor, the Assembly passed a series of bills on social media harms to minors, labor privilege, foster care family-finding, low-impact camping areas, student body association governance, drink-spiking prevention at music festivals, behavioral health access, greenhouse gas recapture, physical therapy access, housing enforcement, insurance licensing, density bonus clarification, water district proxy voting, park district updates, secured transactions, and property tax relief during emergencies. Most measures passed with broad or unanimous support; notable votes included AB 2 on social media platform accountability passing 59-0, AB 1109 on union communications privilege passing 45-4, AB 409 on student body association open meetings passing 55-6, AB 518 on low-impact camping passing 55-0, AB 668 on drink-spiking protections passing 72-0, AB 348 on behavioral health access passing 69-0, AB 663 on HFC recapture passing 71-0, AB 574 on physical therapy access passing 68-0, AB 712 on housing enforcement passing 57-1, AB 943 on insurance pre-licensing reform passing 63-0, AB 87 on density bonus law clarification passing 63-0, AB 523 on Metropolitan Water District proxy voting passing 62-1, AB 769 on park district code cleanup passing 68-0, AB 771 on secured transactions passing 69-0, and AB 1416 on property tax installment deferrals passing 66-0. The Assembly also took up AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. Supporters described the practice as predatory and discriminatory, while noting ongoing concerns about preserving legitimate discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was presented as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing hidden price discrimination and reducing cost-of-living pressures. The transcript ends amid repeated and partially duplicated readings of AB 446, without a final vote shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• We look at autonomous vehicles, the future.
• The Commission will meet to adopt those rules.
• It was different trades.
• It was different trades.
• Maybe in the future? No.

Summary: The committee met to hear interim charges on rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. After opening remarks from the chair and members, the committee first focused on rail grade separations under SB 1555, with TxDOT and the Texas Railroad Association testifying that the new state grant program was implemented quickly, drew far more applications than available funding, and helped Texas leverage state dollars into major federal awards. TxDOT said the first round funded five projects, with additional federal matching funds helping support a total project portfolio worth more than $1 billion, including the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Bridge in Houston. Witnesses emphasized that grade separations improve safety and mobility, and committee members discussed alternative mitigation tools such as siding relocation, digital routing/notification systems, and better public education about emergency notification signs at crossings. Public testimony on rail grade separations largely supported continuing and expanding the program. Representatives from regional business and transportation groups in Houston-area communities said blocked crossings harm safety, freight movement, emergency access, and economic activity, and urged the Legislature to extend SB 1555 and keep state funding in place so Texas can continue competing for federal grants. One witness argued that railroads should bear more of the cost because the projects primarily benefit rail companies, while others stressed that the state should continue using public-private partnerships and federal matching opportunities. Committee members asked about project selection criteria, how success should be measured over time, and whether railroads contribute financially; TxDOT said future success would be measured by projects moving to construction and by reductions in crashes and fatalities at treated crossings. The committee then turned to autonomous vehicles and heard from Texas DMV officials on implementation of SB 2807. DMV explained that Level 4 and Level 5 automated vehicles transporting people or goods for a commercial enterprise must obtain a state authorization, in addition to normal title, registration, insurance, and other requirements. The agency described its rulemaking timeline, the online application and verification system, coordination with DPS on first-responder interaction plans, and the current status of authorized companies operating in Texas. A companion enforcement presentation showed how law enforcement and the public can search AV authorizations and file complaints through the DMV’s truck stop database. The hearing continued into questions about the regulatory framework and complaint process, with the committee emphasizing that safety remains the central concern as the technology expands.

Bills: SCR100 , SB2466 , HB1163 , HB1514 , SB3082 , SB2135 , SB2727 , SB3097 , HB1696 , HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• It gives a lot of autonomy to the wildlife commission on how that's regulated. With that, I...
• Whenever the landowner goes to the commissioners, the board of commission to designate it as open range

Bills: SB2108 , SB2121 , SB2171 , SB2061 , SB2112 , SB2138

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're fine with that because, as you can see, most every other board or commission that is sunsetted
• The commission may... And replace line 607 on page 22 with the following section.

Bills: SB45 , SB61 , SB222 , HB385

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: athlete agents, commission, state regulation, Alabama, higher education, athletics, membership diversity, school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice

Transcript Highlights:

• For operations and plan for the future.
• of rural communities and the future of rural communities and the future<00:29:03.600><c> of</c><00:29
• Um, thank future of dairy production.
• ,</c> price of of commodities, price of of commodities, uh<00:35:10.720><c> to</c><00:35:10.960><c> not
• It's been very good Zoning Commission.

Bills: HF3474 , HF3475 , HF3508

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture, funding, research, agricultural institute, state appropriations, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment, relief initiative, farm support

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an engineer at the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.
• Tomorrow, and the commission.
• Tomorrow, and the commission.
• They have no commission did not testify.
• Please pass and future generations.

Bills: SCR96 , SCR109 , SCR164 , SCR172 , SCR166

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I know that it holds great promise, and I'm really excited for the future of what we can do with
• Yes, I know that it holds great promise, and I'm really excited for the future of what we can do with
• I'm the Deputy Director of the Washington State Wine Commission.
• Commodity commissions have shown that Washington can successfully convene industries to pool modest individual
• So for the future of the tourists that I see this as a growth potential that we absolutely should not

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the software this bill would help create could generate and track credits that could be traded worldwide
• <00:04:01.680><c> ammonia</c> These records, called ammonia certificates, are a new and valuable commodity
• of significant cost and uncertainty by encouraging local production of a necessary agricultural commodity
• :10:02.920><c> economic</c> investment in Minnesota's economic investment in Minnesota's economic future
• </c> future. Thank you. future. Thank you. All<00:10:05.600><c> right.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 437 delays that work, and in so doing, it slows to a halt future reparations policies.
• That work, and in so doing, it slows to a halt future reparations policies, benefits, and rights owed
• I'm hoping there's future budget trailer bills coming down the line that include priorities for Black
• These young people are future engineers, educators, doctors, and entrepreneurs.
• According to the Federal Trade Commission, the Cars Rule was projected to save American car buyers about

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure by Senator Umberg. The bill would require courts to consider CARE referral for certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial, combine some hearings, expand data sharing among licensed medical professionals, and broaden eligibility to include mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said the bill would clarify the meaning of “clinically stabilized,” streamline the process, and help more severely ill people get treatment; opponents argued it would greatly expand the program without enough housing, staffing, or resources and could sweep in people who can make their own decisions. The committee members raised concerns about scope and resources but ultimately voted to pass SB 27 to the Health Committee, with the bill placed on call. The committee then took up SB 82, which would limit consumer arbitration clauses to disputes arising from the specific product or service the consumer agreed to buy, aimed at stopping “infinite arbitration clauses” that force unrelated claims into arbitration. The author and supporters described cases where consumers were compelled to arbitrate claims involving corporate affiliates or unrelated incidents, while opponents warned the bill was too restrictive and should be clarified on retroactivity and construction. Members generally supported the bill, and it passed on a do-pass motion, with several votes recorded and the bill placed on call. Next, the committee heard SB 437 and SB 518, both related to California reparations efforts. SB 437 would direct CSU to develop an evidence-based, reproducible genealogical methodology for verifying descendants of enslaved people, with supporters emphasizing oversight, transparency, and a framework for using the $6 million already allocated in the budget; opponents argued the work was unnecessary, duplicative, and should be done by existing genealogists rather than CSU. SB 518 would create a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within state government, with divisions for genealogy, property reclamation, outreach, and legal affairs; supporters called it the infrastructure needed to implement reparations recommendations, while opponents objected to housing the bureau in the Department of Justice, overlap with SB 437, and the inclusion of other communities. Both bills advanced on do-pass motions to Appropriations and were placed on call. Finally, Senator Perez presented SB 52, the End AI Rent Hikes Act, which would make it illegal to use algorithms to collude and artificially inflate rental prices. The author and supporters said landlords and AI companies are using pricing tools to share competitive data and fix rents in the midst of a severe affordability crisis, and that the bill would clarify protections and create enforcement mechanisms. The transcript cuts off during testimony on SB 52, before any vote or final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...I can trade my gun to Senator West, or I can sell my gun to Senator West.
• The commission is required to submit a report of recommendations by November 1st.
• The commission will be dissolved automatically on December 31st, 2026.
• House Bill 3284 relates to the creation of the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family.
• Quantum represents not just the future of computing, but the future of cybersecurity as well.

Bills: SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB2082 , SB2717 , SB2919 , HB4 , HB26 , HB 103 , HB 108 , HB 117 , HB 126 , HB144 , HB145 , HB186 , HB201 , HB223 , HB229 , HB272 , HB493 , HB521 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB748 , HB 1106 , HB 1234 , HB1403 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2026 , HB2035 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2512 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2674 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2820 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3053 , HB3057 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3180 , HB3181 , HB3225 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3333 , HB3512 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3732 , HB3749 , HB3812 , HB3833 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4157 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4690 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB4795 , HB4848 , HB4903 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5436 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HCR40 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SJR5 , SJR59 , SB4 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB12 , SB22 , SB23 , SB25 , SB27 , SB34 , SB36 , SB37 , SB38 , SB40 , SB261 , SB650 , SB777 , SB924 , SB1188 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1448 , SB1566 , SB1621 , SB1723 , SB1862 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB17 , SB21 , SB260 , SB379 , SB509 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB300 , HB2525 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HJR7 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB26 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5652 , HB3395 , HB2516 , HB180 , HB 1306 , HB3966 , HB4112 , HB322 , HB 126 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB1629 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4464 , HB4063 , HB3623 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB700 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB3619 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB3812 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB346 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB2038 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1871 , HB 108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB 1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB 101 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB 1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB 1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HB4488 , HB4264 , HB4 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4281 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4749 , HB4995 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB3711 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB2243 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB2313 , HB3686 , HB500 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB 1056 , HB42 , HB4486 , HB3000 , HB 100 , HB2240 , HB718 , HB27 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB2853 , HB5129 , HB5093 , HB4765 , HB4748 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB4211 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB4687 , HB705 , HB 1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HB 1105 , HB 121 , HB3372 , HB367 , HB783 , HB3336 , HB3441 , HB4449 , HB5616 , HB2407 , HB2854 , HB3425 , HB5294 , HB 1178 , HB4623 , HB14 , HB3963 , HB 1211 , HB5646 , HB5629 , HB3783 , HB4236 , HB46 , HB4638 , HB 1052 , HB4070 , HB5509 , HB5435 , HB4134 , HB3923 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB2517 , HB2488 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB3073 , HB2655 , HB2399 , HB541 , HB4099 , HB 111 , HB1532 , HB3483 , HB2963 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB713 , HB632 , HB426 , HB4730 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR76 , HCR108 , HB26 , HB 108 , HB144 , HB145 , HB201 , HB272 , HB493 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB5081 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB223 , HB1403 , HB3053 , HB5115 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SB20 , SB33 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB681 , SB740 , SB840 , SB843 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1574 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB1198 , SB2601 , SB2778

Transcript Highlights:

• Commodities?
• More and more food banks are seeing very different commodities coming from their USDA partners.
• The commodity we have to offer you right now is 500 turkeys.
• Fear is what is motivating these changes and speculatory commodities.
• Change is constant, and commodities change. Fear is resulting in violence.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Coupled with the fact that honey is the third most adulterated food commodity brought into the U.S.,
• Coupled with the fact that honey is the third most adulterated food commodity brought into the U.S.,
• 29.279><c> have</c><00:13:29.360><c> to</c><00:13:29.440><c> be</c><00:13:29.560><c> labeled</c> The trade
• <00:15:13.279><c> deficit</c><00:15:13.680><c> is</c><00:15:13.800><c> a</c> Industries I mean the trade
• deficit is a Industries I mean the trade deficit is a huge<00:15:14.320><c> problem</c><00:15:14.600

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The committee first considered House Bill 216, which would correct a conflict created when an office was moved into the Department of Agriculture by restoring grant and loan eligibility for Department of Agriculture employees while keeping the prohibition in place for employees of the office of policy. The bill was approved unanimously and sent on to the Senate floor. The committee then revisited Senate Bill 122 after concerns from the prior meeting. Members adopted a committee substitute that clarified local governments may regulate the covered businesses but not ban them outright, and that fines and fees go back to the local authorities doing the regulating. During final consideration, Senator Deneen, Senator Reed, and Senator Richardson voted no, citing concerns about enforcement, inspection, and potential bad actors, while Senator Webb supported the bill as a needed regulatory scheme. The motion passed and the bill advanced. House Bill 391, dealing with Kentucky honey production, was also approved. Representative Jason Nemes and industry witnesses said the bill would raise the threshold for requiring a certified honey house from 150 gallons to 500 gallons, add language requiring “pure and unadulterated” Kentucky-produced honey, and support local beekeepers without creating additional public health risk. Members discussed whether the limit should be removed entirely, the cost of honey houses, and concerns about imported or adulterated honey. The committee passed the bill to the Senate floor. Senator Yates later registered a no vote on Senate Bill 122 and yes votes on House Bill 216 and Senate Bill 171, though Senate Bill 171 was passed over for further work and not heard that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of that is trade. We've got to get the trade right.
• Again, we need to get that right on the trade issue here.
• And the idea is this: that the commission...
• Let’s say this bill said that the Commission on Religious Liberty, that was commissioned by the President
• There is a commission right now, the Commission on Religious Liberty. It’s— oh, absolutely.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 2507 by Assembly Member Wynn would strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early engagement across agencies. Support came from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance, with members praising the bill as improving respect, coordination, and outcomes for tribes. AB 2024, also by Wynn, would require the Outdoor Advertising Act permitting process to reach a determination on submitted applications, aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty; it drew support from the outdoor advertising industry and the California Association of Realtors, with members describing it as a technical cleanup measure. Both bills were later moved to Appropriations, along with a consent calendar of several other measures. AB 1585 by Assembly Member Connolly would require wine labeled as American to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” label with California’s existing 100% state-origin standard. Supporters, including California wine grape growers, family wineries, consumer advocates, and several local agricultural groups, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling and help struggling growers. Opponents from major wine companies and industry groups warned it could reduce flexibility, create labeling complications, and limit the ability to list varietal and vintage on some blended wines. After a lengthy debate over labeling standards, consumer expectations, and impacts on interstate wine sales, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1605 by Assembly Member Ransom would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, restricting their ability to purchase alcohol as a preventive measure. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Safe California Roads Coalition, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would give courts another tool to reduce recidivism and save lives. Retailers and restaurant representatives raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens, but the bill was amended and passed to Appropriations. AB 2211 by Assembly Member Hoover, which would allow craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the California Distillers Association. Finally, AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson, presented by Assembly Member Solache, would require anti-hate speech training for local and state elected officials; it drew strong opposition over First Amendment and definitional concerns, and members pressed for a clearer definition of hate speech before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, Julie Range with Commission Shift Action. Thanks for the opportunity to testify today.
• Mass-balance accounting is already commonly utilized with familiar commodities such as fair trade coffee
• if anyone wishes to Members, we do have resource witnesses from the Railroad Commission.
• And we do have a witness from the Railroad Commission if anyone needs a resource witness.
• All right, there is a resource witness again from the Railroad Commission.

Bills: SB3074 , HB49 , HB2440 , HB3556 , HB3619 , HB3866 , HB4042 , HB4112 , HB4271 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB5033 , HB49

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.