Transcript Highlights:

• </c> would otherwise take default service would otherwise take default service supply.<01:06:54.720><
• services services entitlements<04:11:38.880><c> along</c><04:11:39.199><c> with</c><04:11:39.439><c>
• </c> uh the deployment of these technologies. uh the deployment of these technologies.
• </c> different in every utility service different in every utility service territory,<05:41:34.958><c
• Large customer generators receive just the default service rate and the default service rate without

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on April 14 and began by welcoming a new member, Representative Samban Denier, who briefly described his background as a Clarkson University environmental engineering graduate and Air Force veteran. The committee then moved into a work session on five energy-related bills, starting with Senate Bill 65 on stormwater management for solar arrays. Representative McGee presented amendment 1594H, which would exclude projects in shoreland areas from the bill’s permit-by-notification process and require the standard alteration-of-terrain permit review instead. Members asked for clarification, and McGee explained the amendment was requested by the New Hampshire Lakes Association and others to preserve the fuller review process for shoreland projects. The committee appeared satisfied with the explanation and moved on. The committee next discussed Senate Bill 230 on electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources. Members concluded that section one was unnecessary because a better definition of advanced nuclear resources had already been added to House Bill 710, and that section two would allow investment in advanced nuclear resources in a way they had already rejected in another bill due to ratepayer risk. Several members agreed the bill was redundant and supported an ITL motion. They also discussed Senate Bill 232 on net metering terms and conditions, focusing first on whether hydroelectric generators could be listed in ISO New England while also taking net metering credits. Granite State Hydropower Association representative Heidi Kroll testified that generators are subject to checks and balances, that double-dipping is not occurring, and that rules and tariffs already require participation in one market arrangement or the other. Discussion on Senate Bill 232 then shifted to section two, which would bar retroactive changes to net metering tariffs in place as of January 1, 2025. Representative McGee proposed alternative language to protect existing customer generators, group hosts, and municipal hosts from retroactive changes, while others said the language was needed to provide stability for current participants operating on thin margins. Some members supported the clearer wording; others argued the committee should not tie the hands of the PUC and DOE, noting future circumstances could require regulatory flexibility and that conflicts could be resolved in court if necessary. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because those are the dollars that can be rolled back into services, whether it be career services, training
• They don't apply for services.
• Because one of, you know, we talk about workforce services here, but also, you know, human services,
• by state employees who provide those services.
• and all the services available to their neighbors?

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's just about 20 Tier 0 and Tier 1s in passenger service.
• There's just about 20 Tier 0 and Tier 1s in passenger service.
• For instance, If they were ever available to fill gaps in their own service.
• Dealers perform a wide range of services that would otherwise fall on consumers.
• Service agreements and other things, it would be beyond the scope of this bill.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I was at the service office. There were many unions. I mean, I was at the service office.
• Now we deal with those technologies, the new technologies, since the beginning of time in our industry
• I am the CEO of Kleberg Sheet Metal and Mechanical Services in Ludlow, Massachusetts.
• Long, for making the journey to the State House today, and thank you for your military service.
• Through constituent services, I can help make government more accessible.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it. A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions. The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your service.
• It’s also our investments in the community, be it service to not-for-profit, service to research, service
• This is a public service officer survivor grant.
• or have the ability to get the same service.
• the Department of Social Services budget is essential to maintaining life-saving services for survivors

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The county veterans service officers, or CVSOs, support CalVet.
• I'm the Deputy Secretary for Veteran Services at CalVet.
• We appreciate all your hard work and your service.
• Gentlemen, we appreciate all your hard work and your service.
• We never stopped working in service of communities.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our authorized third parties do a fantastic job of providing services to the community, and we would
• Pretty much there was no technology, and so they had to use emergency ballots.
• .” “...counties, which have better internet and technology.
• Although that was technology, we still have not had that discussion of the fire alarms that went out.
• Just on the idea of paid services, and it's kind of broadly defined, so I have some concern there.

Bills: SB1015 , SB1049 , SB1066 , SB1081 , SB1092 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1139 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1168 , SB1189 , SCR1001 , SCR1002 , SCR1005 , SCR1010

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: gender transition, detransition, healthcare liability, medical malpractice, youth protection, legal action, Arizona law, spousal maintenance, court guidelines, self-sufficiency, financial support, marriage dissolution, child safety, dependency cases, attorney regulation, foster care, legal representation, probation, dangerous crimes, children

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 32 requires CARB to create a scoping plan to lay out a cost-effective and technologically feasible
• The work we're doing here in California matters if we are creating models and systems technologies that
• The development of the technology kind of varies by vessel.
• That's effectively a fine for a requirement for a technology that doesn't exist.
• For us to have a regulation for a technology that doesn't exist, I think is both unreasonable.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> developers to consider technological developers to consider technological alternatives<00:26:01.760
• </c><00:26:09.040><c> Commission</c> years to the Public Service Commission years to the Public Service
• </c> the Public Service Commission. the Public Service Commission.
• But the technology is not there yet.
• </c> But but the technology is not there yet. But but the technology is not there yet.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, April 2, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:23.519><c> which</c> opportunity to use phone service which opportunity to use phone service
• Marshals Service.
• Marshals Service.
• I yield back. miss Michael in his service but he never miss Michael in his service but he never could
• </c> discipline and the safety of our service discipline and the safety of our service members<02:09:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our fiscal notes on science technology our fiscal notes on science technology and<00:21:00.159><
• mean the Technologies um the Technologies<00:40:19.960><c> for</c><00:40:20.119><c> converting</c><00
• </c> Department of Health and Human Services Department of Health and Human Services can<01:52:03.400
• </c><03:14:50.920><c> adopts</c> and Human Services adopts and Human Services adopts recommendations<
• </c><03:23:41.960><c> Under</c> paid for any build Services Under paid for any build Services Under Medicaid

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I began my career in civil service in 2006.
• I began my career in civil service in 2006 as a disability valuation analyst with social services.
• I work at the Department of Health Care Services.
• Annika Walls, Disability Determination Services Division with the Department of Social Services and proud
• I work at the Department of Health Care Services.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a bill that recognizes JROTC and LOTC programs as career and technology education options and as
• Despite their structured, discipline, and leadership training pathways to military services, JROTC and
• Opportunity for services, both on the insulation, but more importantly off the insulation.
• You can look at, uh, sociology, psychology, uh, uh, uh, human services care.
• And automotive services was not included, and I asked him why.

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The department has advocated for improved licensure and career portability for military service members
• And most importantly, a service manager cautioned that rules seem to be changing daily, making trades
• We're asking consumers to make major investments in new technology across the Commonwealth.
• We service homeowners and businesses across the Commonwealth.
• Improperly serviced, designed, or installed systems can lead to higher energy bills, premature failure

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with testimony taken both in person and virtually. The chairs reviewed hearing logistics and testimony limits, then heard a series of bill presentations covering public health, alcohol licensing, professional licensure, consumer issues, and automotive warranty reimbursement. Committee members asked questions throughout, particularly on interstate licensure compacts and the structure of proposed regulatory changes. Representative John Barrett testified in support of H 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide to curb recreational misuse and protect young people, and members echoed concerns about its health risks. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported H 488, seeking an extension of district liquor licenses to match delayed downtown revitalization and business development. Leslie Ross and Keith Buckout testified on S 2636, a cosmetology licensure compact, with Buckout explaining that compacts improve mobility for workers and military families; Melissa Willett of the Defense State Liaison Office also supported the compact for the same reason. Representative Mindy Domb testified for H 559, proposing a commission to study the effects of electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing on students and affordability. George Cronin of MassPack supported H 4597, which would limit new alcohol retail licenses within 500 feet of another alcohol seller after 2026 to address oversaturation; he said the bill would not disturb existing licenses. Luke Van Horn testified for H 559 and also raised concerns about H 4719, describing the burden of costly course materials and access codes on students. Mike Capuccio and Ryan Williams supported H 4719, which would create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, arguing it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy outcomes; no opposition was heard on that bill in the excerpt. On H 4019, the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association supported a change to warranty reimbursement rules, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Subaru New England opposed it, warning it would raise costs and allow overpayment using aftermarket time guides. The committee concluded by reading the agenda items and then voted unanimously to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you to the author, and obviously thank you for your service.
• Daniela Dean on behalf of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, opposed.
• Melissa Moore, for Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, oppose. Thank you.
• And obviously we need to invest more in behavioral services and addiction services.
• We need behavioral services. But we also need to give tools.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• An oil field service company based in Beaumont, Texas, is a foreign corporation.
• An oil field service company based in Beaumont, Texas, is a foreign corporation.
• The witness explained that the reference to the United States Postal Service was a consistency change
• Ruth Johnson continued, explaining that the hospital's HIM department currently performs the services
• Technology in general is pretty limited.

Committee: Senate Judiciary A

Summary: The Senate Judiciary A Committee met on May 5, 2026, with five members present and adopted the April 28 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several measures, including HCR 31, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to study replacing or clarifying the term “foreign” in state law; HB 263, allowing the 14th JDC magistrate judge to handle certain specialty court felony matters; HB 299, clarifying paper filing rules for jury bonds and related payment issues; HB 535, simplifying hospital-based acknowledgments of paternity by removing the two-witness requirement while keeping notarization; HB 571, codifying the 19th JDC’s complex litigation section program; and HB 538, increasing the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court fee cap from $15 to $75 to help offset court costs. The committee also reported HB 215, raising the small succession affidavit threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, and HB 226, adding a 10.1 conference requirement before requests for admissions are deemed admitted, with discussion about discovery fairness and default judgment exceptions. The committee also took up HB 324, which makes judicial stipend increases permanent and adds a 2.7% salary increase for judges effective July 1, 2027; an amendment restoring the second year of the COLA was adopted, and the bill was reported with amendments. HB 1043, raising the jurisdictional amount in Jefferson Parish first and second parish courts, was amended to increase the amount from $35,000 to $50,000 and then reported with amendments. HCR 6, directing the Law Institute to study forced heirship and disinherison issues, was amended to add reporting language and related Civil Code references and then reported with amendments. HB 1006, changing summary judgment deadlines to give opponents more time to respond, was amended and reported by a 3-2 vote after roll call. Two more substantive bills drew extended debate. HB 1239 would strengthen the presumption that parents share physical custody equally unless a court finds that arrangement infeasible or not in the child’s best interest; supporters framed it as a parental-rights measure, while an attorney in opposition warned it would increase litigation, reduce stability for children, and be used as leverage in child support disputes. Despite the opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 190, as amended, would create a duty of reasonable care for certain software/app providers toward minors and require expert testimony, while excluding manufacturers; supporters said it was aimed at protecting children from harmful platform design, but opponents argued the proposal was unnecessary because existing tort law already covers negligence and warned it could create new causes of action and uncertainty over whether software is a “product.” The committee heard testimony from the Louisiana State Law Institute, the sponsor, and outside witnesses, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 190 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:32.240><c> on</c> Federal match on the cost of services on Federal match on the cost of services
• </c> um scenario that the forecasting service um scenario that the forecasting service currently<00:49
• </c><00:50:54.160><c> funding</c> federal Indian Health Service funding federal Indian Health Service
• Do you want your services cut? No.
• </c> taxes cut yes do you want your services taxes cut yes do you want your services cut<01:10:09.360

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sector, with most of the job growth coming out of health services.
• Most of that's in health services.
• So this includes health services, legal services, educational services, but most importantly, housing
• services.
• We've come down to way below... ...services.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: At the April meeting of the Finance Advisory Committee, staff presented an updated state revenue forecast that was more cautious than January’s because of heightened economic uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and broader national risks. The general fund’s available resources were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in the April forecast, with the lower estimate driven by reduced revenue projections while spending assumptions were unchanged. Staff said the outlook depends heavily on how long the Middle East conflict lasts and noted that a prolonged disruption could weaken the forecast further, while a quick resolution could improve conditions. George Hammond of the University of Arizona gave a broad economic overview, highlighting geopolitical risk, elevated oil and gasoline prices, sticky inflation, weak Arizona job growth, and uncertainty around federal policy, tariffs, immigration, and AI-related investment. He said Arizona’s recent job growth has been very weak and concentrated mainly in health services, while most other sectors lost jobs, and he attributed much of the slowdown to low hiring rather than layoffs. He also discussed population growth, noting that Arizona remains above the national average but is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows, and he warned that housing affordability remains strained even as Phoenix inflation has moderated. Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook but pointed to some offsets. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenues could benefit from tourism tied to spring training and the Final Four, though higher fuel costs could dampen discretionary spending. Other panelists noted that the federal policy environment, tariffs, and immigration changes are likely to restrain growth, while productivity gains, especially from technology and AI, may help businesses maintain output. Several members also discussed housing, saying single-family permits have fallen while rental supply has improved affordability, and they raised concerns about labor-force growth, wage disparities, and the reliability of recent employment data revisions. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• sector, with most of the job growth coming out of health services.
• Most of that's in health services.
• So this includes health services, legal services, educational services, but most importantly, housing
• services.
• Services. And you see the big spike in Phoenix during the pandemic.

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee received an update on the state revenue forecast and broader economic conditions. Staff said the April forecast was more cautious than January’s, citing greater uncertainty from the Iran conflict and other macroeconomic risks. Available general fund resources for the four-year period were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in April, with no change to expenditure estimates. George Hammond of the University of Arizona then presented on the national, state, and local economy, emphasizing risks from geopolitical conflict, tariffs, federal policy uncertainty, labor supply constraints, and elevated housing costs. He said Arizona job growth had been weak and driven mainly by health care, while inflation in Phoenix remained moderate but shelter and consumer commodity prices were still elevated. He also noted that population growth is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows. Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenue outlook still had some support from tourism and a strong spring season, but rising fuel costs and the duration of the Middle East conflict could pressure discretionary spending and revenues. Jim Rounds argued the economy was likely headed for a soft landing, though he warned that federal borrowing, inflation, workforce shortages, and energy reliability remain concerns; he also criticized leaving the Rainy Day Fund unused. Danny Court said the housing market remains under pressure on the ownership side, while rental supply and industrial demand have been relatively strong, and he noted sticky inflation and immigration declines as additional risks. Doug Walls explained that large employment benchmark revisions were affecting Arizona’s job numbers, and said the latest report showed slower but more balanced growth, though labor force declines and a higher unemployment rate were concerning. Lorenzo Romero added that business activity appears resilient in the low-hire, low-fire environment, but warned about debt burdens, uneven wage growth, and ongoing uncertainty. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in 2020, through victim services.
• Yes, technology has advanced significantly.
• Yes, technology has advanced significantly.
• Yes, technology has advanced significantly.
• But regardless, yeah, the technology is certainly there.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach. The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information. Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.