Transcript Highlights:

• Wallace claimed that the officer lacked probable cause for the investigation and that he feared for his
• Wallace claimed that the officer reinter lacked probable cause for the investigation and that he feared
• Wallace claimed that Officer Raynor lacked probable cause for the investigation, that he feared for his
• You will see a motion to suppress the evidence, where they claim that the detention was unlawful.
• You will see a motion to suppress the evidence, where they claim that the detention was unlawful.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, pledge, and several member introductions and recognitions, including resolutions and visiting groups. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under specified safety conditions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education created a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; despite concerns about unfunded mandates, it passed 36-0. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults authorized alternative service methods for scammers through the apps they used to contact victims and passed 37-0. SB 130 expanded and eased procedures for compensation of victims of wrongful incarceration, including extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars; it passed 38-0. SB 158 eliminated cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan and passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 234 on crimes against law enforcement officers, prompted by the killing of Officer Jason Raynor. The bill clarified that a person may not resist an officer with violence and added a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. A late amendment to restore “good faith” language failed, and after extensive debate over due process, racial profiling, and sentencing concerns, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. SB 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. SB 274 designated portions of roads in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way; it passed 38-0 and then received 37 co-sponsors. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate and returned the issue to local districts with reporting requirements; it passed 38-0. Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with the sponsor emphasizing anti-Semitism and the need for education and remembrance. The transcript also included additional ceremonial remarks and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Throughout the meeting, most measures advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while SB 234 generated the most substantive disagreement and was set aside for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wallace claimed that the officer lacked probable cause for the investigation and that he feared for his
• Wallace claimed that the officer reinter lacked probable cause for the investigation and that he feared
• Wallace claimed that Officer Raynor lacked probable cause for the investigation, that he feared for his
• You will see a motion to suppress the evidence, where they claim that the detention was unlawful.
• You will see a motion to suppress the evidence, where they claim that the detention was unlawful.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing visiting groups and resolutions, including Blood Clot Awareness Month and Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with most measures passing overwhelmingly after brief explanations and debate. Among the early bills, SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5, allowing local governments to opt in to limited street use of UTVs under specified safety rules; SB 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0 to create a workforce credential program for students with autism or modified curricula; SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0; SB 130 on compensation for wrongful incarceration passed 38-0 after expanding filing timelines and easing restrictions on compensation claims; and SB 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0 to eliminate cost sharing for follow-up breast imaging under the state employee health plan. The most extended debate centered on SB 234, which sought to strengthen penalties and clarify the law regarding violent resistance to law enforcement officers and offenses against officers. Supporters argued the bill was needed after the Jason Raynor case to prevent defendants from using claims about an officer’s legal duty to justify violence, while opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment protections, racial profiling, and the bill’s mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of an officer. A Jones amendment to restore “good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill without a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 262 on trust code technical changes (36-0), SB 274 designating roadways for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson (38-0) and opening the board for 37 co-sponsors, SB 280 creating an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualifications (38-0), and SB 296 repealing the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate in favor of local decision-making and reporting requirements (38-0). Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with supporters emphasizing the need to confront antisemitism and preserve Holocaust memory; the bill was introduced and debated, with the transcript ending during remarks by President Gaetz about the recent Holocaust memorial unveiling. Throughout the meeting, senators also used debate to highlight broader policy themes such as autism workforce inclusion, breast cancer screening, wrongful incarceration reform, school district flexibility, and honoring community leaders through road designations. The chamber’s actions were largely affirmative, with several unanimous votes and one notable postponed bill after substantial disagreement."}】}]}}```

Transcript Highlights:

• This shows you again that prices, after we adjust for inflation, are not back to where they were even
• It's adjusted for labor flows across industries and occupations.
• It's adjusted for labor flows across industries and occupations.
• Overall, net earnings from work are rising at 3.7%; adjusted for population, that would be about 3.6%
• With regard to the reasons that there have been such large adjustments in the employment data over time

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:

• This fund adjustment moves two The third and final request, that was part of the agency's request and
• part of the governor's recommendation, was a fund adjustment.
• This fund adjustment moves two positions from federal fund sources to dedicated fund sources, specifically
• Much like schools receiving the main school support budget, IESDB also has a career ladder that adjusts
• That adjustment would provide the funding for their expected FY27 placements.

Summary: The committee first took up the Department of Environmental Quality budget. Staff outlined enhancements for monitoring and maintenance at the Triumph Mine, a transfer for Coeur d’Alene Basin remediation, and a fund shift to move positions from federal funds to the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program fund. Members also approved language to consolidate certain air permitting and drinking water permitting fee funds, and later adopted additional language related to a solid waste regulatory fund transfer tied to House Bill 555. The DEQ motion passed with do-pass recommendations. The committee then considered the Department of Lands, focusing heavily on fire preparedness funding for the Forest and Range Fire Protection Program. Members debated whether to restore one-time General Fund money for standby crews in FY 2026 and FY 2027, with some arguing the department had reverted funds in prior years and had other dedicated funds available, while the department explained those funds were legally committed to other purposes and that the standby crews support state firefighting readiness. The FY 2026 supplemental passed, the FY 2027 enhancement initially failed, reconsideration was debated under parliamentary rules, and after reconsideration the FY 2027 fire preparedness funding passed. The committee also adopted language allowing transfers between department programs and approved language restricting the use of General Fund firefighter bonus money to firefighters. Next, the committee reviewed Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind. The budget included career ladder adjustments, a van replacement, staffing for a new 18-bed residential building in Gooding, replacement items, and an endowment fund adjustment. Members debated a substitute motion that would fund the new cottage staff for the opening of the new dormitory, with supporters emphasizing the need to avoid leaving the new facility unused and opponents noting the budget’s size and the broader constraints on other agencies. The substitute motion failed and the original motion passed, resulting in a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered the State Department of Education budget. The agency requested additional spending authority for school bus camera grants, an extended USDA farm-to-school grant, and ongoing child nutrition technology grants. A substitute motion to increase the farm-to-school authority to match the anticipated federal extension failed, and the original motion passed, approving the dedicated and federal fund increases and sending the budget forward with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned after announcing the next day’s agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• But prior to this law, the state would often make accounting adjustments.
• The state regularly makes adjustments to the required deposits or withdrawals from that account within
• And so we think the state, by the same logic, could also adjust an optional deposit based on what happens
• By the same logic, the state could also adjust an optional deposit based on what happens with revenue
• But if you're specifically concerned about this forecasting issue and this prior-year adjustment, then

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Straight away, what you're thinking about is that we probably need to adjust our budgeting just because
• But the really interesting thing to me about this chart is the all other adjustments to the budget.
• The rest of it is adjusting your budget to services.
• The main difference that you're seeing there is the adjusted revenue number, which brought it up by $137
• Are you a real believer in that adjusted revenue number, or is it a more conservative number?

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee received an agency update from Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes. He described ITD’s role in highway construction and maintenance, DMV services, and aeronautics, emphasizing public accountability, employee expertise, and the department’s operating priorities of operating, preserving, and expanding the system. He highlighted major projects and emergency responses, including road washouts, bridge repairs, and the reopening of an overpass after a truck crash, and said growth and revenue availability remain the department’s biggest challenges. Stokes also reviewed ITD’s budget picture, noting most funding comes from dedicated state and federal transportation sources, and outlined governor-recommended enhancements for equipment, Highway 16 operations, and roadside tree removal, while saying future project pacing will depend on available funds. Committee members asked about whether lane-mile growth is keeping pace with population growth, how ITD is planning for a new north-south route in the Kootenai County area, the effect of a 2025 law limiting pedestrian and bicycle spending, and how expected budget cuts might affect the department’s five-year project plan. Stokes said congestion is often a local-network issue as well as a state highway issue, that planning for future routes is being done with local communities, that the pedestrian/bike law has had little effect on ITD’s own projects, and that new project bidding will be scaled to available funding while design work continues. The committee then heard a JFAC budget discussion from Chairman Grow, Keith Bybee, and Brooke Dupree on the statewide fiscal outlook and transportation funding. They explained that the state faces a tighter general fund picture than in recent years, with possible 3% governor holdbacks and an additional 1% to 2% reduction being discussed, and that the legislature’s revenue forecast and tax conformity decisions will affect the ending balance. Bybee said the budget stabilization fund remains strong compared with 2009, but the legislature must decide whether to use one-time cash or make deeper ongoing cuts to restore structural balance. Dupree reviewed transportation revenue sources and prior legislation, including gas tax and registration fee increases, TECM bonding authority, and general fund transfers to ITD and local governments, and noted the governor did not recommend the full $275 million general fund transfer requested by ITD. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's always a change in theater, if you will, as we adjust and refocus.
• I, I can, we, we've adjusted many times and, and we're used to deployments, hurricanes, wildfires, border
• We made other adjustments along the way. We were double shifting hotels, which was problematic.
• So we made adjustments, and the Legislature was great working with us to accommodate those.
• We made other adjustments along the way. We were double shifting hotels, uh, which was problematic.

Committee: Senate Border Security

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration. Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings. Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• So somebody who claimed to be from ICE, he said he was a local officer, told me that I'll use the polite
• And so those folks barely had time to adjust their status or even seek an attorney.
• And so those folks barely had time<01:41:25.600><c> to</c><01:41:25.760><c> adjust</c><01:41:26.159><
• c> status</c><01:41:26.639><c> or</c><01:41:26.880><c> even</c><01:41:27.119><c> seek</c> time to adjust
• their status or even seek time to adjust their status or even seek an<01:41:27.520><c> attorney.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the impact and legality of federal immigration enforcement efforts in Hawaii, with Chair Carl Rhodes framing it as the sixth and final interim briefing in a series on the rule of law and local effects of federal actions. He said the discussion would focus on due process concerns, questioning and detention of citizens and lawful immigrants, free speech issues, and pressure on state and local law enforcement, and noted the issues may be revisited in the 2026 regular session. There was no public testimony or committee vote; only invited speakers presented. Dr. Amy Agayani opened by arguing that immigrants are integral to Hawaii’s history, economy, and communities, and contrasted that with what she described as harmful narratives portraying immigrants as criminals. She cited figures that one in five Hawaii residents is foreign-born, that immigrants make up about 20% of the labor force and over 27% of entrepreneurs, and that roughly 40,000 people in Hawaii are undocumented, many of whom may have pathways to legal status but face language, information, and court barriers. She also said federal enforcement has expanded beyond undocumented immigrants to include citizens and lawful residents, and warned that attacks on birthright citizenship and visa categories could affect many families. Matina Mock of the legal clinic emphasized the complexity of immigration law and the severe lack of legal representation, noting a nationwide backlog of 11.3 million immigration-related applications and 3.4 million court cases, plus about 1,400 pending immigration cases in Honolulu with only two immigration judges. She said Hawaii has only six or seven nonprofit immigration legal service providers, and that represented clients are far more likely to obtain relief. Mock described a recent case involving a lawful student visa holder who was transferred among multiple federal facilities before being brought to Honolulu without clear notice, which she said illustrated due process violations. She also said ICE activity in Hawaii has sharply increased, with about 150 arrests from January to July 2025, a 380% increase over the same period in 2024, and that many detainees have no criminal record. Stephanie Haro Sevilla and another clinic fellow described 2025 enforcement as a major shift driven by a January executive order, the end of prior limits on arrests in sensitive locations, and arrest quotas they said require 3,000 arrests per day nationwide. They said this has led to arrests without warrants or probable cause, broader targeting of people with minor offenses or no criminal history, and the use of resources from other federal agencies and local law enforcement for civilian immigration enforcement. They also said the federal detention center in Honolulu is holding roughly 40 to 80 civilian detainees on any given day, often in conditions they characterized as prison-like, and warned that the current escalation could eventually affect lawful permanent residents and naturalized citizens. The speakers urged the public to support immigrant-rights advocates and local protective policies and funding measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The number in particular for our new member that, as it will be adjusted by the February forecast, will
• as</c><00:09:48.880><c> it</c><00:09:49.000><c> will</c><00:09:49.120><c> be</c><00:09:49.279><c> adjusted
• </c><00:09:49.680><c> by</c> member that as it will be adjusted by member that as it will be adjusted
• allows us to get down to, you know, the granular level to get down to individual medical assistance claims

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And while we may believe that by changing the other parameters and kind of making adjustments, in no
• And so I don't necessarily see how the adjustment that we're talking about harms those students.
• And so I don't necessarily see how the adjustment that we're talking about harms those students.
• And so I don't necessarily see how the adjustment that we're talking about harms those students.
• </c><00:29:24.880><c> that</c> necessarily see how the adjustment that necessarily see how the adjustment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, you mentioned if there's a Then we obviously make some adjustments on those amortization.
• Yeah, you mentioned if there's a big gain, you know, you can adjust the amortization down.
• Now, in terms of long-term changes, we're keeping our eye on that and we would make adjustments as things
• To the extent that it starts to impact that, we will make some adjustments in our assumptions.
• And to the extent that it starts to impact that, we will make some adjustments in our assumptions.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So after doing that comparison, they submit actual requests for adjustments with any justification, separate
• something that doesn't reflect their local knowledge, they have an opportunity to say here's the adjustments
• We adjust made in August. We adopted our new forecasts.
• looking at other conferences like the early learning conferences for school readiness and vpk that we adjust
• And for this reason, we had to make a decision on whether to make it a one time adjustment or whether

Transcript Highlights:

• AI training and to exercise legal claims based on that information.
• And just wanted to acknowledge that one of the things the opposition said was about the legal claims
• This bill doesn't focus on legal claims. It is really about transparency and knowledge.
• And honestly, I think that... ...doesn't focus on legal claims.
• know, currently, whether that was trained on Taylor Swift's albums, to know if you have a colorable claim

Summary: The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection heard three bills. AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, would require generative AI developers to let copyright holders know whether their works were used in training. The author said the bill was narrowed by amendments to remove prescriptive technical language and focus on transparency rather than compensation or training restrictions. Supporters included voice actors, artists, labor groups, and technical experts who argued creators need a way to know if their work was used. Opponents, including business and tech groups, argued the bill was premature given unsettled copyright law and raised concerns about technical feasibility, scale, and ownership identification. After discussion, the committee passed AB 412 on a 6-2 vote and sent it to Judiciary. AB 2448 would require electronic health record vendors to enable technical safeguards so providers can better segregate sensitive reproductive and gender-affirming care information. The author and supporters, including Planned Parenthood, the Attorney General’s office, medical groups, and privacy advocates, said the bill builds on existing California privacy law and helps protect patients from misuse of sensitive health data. There was no opposition testimony. The committee passed AB 2448 on a 7-1 vote and sent it to Health. AB 2561 would prohibit changes to consumers’ preferred privacy settings without their consent, aiming to prevent apps and software from resetting privacy choices after updates. The author said the bill would reduce the burden on users and strengthen privacy protections. CalChamber and TechNet said they had moved from opposition to support after amendments were taken. The committee passed AB 2561 unanimously, 8-0, and adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI training and to exercise legal claims based on that information.
• And just wanted to acknowledge that one of the things the opposition said was about the legal claims
• This bill doesn't focus on legal claims. It is really about transparency and knowledge.
• And honestly, I think that... ...doesn't focus on legal claims.
• know, currently, whether that was trained on Taylor Swift's albums, to know if you have a colorable claim

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we have is a process that, for really older claims, is really making sure that we have a process
• Other states also deny a jury trial after they go through a claims commission process.
• And our schools actually believe that many of their claims can go through an expedited track.
• be seen in the House, is providing that option for cities if both parties agree to go through the claims
• be seen in the House, is providing that option for cities if both parties agree to go through the claims

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: Senate and House Democratic leaders held a post-cutoff media availability to review the first half of session and outline priorities for the remainder. They said both chambers made substantial progress on protecting Washington from federal overreach and on affordability, citing measures on ICE access and notice, private spaces, housing expansion, medical debt interest caps, senior property tax relief, working families and small business tax credits, and proposals to phase out sales tax on services. They also highlighted that the House moved nearly 200 bills, about 80% with bipartisan support, and said the chambers are now processing each other’s bills and preparing for a fast-paced final stretch. A major focus was the “millionaire’s tax” and related tax relief proposals. Leaders said the governor’s suggestions, including a sales tax holiday and diaper relief, were welcome and that the updated revenue forecast gives the budget more breathing room and reserves, though much of the new revenue is offset by caseload growth and federal cuts. They said the tax package is intended to support long-term fiscal sustainability and affordability, and that House members will continue shaping the bill in committee. They also discussed a separate proposal to tax large employers whose workers rely on Medicaid, saying it is being considered in light of new federal requirements to track Medicaid employment data, while noting concerns from employers and nonprofits. The conversation also covered several bills that stalled or were delayed. Leaders said the JR bill did not advance because it lacked votes, though support and stakeholder engagement increased this year. They said child welfare bills and Senator Wilson’s proposals were paused after stakeholder concerns, while Representative Fitzgibbon defended the House’s approach to child safety and said lawmakers are still working on the issue. Other topics included the transmission and cultural resources bills, where a late procedural request to read a bill in full disrupted plans to move multiple measures together, and a tort-liability bill that passed the Senate and is expected to continue in the House with amendments. They also addressed the 0.05 impaired-driving bill, the Left Plan 1 pension proposal, the farmworker unionization bill, and the initiative-related bill, with several of these measures described as still under discussion or lacking enough support to move this year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number three, there was a concern that was raised about... there's already clean claim statute part of
• </c><01:20:41.840><c> statute</c><01:20:42.280><c> part</c> there's already clean claim statute part
• there's already clean claim statute part of<01:20:42.520><c> the</c><01:20:42.719><c> statute</c><01:
• so we're pointing right to clean claims so we're pointing right to the<01:21:06.159><c> statute</c><
• Yes, page two, lines seven through nine. claim relates to an insurance plan claim relates to an insurance

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, the chair directs the LBB staff. to do the following: Ensure that FTE adjustments are made
• Make technical adjustments to riders and performance to conform to the committee's decisions.
• Adjust the informational listing and agency bill patterns for the percentage of funds available to the
• Adjust the employee benefits appropriations accordingly.
• At the discretion of the House Appropriations Committee Chairman, make necessary technical adjustments

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:18.960><c> for</c><00:08:19.280><c> immediate</c> 2026 budget adjustments for immediate 2026
• budget adjustments for immediate action. action. action.
• </c> H.790, an act relating to fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments.
• </c><00:09:29.440><c> again</c><00:09:29.680><c> and</c> the full budget adjustment again and the full
• budget adjustment again and finding<00:09:30.240><c> these</c><00:09:31.040><c> small</c><00:09:31.360

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our committee has done the hard work to make the changes, make the surgical adjustments, and make the
• thoughtful adjustments to implement that vision.
• enrollment decline may be required to complete a turnaround plan describing how its budget may be adjusted
• It also adjusts the annual salary of the vice chair of the California Energy Commission and clarifies
• And then also criticizing us when people make adjustments to those spending levels and when people have

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes. Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds. The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recent adjustments address several Recent adjustments address several key concerns that were raised during
• The adjustment in the April proposal provides additional relief for electric bills.
• These adjustments together accomplish several important outcomes.
• Now, of course, because it is a new one, we will want to monitor and adjust.
• We know that many of the refineries are already making adjustments.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on CARB’s proposed April amendments to California’s cap-and-invest regulations, adopted under AB 1207 and SB 840. Committee members repeatedly framed the issue as a balance between climate ambition, affordability, leakage prevention, and the Legislature’s budget priorities. Several senators argued the proposal would weaken the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), reduce funding for transit, affordable housing, drinking water, wildfire prevention, and other programs, and potentially undermine the Legislature’s intent in last year’s reauthorization. Others emphasized that the program’s core purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that any changes should preserve the cap’s integrity and the state’s climate targets. CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez said the amendments were designed to implement legislative direction while responding to public comment and economic uncertainty. She described four main changes: increasing electric bill credits, expanding the manufacturing decarbonization incentive (MDI) to $4 billion, adding about $800 million in additional compliance support for industry, and removing post-2030 allowance allocations from the current rulemaking. CARB said the proposal would still maintain declining caps aligned with 2030 and 2045 targets, provide near-term affordability relief, and support businesses and jobs while reducing emissions. In response to questions, CARB said the MDI has guardrails, is limited to emissions-reducing projects, and would require reporting and repayment if projects do not materialize. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the amendments are significant and could affect several legislative priorities. LAO highlighted that the MDI would add allowances above the cap, creating uncertainty about environmental ambition and 2030 compliance, while also shifting more allowances to industry and fewer to the GGRF. LAO said the proposal could significantly reduce GGRF revenues and noted that, if revenues fall to CARB’s estimated level, some tiered programs could go unfunded. The Department of Finance explained that GGRF revenue estimates are updated three times a year and are difficult to predict because they depend on auction outcomes and market conditions. Senators pressed both agencies on whether the proposal would raise consumer costs, whether industry savings would be passed through, and whether the Legislature should receive updated revenue estimates before voting on the budget.