Transcript Highlights:

• For enforcement, the bill authorizes the Attorney General...
• The Attorney General's going to collect it for us, but it would go into the... It would go into Dr.
• First, the bill requires that TDEM, working with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division,
• The Attorney General, in consultation with TDEM, will establish eligibility criteria, certifications,
• Chairman, there was no one here from the Office of the Attorney General.

Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20, HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, broadband, public safety, disaster preparedness, funding, flood disaster plan

Transcript Highlights:

• All it would take is Attorney General Bondi to say she's going to enforce the Comstock Act, a 150-year-old
• Even more terrifying, when Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry complained to Attorney General Bondi that shield
• 02.360><c> Bondi</c><00:02:02.759><c> to</c><00:02:02.880><c> say</c><00:02:03.039><c> she's</c> attorney
• general Bondi to say she's attorney general Bondi to say she's going<00:02:03.520><c> to</c><00:02:03.680
• </c> Jeff Landry complained to attorney Jeff Landry complained to attorney general<00:02:15.200><c> Bondi

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I'm short an attorney today, so I'm covering for her.
• in order to to tweak um staff attorneys in order to to tweak the<00:29:47.279><c> language</c><00:29
• Um, Attorney Reev explained the situation really well.
• </c><01:19:04.159><c> I</c><01:19:04.320><c> don't</c> an attorney practicing in Maine.
• I don't an attorney practicing in Maine.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then took up several rule items. For Department of Safety rule 2611, DMV leadership explained the rule had been under development since January but needed to be updated to reflect a new statutory change and to align the rule with RSA 266. Members discussed narrowing the rule to road-safety items rather than automobile inspection provisions, and the department said it would issue a new public notice and hold another hearing. The committee voted to grant a waiver and postpone the item until the October 15, 2026 meeting. The Board of Active Puncture Licensing item 26-47 was postponed one month at the agency’s request so it could incorporate OS feedback, with no waiver needed. The Insurance Department’s claim settlement rule 25-234 and related item 26-78 drew more extensive discussion over waiver language. Committee members objected that the proposed language gave the commissioner broad discretion to set waiver periods without clear criteria, while agency counsel argued the rule already contained standards and that the language allowed temporary waivers. After discussion about consistency, permanency, and the need for clearer documentation, the committee voted to postpone 25-234 with a waiver and to postpone 26-78. Finally, the committee considered Health and Human Services rule 2690, which sets SNAP certification periods for a pilot demonstration authorized by SB 499. Staff explained that federal changes now require the age threshold for the 36-month certification period to be 65 instead of 60, and that the agency had been directed to make the change by August 12. Agency staff said the rule needed to be updated to match federal direction, and members generally agreed. The committee discussed whether the federal citation was sufficient and whether the rule should reference the law change directly, but no final objection was raised in the portion shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• As an attorney, I can't paper file anything.
• As an<00:30:06.960><c> attorney,</c><00:30:07.600><c> I</c><00:30:07.919><c> can't</c><00:30:08.640><
• c> uh</c><00:30:08.960><c> paper</c><00:30:09.360><c> file</c> an attorney, I can't uh paper file an
• Some of them had attorneys present; most of them did not.
• As one of the new non- attorney agenda.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Recognition of New Members: 00:01:17 Disaster Response: 00:01:41 Pretrial Discussion: 00:31:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 7, 2024 meeting, and then heard an update on disaster response and courthouse recovery efforts after the April flooding. Representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Franklin County Circuit and District Court Clerk’s office, and the Franklin Circuit Court described damage in Perry, Hardin, and especially Franklin counties. Perry County had limited roof and water infiltration issues with no operational impact. Hardin County’s justice center basement took about 18 inches of water, affecting court records and mechanical/electrical equipment, and court operations were briefly suspended. Franklin County’s courthouse was far more severely damaged, with about four feet of water on the first floor, forcing relocation of court operations to temporary sites, including AOC space and the regional jail for custody proceedings. Witnesses said damaged files from Hardin and Franklin counties were removed, sent to an out-of-state vendor for drying and remediation, and would be returned or destroyed as appropriate. They estimated combined costs for file restoration, building repair, and remediation at about $11 million, with insurance through KCOJ/KO expected to cover only part of the losses and FEMA reimbursement still pending a federal disaster declaration. They also said the Franklin County courthouse’s first floor remains gutted, electrical panels and HVAC systems need major replacement, and the second and third floors may be used temporarily once power and data are restored. Members asked about roof damage in Hardin County, the status of FEMA applications, digitization of court records, and whether Senate Bill 25 restricted funds could be used to cover the funding gap; staff said the funds cannot be spent without General Assembly authorization. The committee also discussed broader record-retention and e-filing issues, with members noting the limits of paper filing and the need for better digitization as a backup in emergencies. AOC staff said they are working with the Supreme Court and state law librarian on what records can be digitized and how long hard copies must still be retained. After the disaster-response presentation, the committee moved on to a separate informational presentation on pre-trial services, with introductions from the executive officer of pre-trial services, the president of the Kentucky District Judges Association, a circuit judge, and the manager of pre-trial services, who began explaining how the pre-trial system works for newer committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• public works contracts, withholding of liquidated damages, exceptions, mandamus proceedings, and attorneys
• Reed Walters on the occasion of his retirement as district attorney from the 28th Judicial District.
• District Attorney from the 28th Judicial District. That resolution becomes H.C.R. 83.

Bills: HR192, HR193, HR194, HCR80, HCR81, HCR82, HCR83, HCR84, HCR85, HR188, HR189, HR190, HR191, SB134, SB140, SB281, SB331, SB384, SB389, SB415, SB451, SB458, SB479, SB504, SB523, HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, SCR19, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB646, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1186, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1222, HB1244, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, HB225, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HCR32, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB745, HB749, HB752, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, SB256, HB911, HB306, HB366, HB1161, HB1230, HB59, HB481, HB772, HB897, HB1003, HB1008, HB1112, HB1180, HB1189, HB181, HB1118, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB525, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB864, HB996, HB1035, HB1058, HB1082, HB1113, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: ACOG, maternal health, healthcare professionals, patient-physician relationship, obstetrics, gynecology, condolences, military service, veteran, community, memorial, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, property rights, carbon dioxide sequestration, expropriation, Landowner Bill of Rights

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened in prayer, and adopted the journal. Members received messages from the Senate on several House bills and Senate bills, and a number of House resolutions were introduced or laid over. The chamber also suspended rules to allow committees to continue meeting while the House was in session. Several local and ceremonial resolutions were taken up, including measures on public health data, carbon sequestration property rights, declining school enrollment, and commendations and condolences. The floor then considered a series of local bills and Senate bills, many of which passed with little or no opposition. Among the House bills approved were measures creating or adjusting local districts and utility-related authorities in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, including bills on the Regency Park Town Home Crime Prevention Security District, Sewage and Water Board procurement and lien authority, the Foulberg-New neighborhood improvement district, and temporary parish burn bans. The House also passed bills on broadband cable price notices, state finance limits, toll exemptions for school board-owned leased vehicles, prestige license plates, and a brain injury designation on driver’s licenses. Senate bills passed included measures on workers’ compensation evidence rules, recreation of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a soybean grain research board name change, incumbent worker training, interdict estate planning, and recreational alligator hunting. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 256, which would consolidate Orleans Parish’s separate civil and criminal clerk of court offices into a single Orleans clerk. Supporters argued the change would align Orleans with the rest of the state, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, while preserving employees and services. Opponents raised concerns about the timing, the lack of broader legislative and public involvement, the impact on the recently elected criminal clerk, and possible disruption to court operations and constitutional rights. After lengthy questioning, the bill passed 89-8. The House also heard a personal privilege statement recognizing a school choir visiting the Capitol and later continued with additional Senate bills, including one on workers’ compensation medical review evidence and another on the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls on the rules attorney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chair calls on the rules attorney.
• Chair, Madam Rules Attorney, are you aware of any instances in which an Arizona court has applied religious

Summary: The Rules Committee considered several Senate bills and heard constitutional/form reviews from rules attorneys. Senate Bill 1012, which would loosen restrictions on carrying concealed weapons in restaurants and adjust liquor licensing/Dram Shop liability, was flagged for a possible anti-abrogation issue but was still recommended constitutional and in proper form by a 5-2 vote. Senate Bill 1573, barring courts from relying on religious sectarian law, was flagged for a possible First Amendment Establishment Clause challenge under the Larson test and was also recommended by a 5-2 vote. Senate Bill 1613, the annual reviser’s technical corrections bill, was described as fixing drafting defects such as title problems and conflicting effective dates and was recommended unanimously. Senate Bill 1683, restricting property rights and certain equipment use by foreign adversary nations or their agents, was flagged for possible conflict with federal foreign-relations law and FIRRMA but was recommended by a 5-3 vote. Senate Bill 1725, defining excessive marijuana smoke or odor as a nuisance, was flagged for possible conflict with voter-protected marijuana initiatives and a potential VPA issue; it was recommended by a 5-3 vote. At the end of the meeting, the committee took a mass motion on a long list of additional Senate bills, with one correction made to change a bill reference from SB 1444 to SB 1445. The Rules Office said the measures in the mass motion were constitutional and in proper form, and the committee approved them unanimously, 8-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the last section is Idaho Code 23-216, and this is attorneys or agents and sellers.
• And this is attorneys or agents and sellers.
• It just allows the sellers to appoint attorneys and agents to represent them for filings.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I first met her when I was in private practice as an attorney, defending a case along with Raul Labrador
• Raul Labrador, not knowing he'd be attorney general or I'd be standing here with you, has had that case
• I thank our governor, a gentleman on the second floor, and our attorney general, and stand strong for

Summary: The House convened with 66 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a Senate message returning HCR 20, which was referred for enrolling. The chamber also approved a long list of House attaches for the second regular session of the 68th Legislature, after which the attaches were sworn in and welcomed. Most of the meeting consisted of announcements. Members were told that respectful workplace training was mandatory that afternoon, a majority caucus presentation by Convention of States was scheduled for Thursday, and a House/Senate Bible study with breakfast would be held the next morning. Committee schedule notices were read, including several committees not meeting and House Education, Revenue and Taxation, and JFAC meeting the following day. A member used personal privilege to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court and Idaho’s role in protecting women’s sports, referencing the Hickok case and related litigation, and praising state leaders for their efforts. The House then adjourned by motion until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Administration entities, highlights include $4.7 million to address due process resource needs of the state attorneys
• counsel offices. $4.1 million in additional trust fund authority is provided for multiple state attorney
• correctional and probation officers, juvenile detention and probation officers, assistant state attorneys

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met to consider the fiscal year 2025-26 budget recommendations, a proposed committee bill on judicial positions, and one member bill. The chair framed the budget as part of a broader effort to slow spending growth and reduce recurring expenditures, noting the subcommittee’s proposed $7.3 billion budget is $366 million below the prior year. Major budget items included funding for the Department of Corrections to address staffing, maintenance, health services, security equipment, and facility needs; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds, maintenance, the Broward detention facility replacement design, medical services, and Florida Scholars Academy costs; FDLE for the Fort Myers regional operations center and sexual offender/predator registration workload; and the state courts and justice administration entities for judges, due process resources, security, and staffing. The budget also reduced 1,280 vacant positions and $139.2 million in excess funding and authority. The committee then heard PCB-JUB-25-01, which implements part of the Florida Supreme Court’s certification of judicial need. The bill establishes 17 additional circuit court judges and 12 additional county court judges, with about $13.9 million in general revenue and 72 associated positions. In response to a question about why the two certified 6th District Court of Appeal judges were not included, the chair said the committee did not think it was the right time to add judges to a brand-new court still operating from leased space. The PCB was reported favorably on a 14-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 1351 by Representative Baker, which revises sex offender and predator registration rules by clarifying resident categories, creating an in-state travel residence definition, allowing online or in-person reporting for certain temporary residence changes, removing duplicative reporting requirements, clarifying vehicle and employment reporting, and requiring local law enforcement to verify addresses more frequently for registrants not on supervision. FDLE and Smart Justice indicated support, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:03:19.839><c> court</c><01:03:20.319><c> access</c><01:03:20.640><c> to</c><01:03:20.960><c> attorneys
• ,</c> drives for court access to attorneys, drives for court access to attorneys, family<01:03:22.240
• Regional facilities can increase travel distances for court, medical care, family visits, and attorney
• court, medical care, family<01:06:35.520><c> visits,</c><01:06:36.000><c> and</c><01:06:36.319><c> attorney
• </c><01:06:36.799><c> access,</c> family visits, and attorney access, family visits, and attorney access

Bills: HF3700, HF3982, HF3927, HF3933, HF3949, HF4238, HF4275, HF4476, HF4504

Keywords: Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• attorneys for your recommendations?
• </c> consulted with attorneys? consulted with attorneys?
• &gt;&gt; Consult<01:35:34.400><c> attorneys.</c> &gt;&gt; Consult attorneys.
• I believe attorney Hwitt has that sheet?
• And I do have a question for you, Attorney Huitt.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:21:21.120><c> defending</c><00:21:21.600><c> that</c> attorney general now be defending that attorney
• </c> think even the testimony of the attorney think even the testimony of the attorney for<00:37:30.560
• </c><00:42:40.960><c> General's</c> with the Wyoming Attorney General's with the Wyoming Attorney General's
• </c> state engineer and by the attorney state engineer and by the attorney general's<01:39:04.239><c>
• </c> The attorney general's office has had.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Attorney General, the Adjutant General, was just last session.
• have revised the language in the Attorney General's contract drafting review manual to clarify the law
• So, in summary, no statutory changes were needed, but rather clarification that OMB and the Attorney
• I mean, I can't create a pamphlet that makes, you know, someone magically an attorney.
• We have to have an attorney at least take a look at it. So. So that's still required. Okay.

Summary: The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion. OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated. The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• How much evidence do you feel confident we can muster for our attorneys general, et cetera, in terms
• How much evidence do you feel confident we can muster for our attorneys general, et cetera, in terms
• Is that requesting the California Attorney General, the U.S.
• may be able to take is to direct our State Auditor, the Legislative Analyst's Office, and/or the Attorney
• Is that requesting the California Attorney General, the U.S.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on the rising cost and long delivery times for fire apparatus and related equipment, with opening remarks stressing that aging fleets, supply chain problems, and delayed replacements are affecting emergency readiness across California. Cal OES and Cal Fire described statewide procurement challenges, including higher prices, multi-year delivery timelines, two-year encumbrance limits, and the strain on mutual aid when engines remain in service beyond their intended replacement cycles. Cal Fire said it operates 537 engines, with 300 meeting replacement criteria and 243 at least 16 years old, and explained the difference between mandatory contracts and one-time acquisitions. The Department of General Services said vendors have cited labor costs, chassis pricing, and the need for longer production timelines, while also noting that statewide contracts can include nominal price increases but not open-ended price hikes. Local fire chiefs from Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles County, Napa, and Fullerton testified that apparatus prices have risen sharply while delivery times have stretched from under a year to three to five years or more. They described specific examples of engines and ladder trucks costing far more than prior purchases and arriving years later, forcing departments to keep older reserve apparatus in service, spend more on maintenance, and defer other budget priorities. Several witnesses said industry consolidation has reduced competition and contributed to delays and price increases, with Los Angeles County and Fullerton noting they have pursued antitrust complaints and litigation against major manufacturers. Napa also described proprietary parts and software limiting in-house repairs, and Santa Barbara County said a vendor’s unfulfilled delivery promise caused the department to lose its place in line. Members asked about possible solutions, including whether the state should consider manufacturing apparatus itself, whether procurement rules or prototype requirements could be streamlined, whether DGS staffing or contract processes could be accelerated, and whether more stable long-term purchasing commitments would help manufacturers plan production. Witnesses said safety-driven specification changes are necessary but can add time, and that the main bottlenecks are industry capacity, consolidation, and vendor performance. The vice chair raised concerns about how grant funding windows and local matching requirements are affected by multi-year delays, especially for small and rural departments that rely on grants and on used apparatus passed down from larger agencies. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with committee members indicating interest in possible legislative, regulatory, and antitrust follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• How much evidence do you feel confident we can muster for our attorney generals, et cetera, in terms
• may be able to take is to direct our state auditor, the Legislative Analyst's Office, and/or the Attorney
• Is that requesting the California Attorney General, the U.S.
• Sure, it was to direct the state auditor, the Legislative Analyst's Office, or the Attorney General to
• Sure, it was to direct the state auditor, the legislative analyst office, or the Attorney General to

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney at Fletcher Tilton, and as you may know, I was counsel of record for the losing side
• <witness>Adam Ponte</witness>, attorney at Fletcher Tilton PC, testified in support of <bill>S. 221</
• I think Attorney Ponte went into great detail and gave a phenomenal explanation of kind of the holes
• I think Attorney Ponte went into a great detail and a great phenomenal explanation of kind of the holes
• Attorney Ponte here, but we have not found a recourse.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors. Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR. Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Consumer Attorneys of California, Climate Defenders, Bay Area System Change, not Climate
• Stone Advocacy asked to convey the support of Consumer Attorneys of California, Climate Defenders, Bay
• They do not have compliance attorneys to advise them on written data management, storage, security plans
• They do not have compliance attorneys to advise them on written data management, storage, security plans
• agencies that just don't have the ability to comply with this and to afford the consultants and attorneys

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on insurance transparency, claims handling, privacy, and regulatory enforcement. SB 877 and SB 878 by Senator Pérez addressed post-disaster claims practices: SB 877 would require insurers to disclose original and revised loss estimates and related claim materials to policyholders, while SB 878 would add automatic interest penalties for delayed claim decisions or payments and require written identification of disputed items. Fire survivors, consumer groups, AARP, the Department of Insurance, and other advocates supported both bills, while insurer groups moved to neutral after amendments. Both bills were voted out on roll call and reported to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand data sharing and reporting to improve workforce program evaluation and help counties verify work requirements for Medi-Cal and CalFresh using employer-reported hours worked. County officials, workforce advocates, and the Department of Insurance supported the measure, and no opposition was heard. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Labor and Employment. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, presented with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the commissioner stronger enforcement tools to require insurers to carry out corrective actions identified in market conduct examinations, including fines and hearings for noncompliance. The commissioner and author said the bill would close an enforcement gap and improve accountability; there was no opposition testimony, but the bill was left on call after the roll. The committee also heard SB 354 on insurance privacy, presented by Senator Padilla on behalf of Pro Tem Limón, which would modernize insurance privacy rules by expanding consumer rights over personal data, limiting sale and use of sensitive information, and increasing disclosure requirements. Supporters said the bill updates outdated 1980s-era rules, while insurers, agents, and business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance burdens, and small-business impacts. Members indicated the bill was still being negotiated and would return in a revised form in the Privacy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they would have an office in the attorney general's office.
• I have had to, in times, pursue an attorney and working at some of these.
• I often had to seek out an independent attorney, but fortunately, my family was supportive and found
• I had an attorney if I needed it over the years. I've worked with, I've mentioned before, Mr.
• That's how attorneys make all kinds of money.

Bills: SB1090, SJR49, SB633, HR1059, SB650, SB2063, SB122, SB1614, SB1884, SJR52, SJR53, HJR1101, SJR50, HB3021, HR1058, SB514, SB382, HB3320, SB740, SB833, SB2143, SB1209, SB244

Keywords: SB1090, Oklahoma Homeowner Repair Contract Protection Act, home repair, home solicitation contract, cooling-off period, right to cancel, consumer protection, contract rescission, certified mail cancellation, home solicitation sales, contractor regulation, home improvement scams, public finance, State Treasurer, Invest In Oklahoma, OCAST, venture capital, private equity, growth funds, direct investment

Transcript Highlights:

• The coalition is composed of seven city attorneys and county counsels from the cities of Oakland, San
• The coalition is composed of seven city attorneys and county counsels from the cities of Oakland, San
• As city attorneys and county counsels, it's our role to provide as much legal certainty as possible to
• I've been asked to register the support of San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert. Thank you.
• Dylan L.Aid on behalf of San Francisco City Attorney David Chu as well as the City and County of San

Summary: The Senate Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, research funding, consumer protection, and insurance administration. SB 895 by Sen. Wiener would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support scientific and health research in California; supporters from UC, labor, and patient groups said it would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership amid federal funding cuts, while the committee later voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Natural Resources and Water. SB 944 would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds; acupuncture providers, patients, health systems, and API community advocates testified in strong support, and the committee voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 987, which would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes under H.R. 1 reduce Medi-Cal enrollment and redirect those funds to care for people who lose coverage and to reimburse safety-net providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, hospital, and reproductive health groups; members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and safety-net needs, and the bill was moved on a unanimous vote to Appropriations. SB 964 would let a licensed provider adjust the dose or frequency of an already covered medication up to two times without prior authorization when clinically appropriate, with Crohn’s and Colitis advocates describing delays that harmed patients and insurers warning about safety and cost concerns; after committee discussion about off-label use and clinical safeguards, the bill passed 11-0 and was sent to Appropriations. Later, SB 1099 clarified local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA, with city and county counsel and local officials saying it would preserve flexibility for homeless outreach, street medicine, crisis lines, and other low-barrier services; it passed 11-0 and was re-referred to Human Services. SB 1033 would require protein product manufacturers to test for heavy metals and disclose results, prompted by Consumer Reports findings and supported by consumer, health, and women’s health groups; industry witnesses asked for narrower scope and source-level testing, and the committee voted 11-0 to pass it as amended and send it to Environmental Quality. The committee then began SB 1049, which would give providers a 90-day window after a plan’s latest action to correct certain claim errors and prevent denials based solely on missed filing deadlines; the author said it would address honest billing mistakes and recoupments, and the bill was introduced with support from medical groups and ongoing discussions with health plans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'll just note that I've also been a licensed attorney in Hawaii for going on 25 years.
• Um, I'll just note that I've also been a licensed attorney in Hawaii for going on 25 years.
• They've also talked about reallocating the staff attorneys at the court to try to make their processes
• </c><00:15:23.839><c> at</c><00:15:23.920><c> the</c><00:15:24.000><c> court</c> the staff attorneys
• at the court the staff attorneys at the court to<00:15:25.240><c> try</c><00:15:25.400><c> to</c><00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association. Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification. Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.