Transcript Highlights:

• And he approved it, and everyone who was involved in it said that they took the advice of counsel.
• But I went to your office and you gave me all the advice and she said, I'll never forget it: Just make
• And then, John, I've always appreciated your advice. And heaven knows we had our differences.
• You've given me great advice along the way.
• And I just value so much the advice you've given me through all of this.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, page introductions, and recognition of guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy basketball team and a student intern. The chamber then took up executive appointment reports from the Ethics and Elections Committee and related committees, which covered a large slate of gubernatorial appointees to state boards and commissions. Senators were given the opportunity to separate nominees for individual votes, and several members spoke in support of or opposition to specific appointees based on qualifications, ideology, and prior public service. The first major confirmation vote covered most of the 186 appointments on the report, with debate centered on three nominees highlighted by Senator Polsky: Ilya Shapiro, Thomas Zachary Smith, and Dr. John Lattell. The report was adopted 31-0 after those objections, and Jeffrey Aaron was then considered separately for the Public Employee Relations Commission. Senators Smith and Polsky opposed Aaron’s confirmation, citing his role as legal counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and alleged involvement in the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds to political entities; Chair Gates defended Aaron as a lawyer representing a client and noted no disciplinary or law-enforcement action against him. Aaron was confirmed 26-10. The Senate next confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after debate focused on her prior leadership at the Department of Children and Families, Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage issues, Hope Florida-related concerns, and a women’s shelter inspection dispute. Supporters emphasized her work stabilizing Medicaid funding and her responsiveness to agency problems, while opponents argued she had overseen serious failures and lacked suitability. The confirmation passed 32-5. Taylor Hatch was then confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families after committee members noted serious operational concerns at DCF, including SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, forensic audit issues, and questions about Hope Florida, but also cited her commitment to child welfare and willingness to address problems; the vote was 33-4. After the confirmations, the Senate recessed and later returned for a lengthy tribute to outgoing Senate President Kathleen Pasadomo. Senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising her leadership, diligence, toughness in committee, mentorship, and resilience after personal loss, while also joking about her reputation as a strict rules chair and “bill killer.” The session concluded with the recognition of her service and presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• relied on the legal... ...before our committee, before our House committees, relied on the legal advice
• And he approved it, and everyone who was involved in it said that they took the advice of counsel.
• And then John, I've always appreciated your advice. And heaven knows we had our differences.
• You've given me great advice along the way.
• And I just value so much the advice you've given me through all of this.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• individuals turn to chatbots for emotional support, spiritual guidance, relationship counseling, legal advice
• , business advice, and, in a growing number of instances, intimacy, they are turning over reams of information
• So can you explain the advice and consent approach and why that's inadequate for protecting privacy?
• So what is your maybe candid advice about what the states can do to maintain their sovereignty for their
• So what is your maybe candid advice about what the states can do to maintain their sovereignty for their

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a newly elected sheriff, I would go to him often to ask for advice.
• But my advice at the time was it's the sheriff's job to choose where he puts resources.
• And I think that was fair and honest advice at the time.
• But my advice at the time was it's the sheriff's job to choose where he puts resources.
• And I think that was fair and honest advice at the time.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate took up Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which would modernize and strengthen laws governing sheriffs, police chiefs, town marshals, and other law enforcement agencies, particularly by setting certification and background-check standards and addressing what happens if an elected sheriff is decertified. The chamber first considered several amendments focused on preserving voter control over sheriffs, limiting the bill’s reach, and shifting costs to the state. Amendment 632, which would have required a recall-style vote if a sheriff were found uncertified, failed. Amendment 628, which would have excluded foreign convictions from consideration, failed. Amendment 633, which would have made the state pay background-check costs, failed. Amendment 634, which would have exempted current sheriffs from the bill’s five-year uninterrupted employment requirement, failed on a roll call vote of 21 yeas to 28 nays. Members then rejected additional amendments: Amendment 631, which would have carved out an exception for Capitol security personnel, failed; Amendment 629, which would have prevented a vacancy if a sheriff was acting consistently with the state and U.S. constitutions, failed; Amendment 630, which would have created a private right of action for removed sheriffs, failed; and Amendment 627, which would have retained language barring men and women from being confined in the same cell when removing an old “police matron” provision, failed on a roll call vote of 19 yeas to 30 nays. Supporters of the bill argued it was about accountability, integrity, and aligning sheriffs with certification standards already applied to other law enforcement officers. Opponents argued it would override voter choice, create unfunded mandates, and let an unelected state body remove elected sheriffs. After amendments were disposed of, the Senate suspended the rules and advanced the bill to third reading and final passage. In final debate, supporters emphasized public safety, professional standards, and the need for clear decertification rules when a sheriff loses certification. Opponents repeatedly framed the bill as an unconstitutional intrusion on local democracy and a solution in search of a problem, warning it would disenfranchise voters and set a dangerous precedent. The transcript ends during final-passage debate, with no final vote on the bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I agree with all the comments made, and I appreciate the good senator's advice.
• I agree with all the comments made, and I appreciate the good senator's advice.
• and I appreciate the good senator's made and I appreciate the good senator's um<00:12:34.160><c> advice
• 36.480><c> we'll</c><00:12:36.720><c> we'll</c><00:12:37.040><c> have</c><00:12:37.120><c> to</c> um advice
• Those are we'll we'll have to um advice.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a proposed Senate Rule 15-9 prohibiting campaign contributions in Senate-controlled areas of the Capitol, prompted by concerns about lobbyists and others distributing checks to legislators while legislation is pending. The chair read a leadership statement condemning campaign contributions during session when donors’ interests are under consideration, saying such conduct creates at least the appearance of impropriety and undermines public trust. The initial draft would bar soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in Senate-controlled spaces such as the chamber, gallery, floor, corridors, lounge, lobby areas, and committee rooms. Senator Barlo raised concerns about defining the Senate’s authority and the scope of the prohibited areas, asking whether the rule would apply year-round, during interim meetings, or to online donations received while in the building. Other members responded that the Senate could only regulate areas under its control and that the rule should focus on the Capitol building itself, where fundraising should not occur. The chair noted that many other states have similar restrictions, and members discussed whether the rule should also cover campaign contributions during legislative session, not just inside the building. Senators Guru, Rothfus, and Biteman generally supported a stronger rule aimed at preventing vote buying and preserving the integrity of the institution, while acknowledging the need to refine language for enforcement and scope. The committee reviewed examples from Alaska and Wyoming’s constitutional bribery language, and staff and members proposed revised wording that would prohibit any person from knowingly soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in the state capital complex at any time, and separately prohibit senators from knowingly soliciting or knowingly accepting contributions by affirmative act during regular or special session. The discussion ended with no final vote taken, and members indicated they would continue working on the language with staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning on page six, advice and consent. There are no objections from the members.
• We will be taking advice and consent on standing committee report numbers 1897 to 1912 and 1915 on governor's
• Beginning<00:05:42.320><c> on</c><00:05:42.479><c> page</c><00:05:42.800><c> six,</c><00:05:43.199><c> advice
• </c><00:05:43.520><c> and</c> Beginning on page six, advice and Beginning on page six, advice and consent

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with all 25 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and heard several introductions, including visiting staff, guests, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who was recognized for her work with the food bank and noted as acting governor that week. The chamber also received House communications returning several Senate concurrent resolutions adopted unamended, and one House-amended resolution, SCR 192, was taken up. Senator Wakai moved to disagree with the House amendments to SCR 192, the motion was seconded and carried, with conferees to be named later. Standing committee reports were then taken up, including reports 1931 to 1939 for one-day notice and report 1940 for adoption, which was adopted without objection. The Senate then considered a series of advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with education-related appointments. Senators spoke in support of nominees to the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board, the State Board of Education, and the School Facilities Authority Board, while Senator Awa and others raised objections to several nominees, arguing that campaign donations by some appointees created the appearance of “pay to play.” Despite those objections, the nominations were ultimately confirmed. The chamber also confirmed Dwight Takamini as chair of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board after strong support from multiple senators who cited his labor, legislative, and public service background. The Senate next confirmed Christine Sakuda as chief information officer for the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, with supporters emphasizing her IT leadership and public service and noting she is the first female and Native Hawaiian to hold the post. The chamber also confirmed Kahuanoi AD Jackson as judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit and Sonia H. Toma as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, with senators highlighting their prosecutorial and public service experience and the favorable testimony received in committee. After these confirmations, senators introduced the new appointees and their families in the gallery. Later, the Senate adopted additional standing committee reports on House concurrent resolutions and passed SB 849 HD2 on final reading, relating to wildlife conservation, by unanimous consent. The body also reconsidered and reversed earlier disagreement on House amendments to SB 116 and SB 946, agreeing that the amendments were technical and giving one-day notice for final reading. The meeting concluded with a late introduction of the Honokaʻa Jazz Band, which was praised for its national recognition and community service, and senators invited members to a later concert in the rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• issues do not involve litigation and our clients should be allowed to receive confidential legal advice
• is to encourage. full and frank communication between clients and their lawyers, ensuring the best advice
• that would allow. local government attorneys to do their job and that is to provide quality legal advice
• attorney, and I think a lot of government attorneys would agree, see our primary role as providing legal advice
• that our city officials and city staff staff are always going to feel comfortable asking for legal advice

Bills: HB 111, HB1545, HB2145, HB2467, HB2520, HB4136, HB4181, HB4214, HB4218, HB4219, HB4359, HB4437, HB4822, HB111

Keywords: Texas Public Information Act, open records, public records, government transparency, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, governmental body, Chapter 552, public information law, nonprofit association, quasi-governmental entity, economic development, trade secrets, proprietary information, commercial financial information, Alamo restoration, local workforce board, TDCJ contract facility, civil commitment facility, water supply corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• Advice to the body on the Rasmusson motion.
• I want to give advice to the body why unfortunately once again the President was wrong.
• I want to<00:27:44.559><c> give</c><00:27:44.720><c> advice</c><00:27:45.039><c> to</c><00:27:45.279>
• <c> the</c><00:27:45.440><c> body</c><00:27:45.840><c> why</c> to give advice to the body why to give
• advice to the body why unfortunately<00:27:47.120><c> once</c><00:27:47.360><c> again</c><00:27:47.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's advice, Chair. That's advice.
• 00:55:47.440><c> So,</c><00:55:48.319><c> that's</c><00:55:49.119><c> that's</c><00:55:49.440><c> advice
• Y So, that's that's advice chair. is. Y So, that's that's advice chair.
• That's<00:55:50.480><c> advice.</c> That's advice. That's advice.
• on Okay, I Madam Chair, just to advice on Okay, I will<00:56:22.960><c> proceed</c><00:56:23.200><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If you do have any concerns or any advice or feedback, If you do have any concerns or any advice or feedback

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting was the introductory session of the new Commission on Aging and Independence focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Co-chairs Senator Pat Jehlen and committee staff introduced the commission’s purpose, and members and stakeholders from AARP Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, LeadingAge Massachusetts, SEIU Local 1199, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Attorney General’s office briefly introduced themselves and described their interests. Several participants emphasized the value of CCRCs for aging in place, while also noting concerns about affordability, accessibility, resident rights, dementia supports, and the need for clearer complaint and oversight processes. The commission reviewed the basic definition of a CCRC, including the requirement for housing plus health-related services, a life contract, and an entrance fee, and discussed how Massachusetts law defines entrance fees and their return. Staff explained that the commission was created by Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 and is charged with studying CCRC contracts, consumer impacts, financial viability, entrance fees, oversight and enforcement, advertising practices, and procedures for closure or change of ownership. The commission also outlined its deadline to submit recommendations by August 1, 2025. Because quorum issues and technical problems limited the session, no substantive votes were taken. Instead, the meeting focused on logistics: members will receive a survey to suggest priorities, site visits, and outside presenters; the group plans monthly meetings with two in June; and a public hearing may be held earlier in the process so feedback can shape the agenda. Staff also noted that ethics training for members was still being arranged.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allen's advice I decided to take a chance to keep going and now here I am hoping to join Florida, Illinois
• to the people in charge of these wildly successful days and they were very informative and offered advice

Bills: SB2232, SCR1, SCR6, SCR15, SCR27, SCR32

Keywords: Unplug Texas Day, digital detox, family activities, outdoor recreation, community engagement, crossing guard, school crossing guard, crosswalk safety, school safety, student pedestrian safety, traffic safety, elementary school, campus safety, pedestrian awareness, bicycle safety, traffic regulations, commemorative resolution, appreciation day, Texas Legislature, honorary designation

Transcript Highlights:

• Allen's advice, I decided to take a chance to keep going.
• to the people in charge of these wildly successful days and they were very informative and offered advice

Transcript Highlights:

• retains that de minimis cost that is yet meaningful to the wholesalers in the collection and the remittance
• 35:08.879><c> collection</c><04:35:09.279><c> and</c><04:35:09.520><c> the</c><04:35:09.680><c> remittance
• </c><04:35:10.080><c> of</c><04:35:10.160><c> the</c> the collection and the remittance of the the collection
• and the remittance of the excise<04:35:10.719><c> tax.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• See, so we just we're paying it. city hall and seek the advice of any city hall and seek the advice of
• So, I think this goes against all the advice that is available and out there, and it would be a huge
• So, I think this goes against all the advice that is available and out there, and it would be a huge
• So, I think this goes against all the advice that is available and out there, and it would be a huge
• So, I think this goes against all the advice that is available and out there, and it would be a huge

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So our advice is that be very careful what you put in your information unless you want someone else to
• wants to set testimony after the fact particularly in writing that that is the circumstances so our advice
• is that be very careful what you put you in information unless you want someone to So, our advice is

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think advice, and I think that potentially an antibiotic, But I think advice, and I think that
• And he is still going to give me advice over the phone.

Bills: HB3239, HB3391, HB3557, HB4128

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears

Summary: The Agriculture Committee first considered two executive nominations and approved both unanimously. Rebecca Hartfield was re-nominated to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, where she described her rural mixed-animal veterinary work and efforts to encourage future veterinarians. James Harrell was then nominated to the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medical Authority; supporters emphasized his commitment to rural Oklahoma and addressing the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, and he discussed efforts to improve veterinary education and recruit more Oklahoma students. Both nominations passed 13-0. The committee then took up House Bill 3391, which would add improper advertising as a basis for revoking a commercial pet breeder license and define advertising to include digital and social media. Members asked about the definition and scope of commercial pet breeders. The bill passed on a 9-4 vote. House Bill 4128, dealing with black bear hunting season and harvest limits, drew extensive debate. An amendment to move the opener to September 21, expand counties, and let the Wildlife Commission set quotas failed 6-7. The underlying bill, which would have kept the September 15 opener and a 200-bear limit, also failed 3-9 after testimony and debate focused on bear population data, nuisance complaints, and concerns about out-of-state hunters and impacts on female bears. House Bill 3557, which would keep locally raised county extension funds in separate accounts so they are not swept into state accounts, passed 10-2 after questions about how local, state, and federal funds would be handled. Finally, House Bill 3239 on veterinary telemedicine passed 9-3. The bill defines the veterinarian-client relationship needed before telemedicine can be used, with supporters saying it would provide needed structure while preserving access for rural livestock care; opponents worried it could restrict access in emergencies. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, my advice is give your testifiers more time than you. Representative Lawrence: Mr.
• Chair, thank you for your advice and I will yield. >> Very good. Thank you.
• </c><00:02:07.520><c> So,</c><00:02:08.200><c> um</c><00:02:08.679><c> my</c><00:02:08.880><c> advice

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 1791 was presented as a scholarship/grant program for students in postsecondary technical or career programs offered through their high schools. Representative Scott and Representative Lawrence described it as a way to help students transition into careers or further education by covering costs such as tools, boots, books, and other work-related expenses. The chair noted the bill would be laid over, with limited time for testimony because of a full agenda. Testimony strongly supported the bill. Steve Collina of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association said manufacturing is a major Minnesota industry and that the bill fills a gap by supporting K-12 career pathways; he emphasized the proposal would not cost the state or taxpayers. Trevor Quennell, a Centennial High School graduate now at Dunwoody College, said the bill would have eased the burden of buying expensive tools and balancing work, school, and transportation. Eric Trost, an instructor at St. Francis High School, explained that Saints Manufacturing is a student-run, elective business-style program that teaches estimating, quoting, logistics, welding, machining, and employability skills, and he said the grant portion is especially important because many students go directly into the workforce. Naomi Brasky, a St. Francis student and Army National Guard enlistee, said the program has given her real-world problem-solving and communication experience and that grants would help cover costs not included in tuition. Members responded positively, with one noting broader trends away from four-year college and calling the bill common sense. In closing, Representative Lorentzen credited instructor Eric Trost for originating the idea and thanked an audience member, Mr. Yost, for supporting the program. The chair then laid House File 1791 over.

Transcript Highlights:

• sure that we are studying the issue, we're understanding the issues, and really getting the best advice
• sure that we are studying the issue, we're understanding the issues, and really getting the best advice
• sure that we are studying the issue, we're understanding the issues, and really getting the best advice

Bills: SB5223, SB6178, SB5892, SB5177, SB6039, SB5941, SB5993, SB5831, SB5928, SB5912, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5185, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the pledge, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then received a House message announcing passage of engrossed substitute House Bill 1604. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 8679 recognizing Taiwan, with remarks emphasizing Washington’s trade relationship, shared democratic values, and Taiwan’s support during COVID. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Mark Silva to the Lower Columbia College Board of Trustees, Shilpa Tavari to the Higher Education Facilities Authority, and Christine Johnson to the Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees. The Senate then took up several bills on final passage. Substitute Senate Bill 5720, the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, passed after supporters said it strengthened consumer notice protections and reflected extensive stakeholder work. Substitute Senate Bill 5824 passed, allowing fifth-wheel travel trailers up to 46 feet and aligning length rules for legal sales and highway use. Substitute Senate Bill 5886 passed to protect personality rights by addressing name, likeness, and voice in the context of deepfakes and AI. Senate Bill 6013 passed to update ski area and winter sports terminology, and Substitute Senate Bill 6039 passed to let the Department of Labor and Industries use electronic or non-electronic notices at the recipient’s choice. Substitute Senate Bill 6036 passed to exempt certain former foster care providers from adult family home licensure, with supporters saying it would preserve stability for youth aging out of foster care. Senate Bill 6178 passed to prohibit post-loss assignment of property insurance benefits, with the sponsor saying it would keep homeowners in control of claims after disasters. Senate Bill 5892 passed to protect voter registration database information by routing requests through the Secretary of State, despite opposition over the bill’s felony penalty and strict process. Substitute Senate Bill 5941 passed to allow limited exemptions from renewable energy system requirements for certain school districts in cold, remote areas. Senate Bill 5177 passed to expand the topics considered in educator professional development on supporting historically marginalized and underrepresented students. Finally, engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5912 passed after an amendment assigning staff support for the Indigent Defense Task Force to the Office of Public Defense; supporters said the task force is needed to address public defender shortages and caseload standards. The Senate then announced a later start time for the next day and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are trying to give assistance where we can and advice for them to... Thank you.
• They're trying to give assistance where we can and advice for them to improve and meet our minimum standards
• They're trying to give assistance where we can and advice for them to improve and meet our minimum standards

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several governor’s appointments and routine agenda items. The committee first approved, 5-0, a series of appointments not required to appear, including Deborah Garns, Davis Rabbit, Cindy Silva, Vincent Wells, and Lee Herrick as California Poet Laureate, along with bill referrals and floor acknowledgments. A brief comment was made about a complaint involving Davis Rabbit, but the committee still approved the appointment unanimously. The committee then heard testimony from Trista Gonzalez, nominee to lead the Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Gonzalez described her 33-year career in tax administration, the department’s role in collecting state and local taxes, efforts to improve taxpayer compliance and efficiency, and readiness to administer the lithium extraction tax. Members asked about responsiveness to legislators, online sales tax enforcement after Wayfair, and enforcement against illicit activity such as cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis violations. Public commenters from Ryan LLC and the California Society of Enrolled Agents supported her confirmation. The committee voted 5-0 to send her nomination to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Aaron McGuire, nominee for executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections. McGuire discussed the board’s expanded grant and inspection responsibilities, the new in-custody death review division under SB 519, and ongoing issues obtaining records from local agencies. Members questioned him about grant oversight, audit practices, juvenile facility standards, and the board’s response to conditions in Los Angeles County juvenile facilities. Public testimony from nonprofit reentry providers and Giffords supported his nomination. The committee voted 5-0 to advance McGuire’s appointment to the full Senate, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• with PFM Financial Advisors, a new $2 million contract for financial planning, budget, and strategic advice—just
• with PFM financial advisors, a new $2 million contract for financial planning, budget, and strategic advice
• university-wide sponsorship strategy, and then you've got another financial planning for budget and strategic advice

Keywords: 1204, all