Transcript Highlights:

• and in that practical vision, with this update, the board asked that climate change, already an integral
• I know I’m in a different territory today, but for those to orient yourself, the neighborhoods that I
• I know I'm in a different territory today, but for those to orient yourself, the neighborhoods that I
• They include things like something called the Bay Restoration Regulatory Integrated... ...restoration
• regulatory integrated team.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy focused on infrastructure, pollution, climate resilience, public health, access, and economic impacts of sea level rise in California, with an emphasis on San Diego and the Bay Area. Chair Tasha Boerner Horvath opened by describing the committee’s purpose, the state’s sea level rise action planning, and the need for better monitoring and early warning systems. She also referenced her prior bills AB 66 and AB 72, which supported Scripps research on coastal bluff collapse warning capabilities. Assembly Members David Alvarez and Jessica Caloza later joined and emphasized that sea level rise affects not only coastal communities but inland areas as well, and that the issue should inform future legislative and budget decisions. In the first panel, Dr. Mark Merrifield of Scripps Institution of Oceanography described observed sea level rise of roughly 0.8 to 0.9 feet since the early 1900s, with acceleration expected by mid-century and potentially much greater rise by 2100 depending on emissions. He highlighted flooding, groundwater rise, beach and cliff erosion, salinization, and risks to transportation, sewage, ports, and national security. Dave Gibson of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board discussed how sea level rise affects wastewater systems, stormwater, contaminated sites, wetlands, and coastal groundwater basins, and said the board is requiring climate adaptation planning, updating stormwater permits, and seeking more flexible state permitting and mitigation tools. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better mapping, more monitoring, and more state funding, especially if federal support from NOAA and other agencies declines. The second panel addressed public health, equitable access, and local economies. Ramon Chiras of Un Mar de Colores described how sea level rise, pollution, and access barriers threaten the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach, especially for underserved communities and youth programs that rely on safe, welcoming access to the ocean. He stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of coastal access and the need for water safety and environmental education. Jessica Fane of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission explained that the Bay Area faces major economic exposure from sea level rise, citing a regional estimate of $96 billion in adaptation costs versus $230 billion in potential losses from inaction, and said BCDC is working with local governments under SB 272 on shoreline adaptation planning, funding, and regulatory innovation. Members discussed the tension between environmental permitting and the need to move projects faster, including the possibility of planned retreat in some areas and the use of simultaneous permitting and longer-term state authority to streamline adaptation work. In the final panel, Philip Gibbons of the Port of San Diego described the port’s climate adaptation efforts and its vulnerability assessments under AB 691. He said the port manages state tidelands, supports maritime commerce and recreation, and is already seeing flooding at king tides and during El Niño events, including storm-drain backflow and damage to bikeways and parks. He explained that future sea level rise could inundate major port areas and disrupt operations, underscoring the need for continued planning, mitigation, and infrastructure investment. The hearing did not take formal votes, but it concluded with a clear call for more science, funding, coordination, and regulatory streamlining to prepare California’s coast and nearby communities for worsening sea level rise impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we own and operate about 3000 miles of fiber optic uh through our territory.
• Electrical and Computing Engineering department at NMSUU, they are also working with Kit Carson on integrating
• How do we integrate the hydrogen with the distribution system, the safety concerns.
• our own transmission costs and transmission system, but you know, if you look around, 66% of the territory
• All, all utilities have to file integrate resource planning documents or at least plans of what kind

Transcript Highlights:

• Every water district out there should be protecting their territory.
• Every water district out there should be protecting their territory.
• We make it easier for them to lose territory.
• We make it easier for them to lose territory.
• “You say that this 1926(b) is a USDA territorial protection. Is that right?”

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill helps ensure continuity of essential services while protecting the integrity of lawful collective
• No two animal species are the same, and each has a unique behavioral pattern, territories, and comfort
• This bill would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district who are not operating
• personally brings to her work, guiding values that I share: a resolve to get things done well and with integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Rates have more than doubled in the last 12 years and nearly tripled in PG&E's service territory, and
• And for the PG&E territory, which is a lot of your districts and a lot of my members, they're looking
• In addition, if you're familiar with the California Energy Commission's Integrated Energy Policy Report
• High-speed rail currently has no integrated pest management program.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with opening remarks from the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry emphasizing agriculture’s economic importance and the need for stronger state investment. They highlighted concerns about water scarcity, labor shortages, rising costs, extreme weather, tariffs, pesticide and regulatory pressures, and the lack of agricultural funding in recent climate-related allocations. Aguiar-Curry also urged immediate action on the glassy-winged sharpshooter outbreak, which CDFA said would cost about $18.5 million annually to detect, monitor, and eradicate. The first panel featured CDFA and the Department of Water Resources. CDFA described California agriculture as a $61.2 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, rising input and compliance costs, climate stress, trade issues, and crop removals in vineyards and almonds. DWR focused on hydrologic variability, snowpack decline, groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and SGMA implementation, and discussed tools such as forecast-informed reservoir operations, groundwater recharge, basin characterization, and the 2028 water plan update. Members asked about immediate legislative priorities, flood response after 2023, Prop. 4 and greenhouse gas reduction funding, and regulatory alignment; officials pointed to pest control, science-based water management, affordability, infrastructure, and better coordination across agencies. The second panel examined water, climate, and resource sustainability. PPIC presented estimates that SGMA, climate change, and environmental regulations could reduce irrigation water in the San Joaquin Valley by about 20% by 2040, potentially requiring 500,000 to 900,000 acres of fallowing and affecting billions in agricultural GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. UC Merced discussed practical adaptation tools including FIRO, managed aquifer recharge, on-farm recharge, land repurposing, agrivoltaics, and crop flexibility. The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association argued that energy costs are unsustainable, that electricity and natural gas rates are rising sharply, and that state programs supporting climate-smart agriculture, biomass, and food processing need more funding and coordination. Members and witnesses discussed how limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars might be used for recharge, conveyance, subsidence mitigation, and regulatory improvements. The final panel addressed workforce innovation and the future of food production. Industry representatives said food and fiber processors cannot pass along rising costs from energy, labor, workers’ compensation, packaging rules, and compliance mandates, and warned that SGMA-driven land fallowing, pest pressure, and abandoned orchards threaten small farms and processing jobs. The Almond Alliance called for periodic review of regulations, stronger invasive species response, and targeted support for orchard removal, ag burn alternatives, and water efficiency. The California Farmworker Foundation described its work providing health, education, and civil assistance services to farmworkers in multiple counties, including health navigation, field-based clinics, and food support, and stressed the needs of an aging labor force and food insecurity in rural communities. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members and witnesses discussing possible future legislation and funding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rates have more than doubled in the last 12 years and nearly tripled in PG&E service territory, and there
• And for the PG&E territory, which is a lot of your districts and a lot of my members, they're looking
• In addition, if you're familiar with the California Energy Commission's Integrated Energy Policy Report
• High-speed rail currently has no integrated pest management program.

Transcript Highlights:

• gunman, and the cops came, but I think we can find a balance here that can have some flexibility and integrity
• And we also owe the voters of the state rituals for election integrity.
• Attorney General's Office to get the request or permission of the law enforcement agency of primary territorial
• Office to first engage in deconfliction efforts with the same law enforcement agency of primary territorial

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• As digital assets become increasingly integrated into regular financial activities, it is necessary to
• This issue may seem narrow at first glance, but it directly impacts the integrity of payment practices
• Members, Senate Bill 1003 would only apply to the El Paso Electric Service Territory, which is an investor-owned
• Senator Blanco mentioned, just re-highlighting that this only applies to the El Paso Electric Service Territory

Bills: SB231 , SB584 , SB600 , SB668 , SB841 , SB986 , SB1003 , SB1244 , SB1625 , SB1960 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB2026 , SB2056 , SB2368

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to page 3, on line 222 is a program integrity infrastructure item.
• Line 677 is a House position on additional program integrity and licensing fee changes.
• Moving to Article VI, which is the Department of Human Services Program Integrity Article.
• This is also a new proposal that will increase DHS licensing fees and add fees for program integrity
• About an hour from Duluth, so it's Iron Range territory.

Bills: HF2434

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This is good governance, program integrity, maintaining self-fund solvency without punishing the actors
• And I bring to you House Bill 3362, the AI Infrastructure, Grid Integrity, and Water Resource Protection
• They have enacted their grid integrity law already.
• So that means that I get to work with the CFM's of all the 50 states and two territories.
• Thank you, Representative. integration, that decision-making. Thank you.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Numerous questions on the design, build-out, and integrity of this new system go unanswered, and answers
• Numerous questions on the design, build-out, and integrity of this new system go unanswered, and answers
• of this new system go integrity of this new system go unanswered<00:08:40.360><c> and</c><00:08:40.560
• Businesses with fewer employees will find themselves in uncharted territory as they have to comply with
• as they have to Uncharted Territory as they have to comply<00:32:54.080><c> with</c><00:32:54.320><c

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> data from the statewide integrated data from the statewide integrated financial<00:03:29.040><c>
• This is also pulled from the statewide integrated financial tools system.
• </c><00:31:52.622><c> [clears throat]</c><00:31:52.799><c> and</c> um integration [clears throat] and
• um integration [clears throat] and collaboration<00:31:53.600><c> of</c><00:31:53.840><c> the</c><00
• </c> education and the level of integration education and the level of integration between<01:41:30.480

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• As Speaker of the Minnesota House, she led with integrity and fostered bipartisan collaboration even
• Wherever Andrew's next chapter takes him, his integrity, his compassion, and commitment to storytelling
• Wherever Andrew's next chapter takes him, his integrity, his compassion, and commitment to storytelling
• With Nicole Mailing at the helm, he led with integrity, vision, and compassion.
• ,</c><05:54:56.958><c> vision,</c><05:54:57.280><c> and</c> he led with integrity, vision, and he led

Bills: HCR39 , HR275 , HR875

Keywords: social work, mental health, community health, social justice, addiction support, veteran assistance, child welfare, disability rights, intellectual disabilities, inclusion, The Arc, community support

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:21:46.479><c> pain</c> community-based inter integrative pain community-based inter integrative
• The reason why we did it at a federally qualified health center is they already have the integrative
• </c> have the integrative services on site. have the integrative services on site.
• The Assisted Technology Act is an act that awards all of the states and territories funding to improve
• </c> awards all of the states and territories awards all of the states and territories um,<02:29:34.640

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• the Kansas and Nebraska Act says the United States will rigidly adhere to the treaties as if this territorial
• So there's also a... ...as if this territorial act had never been enacted.
• So there's also a Dakota Territory Act and it has a preservation for the treaty.
• supported by federal investment and certified community behavioral health clinics, or CCBHCs, which integrate
• Policy's 2006-2007 National Strategy explicitly supports approaches that create more seamless, integrated

Committee: Joint Tribal and State Relations Committee

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• the possession of a firearm, including the receipt of the fee and the records kept, ensures data integrity
• Our stores are deeply integrated into their communities, providing food and household goods, local jobs
• So first, it requires each electric utility with a data center in its service territory to make available
• It specifies that an electric utility without a data center in its service territory is not required
• It specifies that an electric utility without a data center in its service territory is not required

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule and then heard House Bill 2521 on firearm background check fees. Staff explained that the bill would remove the $18 fee cap and allow Washington State Patrol to set fees based on actual program costs, which could be about $33 to $35 per check. Supporters said the change was needed to keep the background check system operating and avoid delays and layoffs; opponents argued it would burden lawful gun owners and amount to an unconstitutional tax or barrier to a constitutional right. No vote was taken in the hearing. Members then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would direct the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines, address interpreter and translator shortages, and require agency implementation reporting. Testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the need for consistent access for limited-English-proficient residents and the benefits for schools, families, and state services. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on wage recovery, which would create a wage recovery fund to provide partial advance payments to low-wage workers with meritorious unpaid wage claims and adjust wage penalty provisions. Employers, labor advocates, and legal services representatives largely supported the bill as a bipartisan, worker-protection measure funded by penalties rather than the general fund. The committee next took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy tax incentives, which would replace existing property tax and excise tax provisions with a new state and local renewable energy excise tax structure and related grant programs for local governments and tribes. Counties, utilities, developers, and tribal representatives generally supported the bill’s goal of stabilizing tax treatment for renewable projects, though several witnesses said they wanted amendments to address rates, timing, and late-stage project impacts. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5932 on alternative jet fuel incentives, which would change the timing and duration of existing tax preferences; supporters said it would provide certainty for emerging sustainable aviation fuel projects, while one refinery sought clarification and a broader county threshold. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, directing the Department of Agriculture to monitor food system performance and develop a statewide food security strategy. Agricultural groups, grocers, anti-hunger advocates, and farmers supported the bill as a coordination effort to improve food access, affordability, and supply chain resilience. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903, which would create a statewide low-income energy assistance program through the Department of Commerce; supporters said it would address growing unmet need and complement existing utility programs, while opponents said it did not address the root causes of rising energy costs. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2416 on waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2515 on large energy-use facilities (data centers), both of which drew mixed testimony centered on balancing emissions, ratepayer impacts, reliability, and environmental or tribal concerns. No final votes were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• services officers for that jurisdiction, who would have that information for their region or their territory
• I think the first year, there wouldn't be a lot of variance, but over time, I think the integrity of
• There wouldn't be a lot of variance, but over time, I think that the integrity of that list would erode
• We will next move to the property tax integrated formula gap funding by Department of Public Instruction
• did receive some information on it, but looking at that the interaction of the levy limit and the integrated

Committee: Joint Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• dust in homes because that's one of the best ways to find out what people are exposed to as an integrated
• We have what's known as the integrated report in our 303 list on the federal Clean Water Act side.
• It is integral to secure interim state funding for the ongoing operations and maintenance of this project
• It is integral to secure interim state funding for the ongoing operations and maintenance of this project
• We have several aquatic maritime research and monitoring partnerships here on Kumeyaay territories at

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to maintain proper planning authority to protect the integrity of our landscape in our county
• HFCs are currently providing the property assembly to properties within their territorial jurisdiction
• and, unfortunately, non-territorial properties.
• These arrangements undermine both the integrity of the industry and the ability of local governments
• So if we want to maintain the integrity of our system and have annual reappraisals for equality and for

Bills: SB467 , SB325 , SB867 , SB994 , SB1052 , SB1237 , SB1449 , SB1531 , SB2063 , SB2172 , SB2173 , SB2520 , SB2529 , SB2538 , SB2541 , SJR46 , SJR84

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: SB 467, Texas property tax, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, fire damage, house fire, destroyed home, temporary tax relief, appraisal district, chief appraiser, local taxing unit, tax rollback, tax refund, Tax Code Chapter 11, prorated exemption, homestead improvement, disaster relief, property tax exemption, residential property

Summary: The committee heard several local government and property tax bills, with most testimony focused on appraisal disputes, tax administration, and development rules. Senate Bill 1052 by Senator Hinojosa would address coastal county appraisal litigation by requiring property owners in certain large-value disputes to report an uncontested taxable value while appeals are pending, so taxing units can base truth-in-taxation calculations on more realistic revenue. Nueces County, Del Mar College, and Corpus Christi ISD testified in support, describing major budget shortfalls caused by refinery valuation disputes; the committee substitute narrowed and clarified the bill’s scope. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1052 was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1531, which would require local tax collectors to accept common electronic property tax payments such as credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Witnesses supported modernizing payment options and the committee substitute removed ACH/electronic funds transfer language to avoid bank-account disclosure concerns. Public testimony closed and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 325, by Senator Perry, would restore platting and groundwater-certification requirements that were unintentionally weakened by prior legislation; supporters from county government, water groups, and builders’ representatives debated whether the real issue was groundwater protection or road standards for private roads. The bill was left pending after extensive testimony and no vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 994 and SJR 46, which would exempt certain livestock feed inventory from property tax and provide the constitutional amendment needed for that change. Feed store and Farm Bureau witnesses supported the measure as relief for seasonal inventory taxes, and the bills were left pending. Senator Paxton presented SB 467 and SJR 84 to create a temporary property tax exemption for homes completely destroyed by fire, with refunds or corrected bills based on the date of loss; both were left pending. SB 1237 would clarify charitable property tax exemptions for senior housing and retirement communities, with testimony from Catholic and Baptist retirement organizations and a resident describing rising costs and exemption revocations; it was also left pending. The committee later voted 6-0 to report SB 2073, a pending bill on appraisal district authority to purchase or finance real property, and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 2172, SB 2173, and SB 2063, all related to property tax administration. SB 2172 would limit when appraisal districts can require homeowners to reapply for homestead exemptions, requiring a specific reason and written notice; SB 2173 would protect new homeowners from surprise tax liabilities caused by prior owners’ erroneous homestead exemptions, with testimony describing large back-assessment bills; both were left pending. SB 2063 would bar appraisal districts from using market-value evidence in unequal appraisal protests, and testimony sharply divided between taxpayer advocates, who said market data improperly overwhelms equity claims, and appraisal district representatives, who argued market value is inherently tied to equal-and-uniform taxation and cited a recent Texas Supreme Court decision; the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyway, Jefferson had the idea this is how we were going to fund education in the new territories coming
• </c><00:07:25.599><c> coming</c><00:07:25.840><c> in</c><00:07:26.720><c> and</c> uh in the new territories
• coming in and uh in the new territories coming in and if<00:07:27.520><c> you'll</c><00:07:27.759><c
• It would provide more stable and predictable funding for schools while protecting the integrity of the
• </c> schools while protecting the integrity schools while protecting the integrity of<00:59:54.960><c

Bills: HF3900

Committee: House Education Finance