Transcript Highlights:

• Would you care to close? Senator Hall waives. The vote will now occur on House Bill 4426.
• Senator Daniels, would you care to close debate? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Devers, would you care to explain your amendment? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• In other debate, Senator Devers, do you care to close debate? Sure.
• Would you care to close debate? Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you, committee.

Bills: HB3044 , HB3465 , HB3625 , HB3704 , HB3759 , HB3920 , HB3972 , HB4191 , HB4311 , HB4426

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee considered several House bills dealing with tax credits, fee changes, school funding, and investment authority. House Bill 4426 extended the sunset on the SIDE tax credit to December 31, 2032, and passed 7-2. House Bill 3704 elected Oklahoma into the federal income tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and passed 9-2. House Bill 4311 raised the unclaimed property division’s administrative fee from 4% to 6% to cover increased duties and costs; it passed 8-3 after debate over whether the increase was justified. House Bill 3044 reauthorized the veterans income tax checkoff and the associated capital improvement fund, and passed 10-0. House Bill 4191 revised the Smaller Employer Quality Jobs Act by lowering job thresholds, expanding qualifying locations and industries, and changing other eligibility rules; it passed 6-4. House Bill 3465 extended the emission tax credit sunset from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029 and passed 6-4, with opponents arguing it subsidized compliance with federal mandates. House Bill 3972, a title-off bill addressing ad valorem reimbursement issues tied to the state purchase of a prison, drew extensive debate over precedent and scope; an amendment to add a sunset failed 5-5, and the bill then passed 8-2 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to commend Administrator Loeffler for her recognition of these problems in her Day 1 memo released
• They responded by starting their own home health care agency.
• We have about 550 active clients and 3,000 people have had access to care because we exist.
• Outpatient mental health is primary care.
• We keep the cost of mental health care down.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm still debating which favorite food I will abstain from for the next day.
• And I'm still debating which favorite food I will abstain from for the next 40 days of Lent.
• Despite the from housing to health care.
• We look at ASUs being able to take care of more of our students than we're able to take care of internally
• It's working every day with my students.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview hearing on the 2026-27 budget and policy issues for California’s three public higher education segments: the Community Colleges, CSU, and UC. Chair David Alvarez emphasized shared responsibility to expand access, right-size campuses to enrollment trends, improve transfer pathways, align programs with workforce needs, and measure success by completion, transfer, and job placement rather than participation alone. The chancellors and president each described their systems’ current enrollment trends, budget priorities, and efforts to collaborate more closely across segments. Chancellor Sonia Christian said community college enrollment has rebounded strongly and asked for 3% enrollment growth funding, more support for the Common Cloud Data Platform, credit for prior learning, AI literacy, and recovery-related workforce training in Los Angeles. She highlighted right-sizing efforts such as Peralta’s proposed consolidation into Oakland City College, and described partnerships with CSU, UC, employers, unions, and housing projects. Chancellor Mildred García said CSU is focusing on CSU Forward, enrollment growth, student success, facilities, and fiscal health monitoring, while reallocating enrollment and resources to higher-demand campuses. She cited intersegmental programs such as nursing pathways, 2+2 and 3-year degree programs, and AI curriculum work, and said the system is also addressing labor and compensation issues. President J.B. Milliken said UC is facing federal funding threats, investigations, and rising costs, but has reached record enrollment of more than 300,000 students, including over 200,000 California resident undergraduates. He supported continued compact funding, said UC is exploring more use of technology, experiential learning, and short-term credentials, and stressed the need to adapt while preserving UC’s research and medical mission. Members pressed all three leaders on common course numbering, transfer outcomes, enrollment reallocation, BSN capacity, deferred maintenance, and the role of the master plan; the leaders generally agreed more collaboration and flexibility are needed, and several committed to follow up with updated data and timelines. No formal votes were taken. Public comment followed, including support from the CSU employees union for the Governor’s budget and full funding of CSU obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• 60 days.
• They have 10 days to request a hearing. In 30 days, the suspension takes effect. Right.
• So thank you for the courage that you have to do the work that you're doing day by day.
• So thank you for the courage that you have to do the work that you're doing day by day.
• So it's a good day to day because of the fact that this committee, So it's a good day today because of

Transcript Highlights:

• We have done so with compassion and care. In legal asylum-seeking migrants.
• TSWS Awareness Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Day of Stoneham.
• So this is a difficult day for all of us, and I'll just remind us that the difficult days are still ahead
• So this is a difficult day for all of us, and I'll just remind us that the difficult days are still ahead

Summary: The House considered House No. 57, a $425 million supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2025 to fund the emergency shelter/emergency housing assistance system and related activities. The bill, as described by the chair of Ways and Means, included major policy changes requested by the Governor: immediate residency verification at intake, limits on eligibility, required criminal history disclosures and CORI checks, a reduced maximum shelter stay from nine months to six months with hardship waivers, temporary respite sites for 30 days, and a cap on system capacity. Supporters argued the changes were needed to preserve the right-to-shelter system amid fiscal strain and federal inaction; opponents said the bill still did not go far enough or, in some cases, went too far and risked harming families and children. The House debated and voted on numerous amendments, mostly focused on tightening eligibility or changing shelter operations. Several Republican amendments to reduce funding, impose a one-year residency requirement, require broader background checks, limit eligibility to homelessness caused within Massachusetts, and require cooperation with ICE were rejected, often after roll call votes. A point of order was sustained on multiple amendments as beyond the scope of the bill, including proposals affecting court officers, law enforcement, and ICE-related provisions. The House also rejected amendments to cut the appropriation from $425 million to $200 million and to add other restrictions on eligibility and administration. Some amendments were adopted. A redrafted Amendment 27, offered by Rep. Decker, was adopted 25-25 on a tie vote and expanded protections to children under age six and added related hardship/extension language. A subsequent amendment by Rep. Consalvo was adopted unanimously to add disability-related protections and extend benefits in certain cases. Another amendment by Rep. Finn was adopted to modify language about seeking federal reimbursement, and Amendment 9 was adopted to require competitive bidding for certain service funds. After debate and roll call, the bill was passed to be engrossed by a vote of 126-26. The House then observed a moment of tribute for Doug Selfick and adjourned to meet again Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• They visit on Veterans Day.
• They say that, with these rising gas prices, wars, our best days are long gone.
• They choose to be there behind those bars, inside those facilities because they care.
• And yet they still go every day.
• AND YET THEY STILL GO EVERY DAY.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, approved the journal, and welcomed several guest groups, including Saugerties student government officers, the Marlboro High School boys bowling state champions, a civics group, a National Guard/9-11 responder advocate, family members honoring Salvador Vizcarrondo Jr., architecture professionals, correctional officers and employees, and small business representatives. Members also offered resolutions recognizing Architecture Week, Correctional Officers and Employees Week, and Small Business Week, along with tributes to community leaders and student achievements. The chamber then took up a series of bills on the non-controversial calendar, passing measures on education leave for incarcerated people, utility interconnection study, property tax exemption, alcohol regulation, executive law, school drill requirements, victim sentencing rights, public health, public officers, public authorities, election law, environmental conservation, veterans/homeland security, labor, and other topics. Several bills were laid aside. Some measures drew brief explanations of vote, including concerns about school safety drills, correctional staffing and safety, and a victims’ rights bill that one senator said mirrored an earlier version he had carried. The most extended debate centered on the 21st Century Antitrust Act (Calendar 879), with supporters arguing it would modernize antitrust enforcement against dominant firms, especially big tech, and opponents warning it would create vague standards, invite private lawsuits, and harm small and rural businesses. Another debated bill (Calendar 818) would restrict sharing of utility consumption data with police; supporters framed it as a privacy measure requiring normal legal process, while opponents said it would hinder law enforcement while still allowing state regulators access. Both bills were ultimately restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, how many are we losing every day to suicide, to PTSD people?
• Went back to work the next day. Ran calls for 24 more hours. It was up overnight.
• I'm a health care executive that manages about 20,000 patients.
• by veterans or 21 suicides a day by veterans.
• And right now... ...my clinic takes care of nearly 20,000 patients.

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Access to Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies held an informational hearing focused on psychedelic-assisted treatments for PTSD, depression, addiction, and related conditions, especially for veterans, first responders, and firefighters. The chair framed the issue as a response to long-standing barriers created by Schedule I restrictions and stigma, emphasizing that the committee was looking at supervised clinical use rather than take-home drugs. Members discussed the growing number of state psychedelic policy proposals, the federal breakthrough therapy pathway, and the idea of Arizona preparing for FDA approval and possibly sending correspondence to federal officials in support of expanded access and Right to Try implementation. Witnesses included retired Army Special Forces Master Sgt. Alan Mullen, who described participating in an ibogaine study for PTSD/TBI and said the treatment, combined with preparation and integration support, helped him confront trauma and showed promise under strict medical monitoring. Dr. Sue Sisley of Scottsdale Research Institute testified that her team is conducting FDA-controlled psychedelic trials, including psilocybin research funded by Arizona, and argued that these therapies can produce major symptom relief with limited doses when delivered in controlled settings. She also urged the legislature to help remove barriers to research and access, including support for Right to Try and possible federal action to allow controlled-substance access. Dan Freiberg of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona said firefighters face chronic mental health exposure and often lack effective options beyond traditional therapy or, in some cases, ketamine, and he supported any safe, effective treatment that could help members return to work and reduce suicide risk. Dr. Chung Trin, a mental health physician and trial investigator, explained the FDA breakthrough designation process, said several psychedelic treatments are in late-stage review, and stressed the need for Arizona to build clinical infrastructure so patients can access approved therapies quickly and safely once federal approval occurs. Committee members asked about safety, addiction potential, suicide risk, costs, patents, and whether natural versus synthetic versions of compounds like psilocybin would be available; the hearing ended with general support for continued research, possible legislative correspondence to federal officials, and no formal vote or bill action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then care closer to home is $116.2 million.
• And then care closer to home is 116.2 million.
• How are we connecting coordination and care into those rural areas?
• Care into those rural areas.
• It's having 150 minutes a day of moderate aerobic exercise and two days of strength training per week

Summary: The Joint Policy Committee met to hear an overview of North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program before taking up the related policy bills. Department of Health and Human Services staff explained that the state received a $198.9 million CMS award, with funding focused on four pillars: strengthening rural workforce, bringing care closer to home, connecting technology and data, and improving population health through prevention. They emphasized that the program is intended to benefit rural and frontier residents statewide, including areas near urban centers when the project serves rural patients, and that CMS approval, provider readiness, and sustainability will drive what can be funded. Committee members asked about how the program would treat border communities, frontier counties, urban providers serving rural patients, multilingual outreach, tribal consultation, and whether there would be information sessions for applicants. HHS said the website will include sign-up and translation features, more listening sessions and training will be offered, and a rural health tribal liaison will work alongside the existing Medicaid tribal liaison. Members also raised concerns about reimbursement timing, cash flow for providers, and whether projects in urban areas could qualify; HHS responded that urban projects may be eligible if they clearly benefit rural residents. The department then outlined the four policy bills tied to the grant scoring: nutrition continuing medical education for physicians, the presidential fitness test, the physician assistant compact, and pharmacist scope of practice. HHS said these policy actions were incentivized in the federal funding opportunity and that failure to pass them could reduce future funding. The committee did not take final action on the bills in this portion of the transcript and recessed for lunch before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes four days of work to save up for deodorant priced at $3.84, seven days to save up for a four-ounce
• During those 200 days, everything I worked for began to fall apart.
• Why it took 270 days, I have no idea.
• Every day my family struggles to move forward, and every day we collapse under the weight of the permanent
• The following day was Robert James’s 25th birthday.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The fourth is the 20 days to appeal to the Superior Court.
• my local police department or Pierce County Sheriff's Office from just using license readers in the day-to-day
• enforcement agencies to specifics, but the legislation does allow law enforcement agencies to do those day-to-day
• She was kidnapped in Kansas, missing for four days.
• Investigations don't work on a three-day timeline.

Bills: HB2161 , HB2332 , HB2102

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: attorney general, legal authority, state powers, judiciary, civil rights, driver privacy, data protection, personal information, surveillance, consumer rights, legal obligations, financial responsibility, debt management, consumer protection, court systems

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is January 19th, 26th, Martin Luther King Day.
• The state of Idaho, 3,000 with a 29-day turnaround. Idaho, 3,000 with a 29-day turnaround.
• care and the absolute neglect of their health.
• Every day that goes by, the people detained there are at risk of dying because of the poor medical care
• He has been detained for a year and a half for a crime for which he served 48 days.

Bills: HB1228 , HB1239 , HB2310 , HB2464

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll come back on the 29th for veto day, my favorite day.
• , my favorite day.
• But when I called day, my favorite day.
• </c> it So, who's going to take care of them? it So, who's going to take care of them?
• </c><01:05:46.640><c> of</c> there to help and to to take care of there to help and to to take care of

Transcript Highlights:

• The role will provide day-to-day operational support as well as key leadership.
• We want to make sure that our borrowers are very well taken care of.
• So Californians care about affordability. They care about housing.
• So Californians care about affordability. They care about housing.
• It's been a long day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of you may have seen FBI Director Ray on 60 Minutes just a couple of days ago.
• We've continued to this day, and I'm going to talk about some of the very recent activities that have
• We're working with different community-based care agencies.
• We do a lot with serving youth, particularly youth transitioning out of care.
• We do a lot with serving youth, particularly youth transitioning out of care.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information. Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• large industrial energy user, pardon me, and the utility gives the Arizona Corporation Commission 30 days
• Madam Whip, members, House Bill 2910 increases from 10 days to 20 days the amount of time for which a
• to 20 days the amount of time for which the contractor's failure to respond is deemed a waiver of the
• members, Hospital 2176 modifies the criteria for denying licensure or ownership changes for health care
• Our health care provider up there is Summit; it really helps us. So please, I'm asking...

Summary: The meeting was a rapid review of a very large bill package, with the chair repeatedly asking staff to keep descriptions high level and many bills placed on third-read consent or consent calendars. A major theme was artificial intelligence: bills would require minors to be told when they are interacting with AI, allow AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, create an AI education program, privilege certain AI communications, and require K-12 instruction on ethical and practical AI use. Other education measures addressed school district superintendents, health instruction, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal development standards, and school safety, including a bill allowing concealed firearms on school grounds under specified conditions. Several health and public safety bills were also discussed. These included funding and oversight measures for childhood cancer research, nursing care complaint timelines, firefighter cancer data collection, limits on pharmacy penalties, and a bill making it a felony to administer abortion-inducing drugs without consent. Members also heard bills on overtime wage enforcement, domestic violence evidence standards in parenting cases, probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, and a measure expanding manslaughter liability to online encouragement of teen suicide. One sponsor strongly opposed a provisional medical licensing bill for foreign-trained applicants, while other sponsors emphasized rural health access, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and the need for a dental board member who is an oral surgeon. A large portion of the meeting focused on water, land, energy, and state agency oversight. Bills would streamline or change rules for small modular reactors, new power plants, water supply determinations, groundwater transportation fees, water hauling, and state land disposition. Members also considered measures affecting the State Land Department, including audits, oversight boards, continuation, land-use maps for data centers and energy projects, and rules for mineral leases and solar or wind siting. Other topics included wildlife and ranching, Mexican wolf policy, annexation, housing and development incentives, transportation and towing rules, digital driver licenses, and a proposed four-year moratorium on municipal and county fee, tax, and utility-rate increases, which drew questions about stakeholder input and the impact on enterprise funds and local utilities. No recorded roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or calendar status, with one bill noted as held in rules and another pulled for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• driving uninsured or are not driving and therefore sacrificing opportunities for income and taking care
• Insurance how how for for not caring Insurance how how often<00:16:19.240><c> do</c><00:16:19.360><c
• Most of those drivers realistically can't afford to stop driving and still earn an income and take care
• Most of those drivers realistically can't afford to stop driving and still earn an income and take care
• who said that she was unable other day who said that she was unable to<00:19:21.679><c> afford</c><00

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I mean, that was kind of a functional day. I mean, they're the one...
• Most importantly, it ensures that patients in crisis can receive the care as quickly as possible.
• They agreed to give up two things: inpatient mental health care and OBGYN services.
• However, you know, I think you need to be careful because back in the day, and I don't know...
• While this matters procedurally for appeals, it has There's little relevance when it comes to the day-to-day

Bills: HB 1239 , HB1990 , HB1748 , HB1749 , HB2578 , HB2986 , HB1970 , HB3163 , HB2733 , HB1922 , HB 113 , HB 1088 , HB1938 , HB3004 , HB2637 , HB2960 , HB113

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• And she will be made page for the day without compensation. Yes.
• They are the steady hands in the middle of fast-moving days.
• They are the steady hands in the middle of fast-moving days.
• And so I would want to be careful about that. Right.
• So as much as I don't really care in regards to...

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of introductions recognizing student groups, interns, FCCLA and FBLA participants, a Missouri Rural Water Association delegation, medical students, family guests, and legislative assistants. Members also highlighted the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state championship team and several job-shadowing students from across the state. Announcements included committee meetings and a Missouri Department of Conservation Earth Day tree-seedling giveaway in the rotunda. On legislation, the House received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, then took up House substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049. Members discussed the bill as a vehicle for multiple bipartisan provisions, including public safety, AI, trafficking training, and other topics; opponents raised concerns about anti-trans language and the bill’s breadth, while others defended it as a package of widely supported items. The House passed the measure 117-10 with 17 present. The chamber also truly agreed to and finally passed Senate Bill 914, dealing with soil analysis/perk test issues, by 108-34 with one present, and Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State business filing measure for series LLC certificates of good standing, by 142-0 with one present. The most extended debate was on House Bill 1758, a daylight savings time trigger bill. The sponsor argued Missouri should lock in daylight savings time if the federal government authorizes a nationwide change, to avoid neighboring states forcing Missouri into standard time and to support tourism, safety, and economic activity. Supporters cited health, mental health, family, and business benefits, while opponents argued for standard time, raised concerns about children, circadian rhythms, and prior failed experiments, and questioned the federal-state authority issues. After extensive discussion and a point of order, the House ordered House Bill 1758 perfected and printed. The session ended with announcements and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The man responsible had left her there for days.
• On the eve of the 26th anniversary of the day she was found.
• It is my very favorite day of the Capitol today. It is physical therapy day.
• I reported to the boards of aldermen that I was privileged to serve, but I was in charge of the day-to-day
• I move that the House stand in recess until 2 p.m. this day.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by roll call vote, 102-1. Members then used points of personal privilege and special guest introductions to recognize constituents, advocacy groups, students, school officials, physical therapy advocates, domestic violence service providers, and others. One member delivered an emotional statement about the arrest of the suspect in his sister’s 26-year-old murder case, thanking law enforcement and prosecutors involved in the cold-case investigation. The chamber then took up House Bills 2097 and 1905, a measure to expand an agriculture education pilot program into a statewide option for elementary schools. Supporters from both parties described it as a way to teach children where food comes from, connect agriculture with literacy and math, and encourage interest in farming and related careers. The House adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bills. Members also considered House Bill 2167, which would codify and expand authority for Attorney General investigators and, through amendments, address House and Senate security officers and certain other state officers. Debate centered on whether the bill improperly broadened the original subject and whether it would give too much arrest power or create safety and constitutional concerns. One amendment to the amendment failed on a roll call, 62-68-1, but the House adopted the St. Charles amendment 61-43 and then perfected and printed HB 2167 as amended. Finally, the House took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2747 and 2047, a clean-slate/automatic expungement bill. Supporters said it would give people who have completed their sentences a second chance and improve access to jobs and stability; the sponsor also explained a related change limiting death-penalty sentencing in hung-jury cases so judges would not impose death in that circumstance. The House adopted an amendment requiring expungements to be shared with consumer reporting agencies, then adopted the committee substitute and perfected and printed the bill as amended. The House also announced upcoming events and then recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And before we turn to the rest of our agenda for the day, I want to invite my colleagues on the dais
• The administration usually cared that much about intent language in the world. So I, um, what?
• The administration usually cared that much about intent language in the world.
• The first time I was six years old, which led to my placement in foster care.
• I know it's been a long day for you all, and I will be brief. My name is Jenna Abbott.

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the Senate’s budget plan for affordable housing and homelessness, including a proposed $2 billion housing investment and full funding for HHAP rounds 7 and 8. The first major item was the administration’s housing reorganization and trailer bill package, which would codify the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC), consolidate multifamily housing finance programs into a one-stop application and award process, and shift some authority over bonds, tax credits, and the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. Administration officials said the goal was to reduce duplication, speed projects from award to construction, and improve accountability by aligning financing decisions. The LAO generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside and earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, and suggested preserving flexibility for integrated applications and reporting back on the proposed 70/30 split for housing versus sustainable communities funding. Committee members, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the new committee structure could add process and delay, and questioned whether the proposal was effectively repurposing the climate-oriented ASIC program into a housing finance tool without enough direct investment in core housing programs. Administration witnesses responded that the structure was meant to create transparency, public accountability, and simultaneous financing awards, and said the proposal was only a first step in a broader consolidation effort. Members also asked about specific programs such as the Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grant Program and the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, and staff said those would remain within the broader streamlined framework or the flexible sustainable communities allocation. The committee then heard from CDLAC and TCAC on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance. Staff explained that H.R. 1 increased the federal 9% LIHTC allocation and, more importantly, lowered the bond-financing threshold for 4% credits from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the change, resulting in 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members asked about the value of the state low-income housing tax credit program and rehabilitation projects; staff said state credits remain important for filling financing gaps and that a portion of bond and credit resources is now set aside for acquisition and rehabilitation. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights rollbacks and on three limited-term or expiring programs: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal closures and funding cuts have increased demand on the department, which now has more than 12,000 open matters, up from 8,700 a year earlier, and a six-month wait for intake interviews despite overtime triage and early case screening. Members urged continued funding for the programs, arguing they are essential as federal protections weaken; department staff said California vs. Hate connects callers quickly to support services, the conflict resolution unit fills a gap left by the shuttered federal counterpart, and the limited-term investigators have helped reduce wait times even as filings continue to rise.