Transcript Highlights:

• And in order to have them inspected by L&I, we have to send inspectors on site.
• And it would require, if we used an out-of-state inspector, a third-party inspector, that they would
• , a third-party inspector, that they would inspect to those standards.
• Bills that generally are non-general fund accounts generally are not referred to Ways and Means unless
• And bills that generally are non-general fund accounts generally are not referred to ways, unless there

Bills: SB6197 , SB6158 , SB6302 , SB5437 , SB6117 , SB5852 , SB5847 , SB6067 , SB6152 , SB6136

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement, infractions, administrative penalties, license suspension, certificate suspension, endorsement suspension, registration suspension, Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, penalty schedule, repeat violations, workplace standards, construction trades, professional licensing, Washington state, factory built housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Brigadier General Matthew Brayman, the Director of the Office of Army Aviation, appeared on behalf of
• and that we're stopping the defect generation so that we're not dealing with them.
• General Report?
• It's generational.
• Senator, I think in general we are a little behind.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Boeing, aviation safety, safety management system, military aviation, air traffic control, transparency, oversight, accountability

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on significant safety concerns surrounding Boeing and its compliance with federal aviation standards. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the Army's failure to provide requested operational transparency regarding helicopter operations near Washington, D.C., amid recent incidents indicating a strained air traffic control situation. Several members called for reform in Boeing's oversight, emphasizing the need for a robust safety culture and mandatory safety management systems to prevent future disasters like the 737 MAX crashes. The discussions were passionate, with survivors and families impacted by past accidents present, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the issues at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• , an office of inspector general with enforcement powers.
• , an office of inspector general with enforcement powers.
• So, if Leader Long will yield to a question. of inspector general with enforcement of inspector general
• </c> like an independent inspector general. like an independent inspector general.
• <00:49:11.280><c> general</c><00:49:11.599><c> bill</c> inspector general bill inspector general bill

Transcript Highlights:

• it uh creates office of Inspector General<00:03:15.560><c> um</c><00:03:15.799><c> within</c><00:03:
• </c><00:21:25.279><c> General</c><00:21:25.640><c> must</c> say uh the Inspector General must say uh
• the Inspector General must investigate<00:21:26.480><c> and</c><00:21:26.720><c> com</c><00:21:27.080
• hope</c> office of Inspector General and we' hope office of Inspector General and we' hope that<00:46
• General or definition of Inspector General or design<01:13:41.840><c> and</c><01:13:42.320><c> I</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• We don’t take from inspector generals.
• I'm don't take from inspector generals.
• headed by our recently hired Inspector General.
• </c> program and the office of inspector program and the office of inspector general<00:52:27.119><c>
• </c> department would go to the new inspector department would go to the new inspector general<01:18:

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But as a part of this exercise, we did identify that not every inspector was paid out of this fund.
• Those inspectors' salaries have not previously been attributed to this fund.
• So at this point, we don't think that what's generated is less than the cost of the programs.
• Just a general overview, Senator, if you will.
• Is that generally what you— I think you said it's a slight uptick? Yes, sir.

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• And in order to have them inspected by L&I, we have to send inspectors on site.
• , a third-party inspector, that they would inspect to those standards.
• , a third-party inspector, that they would inspect to those standards.
• And bills that generally are non-general fund accounts generally are not referred to Ways and Means,
• And bills that generally are non-general fund accounts generally are not referred to ways, unless there

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee held public hearings and later executive action on several bills. Senate Bill 6158, by request of L&I, would update factory-built housing and commercial structure rules to incorporate International Code Council standards and allow qualified third-party inspectors approved by L&I; the sponsor said it would make modular housing inspections more efficient and cost-effective, and L&I supported it with a requested technical amendment and no fiscal impact. Senate Bill 6197 would separate plumbing discipline standards for residential and nonresidential work, allowing suspension after five infractions in five years for nonresidential violations while keeping the current three-in-36-month standard for residential work; supporters from mechanical contractors, union plumbers, and a plumbing advisory board member said it would curb unlicensed work and unsafe practices, while opponents from contractor groups and some plumbing businesses argued it was too punitive, did not adequately distinguish commercial service from construction, and should be refined. L&I said it needed time to implement and asked for a later effective date. During executive session, the committee adopted a proposed substitute and advanced Senate Bill 5437, which voids noncompetition covenants, with a delayed effective date and other conforming changes; some Republicans opposed it as too broad. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 6117, which would extend PERC jurisdiction and state collective-bargaining protections if federal labor law no longer applies, after rejecting an amendment that would have narrowed coverage further. Senate Bill 5852, dealing with immigrant worker protections during federal I-9 inspections, advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the private right of action. Senate Bill 5847, on workers’ compensation medical care and treatment access, advanced with an amendment removing penalty provisions and another adding claims manager positions; the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Senate Bills 6067 and 6136 also advanced, the former changing workers’ compensation health benefit calculations and the latter requiring L&I to publish actuarially indicated industrial insurance rates. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6302, which would address misclassification in finishing trades on public works by limiting contractors and subcontractors to no more than two independent contractors on covered finishing work such as drywall, flooring, tile, painting, and glazier work, with violators treated as employees for prevailing wage and workers’ compensation purposes. Supporters from building trades and pipefitters said the bill would reduce misclassification, protect workers, and level the playing field; opponents from general contractors and contractor associations said it would effectively ban legitimate independent contractors, reduce flexibility on public projects, and hurt small businesses. L&I said it had clarifying questions about how the cap would apply and asked for more specificity.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates the Office of Inspector General within, uh, under the Legislative Audit Commission, and let
• </c><00:04:02.599><c> General</c> uh creates office of Inspector General uh creates office of Inspector
• It would say: The Inspector General must investigate and combat fraud, waste, and abuse committed against
• We're trying to broaden the ability for the Office of Inspector General to target the ways that folks
• General MH or definition of Inspector General MH or design<01:14:29.199><c> MH</c><01:14:29.880><c>

Bills: HF1 , HF2

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:21.279><c> understands</c> that the attorney general understands that the attorney general
• </c> that would generate consumer awareness. that would generate consumer awareness.
• However, about 153 elevator inspectors. Uh and then in the low 90s for boiler inspectors.
• Uh the numbers elevator inspectors.
• to issue a citation. a police officer or an inspector a police officer or an inspector authorized<01

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• But as a part of this exercise, we did identify that not every inspector was paid out of this fund.
• We have two inspectors that when we receive complaints, then we go out and inspect the facility.
• Those inspectors' salaries have not previously been attributed to this fund. I don't know.
• Just a general overview, Senator, if you will.
• Is that generally what you— I think you said it's a slight uptick? Yes, sir.

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first reviewed the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ explained that it licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses under federal and state law, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners, designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers. Members asked about the continued presence of asbestos in modern products, the status of the program’s grant fund, and why program expenses were expected to rise; DEQ said grants have not been issued in more than six years because revenues have not left a surplus, and the higher expenses reflect a reallocation of inspector salaries to the fund that supports the program. DEQ also described complaint-driven inspections, enforcement tools such as civil penalties and notices of violation, and the health risks of exposure, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection. The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The commission outlined its standards, compliance, decertification, basic academy, advanced training, and jail standards functions, and said it operates three basic academies in Camden, Benton-Bryant, and Springdale. Members asked about recruitment and retention, academy capacity, training hours, and costs to local agencies; the commission said attendance costs counties nothing because the state funds the academies, and that basic training is being expanded to 705 hours with a greater emphasis on practical instruction. The commission also described separate training for detention officers and school resource officers, and said law enforcement divisions in other agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, are held to the same standards. It noted that most academy attendance requires agency hiring first, though a veterans-to-law-enforcement program allows some veterans to attend on their own and later seek employment. This report also was accepted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• from fees that are revenue generated from fees that are charged<00:04:27.240><c> for</c><00:04:27.440
• not been increased since 2007 generally not been increased since 2007 which<00:04:43.360><c> is</c><
• The state saves time and money, so no inspector drive time, gas, and vehicle costs.
• attest to the electrical inspectors.
• </c><01:11:38.400><c> Inspector</c> still have a private Inspector Inspector still have a private Inspector

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:59.080><c> General,</c><00:15:00.000><c> uh</c> has an Office of Inspector General, uh has
• So, thinking Inspector General Clark.
• Chair Chair Inspector General Clark.
• Inspector<01:14:11.720><c> General.
• Uh, thank you uh, Inspector General.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature created the Office of the Inspector General in 2022, and the Inspector General has already
• My witnesses today are Ben Belknap, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, High-Speed Rail
• General to the committee chairs only. ...of the findings of the Inspector General to the committee chairs
• What we're talking about today is the Office of Inspector General.
• No, we've adopted the standards by the Association of Inspectors General.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm concerned about engineers, even home inspectors.
• The Florida Real Estate Commission... ...not a generic licensing approach.
• We completely appreciate. not a generic licensing approach.
• Jennifer Ashton, the International Association of Home Inspectors, certified home inspectors.
• I am the lobbyist for the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Summary: The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance. Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is... ...a serious discussion, and one that I hope that future generations of senators, many
• General of Nebraska Child Welfare, the Office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System
• General of Nebraska Child Welfare, and the Office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional
• of the officer of the inspector general the child and Nebraska child welfare act and the office of the
• inspector general the Nebraska correctional system act change region relating to audits involving tax

Bills: LB737 , LB753 , LB788 , LB913 , LB1055 , LB1195 , LB1216 , LB1256 , LB429 , LB721 , LB722 , LB727 , LB743 , LB745 , LB749 , LB778 , LB787 , LB365A , LB823 , LB900 , LB903 , LB940 , LB954 , LB1127 , LB1127A , LB1205 , LB1240 , LR293 , LR296 , LR422 , LR505 , LR507

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so all of our wage and our inspectors, our safety inspectors, the boiler inspector, all of those
• One takes the inspectors, the mechanical inspectors and the electrical inspectors, gasfitters, and so
• One takes the inspectors, the mechanical inspectors and the electrical inspectors, gasfitters, and so
• One takes the inspectors, the mechanical inspectors and the electrical inspectors, gasfitters, and so
• One takes the inspectors, the mechanical inspectors and the electrical inspectors, gasfitters, and so

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you consider the inspector general position a critical need to the Yes, ma'am. You would?
• Would you consider the inspector general position a critical need to the department?
• Inspector General position. So that position is actually being actively advertised.
• So I know you said that the Inspector General position was interim. You had an interim person.
• General McGill appointed Stephen Meredith, who was our Director of Auditing, as our interim Inspector

Summary: The subcommittee met to review agency vacancy reports and agency-requested budget reductions, with Chair Lopez framing the discussion around stewardship of taxpayer dollars, agency efficiency, and whether long-vacant positions should be cut or repurposed. Members were given vacancy summaries and asked to focus on how agencies are functioning with current staffing, which positions are mission critical, and whether some vacancies reflect market pay issues, re-engineering of work, or true excess capacity. The chair also noted that agency heads had been asked to provide follow-up information on current openings, average vacancy duration, mission-critical roles, and reasons for vacancies. The Department of Revenue was the first major agency reviewed because it had the largest number of vacancies. Its leadership said vacancies had improved from pandemic-era highs due to market pay adjustments, but that some areas—especially general tax and audit—still had long-term openings. The department explained that some positions are intentionally frozen while work is restructured, that it hires above minimum salary in some cases to stay competitive, and that it is using automation and process changes to reduce backlogs. Members raised concerns about vacancies outside Leon County, out-of-state auditor positions, salary compression, and whether the department should provide a list of frozen positions and the salaries actually needed to recruit. The Department of Financial Services said its long vacancies were concentrated in risk management, law enforcement, and the general counsel’s office, where salaries and competition from private employers and other agencies make hiring difficult. DFS said it was using outside vendors in some areas, had reduced vacancies in its general counsel office significantly, and was willing to identify positions that could be cut, including some from treasury and OAT. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation reported progress in lowering vacancies through statewide recruiting, centralized legal hiring, automation in service operations, and leadership changes in alcoholic beverages and tobacco; it said one recommended cut could be achieved by combining two half-time positions. The Florida Lottery reported a low vacancy rate, said all positions were critical, and explained its longer onboarding time due to extensive background checks; members discussed sales reps, incentives, and the agency’s field-office structure. The Office of Financial Regulation said many of its vacancies were already in the hiring pipeline, with recent vacancies tied to promotions, a death, and internal moves, and noted that it often serves as a training ground for federal agencies. The Office of Insurance Regulation, which had a high vacancy rate concentrated in Leon County, said it had been reducing vacancies from a much higher level and was still working through hiring and administrative constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature is going to hear Representative Gerson's proposal for an inspector general, which is
• </c> gerson's uh proposal for an inspector gerson's uh proposal for an inspector general<00:29:34.519
• government at this point where inspector generals<00:29:54.799><c> are</c><00:29:55.000><c> being</c
• General proposal, I think those are important ones.
• General proposal, I think those are important ones.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It's generated through the funds when citations are issued by the officer.
• Sheriffs will have the responsibility to manage their inspectors or the special inspectors through the
• </c> take this paper that has an inspector take this paper that has an inspector number<00:34:11.359>
• </c><00:34:40.359><c> will</c> the transfer um every inspector will the transfer um every inspector will
• or the special their uh their inspectors or the special inspectors<00:34:53.079><c> through</c><00:34

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature created the Office of Inspector General in 2022, and the Inspector General has already
• My witnesses today are Ben Belknap, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, High Speed Rail
• My name is Ben Belknap, Inspector General for the California High-Speed Rail. Good morning, Mr.
• My name is Ben Belknap, Inspector General for the California High-Speed Rail.
• No, we've adopted the standards by the Association of Inspectors General.

Committee: House Judiciary