Transcript Highlights:

• Now we're the Resource Recovery Bureau.
• An example I gave, which was Reunity Resources here, they pick up waste.
• So I understand that giving them resources would be a great thing.
• If it's got a feed tag on it, it's got a guaranteed analysis.
• What we check for is against that guaranteed analysis.

Bills: SB47, SB110, SB122, SB143, SB168

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• How do we provide more support to more students in California, given our limited resources?
• Right now, we rely on third parties to help present that kind of analysis.
• support to academic advising, career development, and mental health resources.
• The resources proposed in the Governor's budget for both 2025-26 and 2026-27 help offset reduced resources
• So what does that look like specifically when we're under-resourced and understaffed?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Vice President for the Williston Basin for Continental Resources.
• Energy, and this last about 11 years with Continental Resources.
• It was that proving up of this new resource, which I shouldn't say new resource.
• That's the resource. I believe we can.
• Will Houser with Continental Resources." "Will Houser with Continental Resources.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 2397 and a proposed amendment creating a development incentive well program for North Dakota oil and gas production. Representative Dockter explained the amendment as a way to encourage exploratory and innovative drilling in light of the state’s financial outlook and the growing share of stripper wells. Department of Mineral Resources Director Nathan Anderson and DMR geologist Timothy Nashim presented background on the Bakken and Three Forks formations, with Nashim describing research showing that Middle Three Forks second-bench development can add reserves in some areas but not others, and that roughly 600 additional wells in the strongest area could yield about 250 million barrels of oil. Continental Resources representatives William Houser and John Argo supported the amendment. They said the bill would give a temporary oil extraction tax exemption for certified development incentive wells, limited to 36 months or 300,000 barrels, and would also update tax treatment for gas used in enhanced oil recovery and on-site electric generation. They argued the measure would encourage new technology and testing in existing spacing units, complementing House Bill 1483, which they said focused on geographic expansion into non-Bakken and non-Three Forks areas. Argo said Continental still invests heavily in North Dakota but is shifting rigs elsewhere because of economics, and he urged incentives to spur exploration and preserve the basin’s long-term future. North Dakota Petroleum Council executive director Ron Ness also supported the concept, calling it a targeted, low-risk way to encourage innovation and future barrels. Committee members asked about royalty treatment, the difference from House Bill 1483, pressure maintenance, and how the program would be administered. DMR said the amendment should clarify that the operator bears the burden of proving a well qualifies and that only one incentive well per stratigraphic interval should be certified. No vote was taken; the committee paused to work on revised language and indicated the bill would likely need further adjustment, possibly in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We help develop resources.
• The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability.
• It's just about revamping resources and getting Just about revamping resources and, you know, getting
• We do consider ourselves a convener of sorts and a resource hub.
• Tennessee, it's the human resources department.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and shared an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about the importance of every individual. Members then introduced themselves and their roles, including state disability advocates, providers, and commission members, before hearing a presentation from Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina of the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). SEED described its role as a technical assistance and policy resource for states, focused on sharing best practices and examples from other states to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The presentation outlined SEED’s seven policy areas: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and work, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and retention tools, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state government as a model employer. Examples from other states included scholarship and transition supports in Kentucky and Virginia, stay-at-work programs in Alaska and Washington, accommodation funds in Minnesota, procurement and small business initiatives in New Jersey and Virginia, and model employer efforts in Colorado, New York, and Tennessee. Members also asked about digital accessibility and PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED can help with policy-level questions and peer examples, but not implementation of accessibility requirements. Discussion then shifted to possible Massachusetts projects. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work or civic engagement requirements and how people with disabilities might fall through the cracks, and they asked whether SEED could help Massachusetts use existing documentation, such as IEPs, to reduce barriers. The group identified two main areas for follow-up: a Massachusetts “state as a model employer” roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition services and apprenticeship opportunities. SEED agreed to provide Massachusetts-specific analysis and two briefs, one on career readiness policies and one on state-as-model-employer strategies, and the subcommittee planned an offline follow-up meeting to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this is a technical cleanup bill, the costs are absorbable within existing resources.
• AB 1673 gives my communities more resources, tools, and flexibility to be...
• AB 1673 gives my communities more resources, tools, and flexibility to manage these threats.
• Children with autism across California are facing real challenges accessing applied behavior analysis
• Appreciate the committee's analysis and work reflected in AB 1660.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures. The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended. During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• HAVE YOU DONE ANY ANALYSIS IN TERMS OF WHAT ECONOMIC BURDEN THIS WOULD BRING IN BUSINESS IS SMALLER.
• THERE WAS ANALYSIS DONE. IS NOT GOING TO BE A HEAVY BURDEN.
• YOU MAY REFERENCE THE ANALYSIS AND THEN YOU JUST SAID AND VERIFIED IMMEDIATELY.
• IN THE ANALYSIS WE SPOKE TO CHALLENGES WITH VERIFYING. >> Chair Buchanan: REPRESENTATIVE?
• IS NOT NECESSARILY CHALLENGES, BUT WHAT THE ANALYSIS PROVIDES IS ALL THE DIFFERENT RESPONSES YOU MIGHT

Transcript Highlights:

• OF IT IS GOOD, THE DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM BUT AS I'VE EVALUATED THE BILL AND LOOKED AT THE STAFF ANALYSIS
• MIGHT BE 4.5%, IT WOULD BE MORE PRUDENT TO INVEST THOSE RESOURCES, THOSE DOLLARS THAN IT WOULD BE TO
• UP IN A WAY THAT PROVIDES SO MUCH RESTRICTION AND LOOKING AT THE SENATE ANALYSIS IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS
• THE SENATE STAFF ANALYSIS SAYS IT HAS SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS AND WE SAY IT IS INDETERMINATE.
• TO THE SENATE STAFF ANALYSIS BEING SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS I SAY GOOD.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have no new water resources coming online.
• We have no new water resources coming online.
• for scarce water resources.
• I’m a senior policy advisor with Western Resource Advocates.
• Permian Resources.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 5 is the appropriation of the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
• Section 5 is the appropriation of the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
• push so that our hard-earned resources push so that our hard-earned resources for<01:45:17.360><
• council and metroransit the resources council and metroransit the resources they<01:48:52.560>
• resources that come from the 2023 bill. resources that come from the 2023 bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These reports are submitted each January by TNCs and then validated and prepared for analysis by CPUC
• The third use is compliance oversight, where analysis of the data provides insight into whether TNCs
• The statute directed the Air Resources Board to work with the CPUC to implement it.
• There are a couple of key components in the program that will provide analysis and evaluation.
• Can you just give us an analysis of what that looks like?

Summary: The hearing focused on transportation network companies in California, with the chair framing it as an informational hearing on the history, regulation, safety, climate, accessibility, and data issues surrounding Uber, Lyft, and smaller or autonomous TNC services. The CPUC described its decade-long regulatory role, including safety rules, background checks, insurance requirements, reporting obligations, and two major legislative programs from 2018: the Clean Miles Standard and the Access for All program. Members asked about complaint trends, data collection and disclosure, program implementation, and how the CPUC uses annual reports for policymaking, compliance, and program oversight. Uber and Lyft said the statewide framework has supported growth while providing safety and access benefits, but both companies emphasized that insurance is a major cost driver and argued that California’s UM/UIM requirement is unusually high compared with other vehicles. They said the Clean Miles Standard is pushing electrification but faces headwinds from EV affordability and charging infrastructure, while Access for All has expanded wheelchair-accessible service but still needs continued support. They also discussed transit partnerships, wildfire response, and the potential role of autonomous vehicles, with both companies saying human drivers will remain important and that future regulation should account for new technology. The final panel, including the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and UC Berkeley researchers, presented evidence that TNCs have increased congestion and reduced transit ridership, especially in dense urban areas. They described prior research showing TNCs contributed to congestion growth in San Francisco and noted that this work helped spur local taxes on ride-hailing trips to fund safety and transit improvements. The panel also discussed the CPUC’s evolving data-disclosure decisions, arguing that public access to TNC trip data is important for understanding transportation impacts and informing local policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the analysis of the points. There is no state fiscal cost.
• So I'm just going to try to limit my remarks today about the analysis of this bill. So.
• And so the bill analysis doesn't include where all that money went, right?
• And we can allocate the proper resources.
• You know, the committee analysis obviously identified state costs. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 7, 2025, considering a large number of bills, with several measures heard in detail before the committee moved through consent and suspense items. Early in the hearing, AB 876 by Assemblymember Flora was heard on CRNA scope of practice and anesthesia access. Supporters said it would clarify that certified registered nurse anesthetists may provide anesthesia services independently, while opponents from physician and medical groups argued that anesthesiologists and CRNAs are not interchangeable and that physician-led care is needed for patient safety. The bill was ultimately voted out, with a later vote change recorded for Mr. Tangipa from not voting to aye. The committee also heard AB 379, a major human trafficking and child exploitation bill, which would expand penalties for solicitation of a minor, create a misdemeanor for loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex, increase fines on businesses that fail to post trafficking notices or knowingly allow trafficking, create a survivor support grant program, and establish a vertical prosecution grant program. The bill drew strong support from the author and some members who emphasized tougher enforcement and victim services, but also significant opposition from sex worker and civil liberties advocates who argued the bill would worsen criminalization, disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, and fail to address housing and other root causes. After extensive discussion, the committee voted the bill out, with one member later changing from not voting to aye. Other bills heard included AB 435 on child passenger safety, which would adopt a five-step test and update booster-seat and front-seat rules; AB 1415, which would give the Office of Health Care Affordability more access to information from health systems and private equity-related entities; AB 539, the Timely Care Act, which would extend the duration of approved prior authorizations for treatment; AB 1466, relating to groundwater adjudication and sustainability disputes; AB 127, which would tie the cap-and-trade price ceiling to the social cost of carbon; and AB 672, which would require public employers to notify PERB of certain court actions and allow intervention to protect labor rights. The committee also approved a large consent calendar and then deemed the suspense calendar approved, sending many bills onward. The hearing concluded with several bills reported out, some on call, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So really an important group of people that are in and of themselves get resources.
• They do merge in terms of sharing ideas and resources, and both teams are in the same building.
• families by making essential resources accessible at all.
• We have a residential model that's grounded in applied behavior analysis.
• We're working with community partners to develop resources.

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on our analysis, we found that about 42% of these participants had successful outcomes.
• we recommend that DEED complete the workforce program net impact analysis as required by law.
• analysis within the required time frame. analysis within the required time frame.
• Because an impact analysis can 2021.
• <00:53:55.119> as workforce program net impact analysis as workforce program net impact analysis

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• their top three challenges this analysis their top three challenges this analysis combines<00:36
• fiction um finding reliable resources fiction um finding reliable resources for<00:57:54.039>
• don't have that kind of a um resource don't have that kind of a um resource available<00:59:14.960
• was in Middle School Gail's resources was in Middle School Gail's resources have<01:21:22.719>
• resources for such research resources resources for such research resources like<01:21:50.480>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• region to have the natural resources region to have the natural resources that<00:02:29.920>
• <00:27:21.480> um that here versus not here analysis um that here versus not here analysis
• They use an enormous amount of power, outpacing most of the large generation resources.
• First of all, an analysis of whether or not it's going to increase...
• <01:21:56.400> of first of all um uh an analysis of first of all um uh an analysis of whether

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh throughout the state being a resource uh throughout the state of<00:04:09.000> Minnesota<00
• I think we in those uh finite resources I think we should<00:15:52.519> come<00:15:52.680>
• <00:50:32.839> that finally a strong SWAT analysis that finally a strong SWAT analysis that
• <00:58:12.359> around require a deep landscape analysis around require a deep landscape analysis
• being able to do a landscape analysis being able to do a landscape analysis and<01:16:41.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The forum focused on the University of Minnesota system’s future, with candidates largely agreeing that the five campuses should remain distinct while working more closely together. Speakers emphasized the land-grant mission, the importance of serving Greater Minnesota, and the need for each campus to have a clear value proposition tied to local communities. Several suggested stronger cross-campus partnerships, more use of technology, and more seamless student pathways between campuses, while also noting enrollment declines and the need to preserve campus identities. A second major topic was public trust in higher education and the perceived value of a college degree. Candidates pointed to rising tuition, student debt, and concerns about post-graduation job prospects as key challenges. Proposed responses included better storytelling about university outcomes, stronger partnerships with schools, legislators, and communities, more targeted fundraising and commercialization of research, and clearer evidence of return on investment for students and families. The discussion then turned to athletics, where most candidates described sports as the university’s “front door” but said academics must remain the priority. They raised NIL, revenue sharing, and the need to keep athletics funding separate from core university funding, while also recognizing athletics’ role in campus culture and student recruitment. In later questions, candidates discussed why they sought regent service and how to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, with responses stressing access, belonging, open debate, and meeting students where they are. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• the resources of the state are used efficiently.
• The lack of resources can contribute to a program's effectiveness or efficiency.
• We started finding all these resources and realized it was too much just to sit there.
• Would you tell me when you all did the analysis regarding that issue you mentioned?
• That methodology actually won a national award because we went to such depth in our analysis.

Bills: SB197, HB140, SB214, HB214, HB147, HB270, SB73

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates

Transcript Highlights:

• We read the committee analysis and we understand some of the questions from the committee.
• The issue is how limited resources are allocated.
• But the other comment in the analysis asks that you continue to work with the stakeholders.
• My last question is the analysis talked about this arbitrary 10%. Where did you get 10%?
• We're not in opposition to AB 2386, as listed in the analysis.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do think that the staff analysis, which was excellent, does note that obviously this isn't going to
• The California Air Resources Board called for 50% reductions in gasoline use between 2021 and 2030.
• AB 674 is due pass and to be referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. Wilson, aye.
• In the analysis, in the very good analysis, actually, from the committee, there was that HM-4 pilot that
• AB 674, the motion was do pass and to be re-referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first will be the Department of Natural Resources update.
• The first will be the Department of Natural Resources update.
• And what Dave spoke to about us being able to bring in resources, it's because we can bring in resources
• A large, robust process with a lot of analysis takes place.
• I didn't get into that level of analysis.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session with an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Commissioner Dave Upthe Grove outlined DNR’s size and scope, previewed agency-request legislation, and emphasized budget priorities. He said DNR will seek authority to sell ecosystem service credits, better use underutilized water rights with tribal consultation, add a tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources, make minor timber-sales efficiencies, and include wildland firefighters in the LEOFF pension system. He also urged restoration of wildfire prevention and preparedness funding, warning that reduced funding would mean fewer firefighters, less forest health work, and less support for rural fire districts. He noted DNR’s wildfire suppression costs are rising and argued prevention spending can reduce larger, more expensive fires. State Forester George Geisler followed with a detailed wildfire season review. He said Washington now responds to fires year-round and also assists other states, including Texas. He described DNR’s use of 31 aircraft, 691 firefighters, and corrections-based crews, and said the agency’s success rate for keeping fires under 10 acres improved slightly from 93.7% to 94.1%. He highlighted increased arson activity, especially around Spokane, and described the Crescent Road Fire as an example of early detection, rapid response, and the use of bulldozers, aircraft, and hand crews to contain a fire to 182 acres with no structure losses. Senator Saldan praised the emphasis on prevention and the use of bulldozers as cost-effective tools. Assistant deputy supervisor Dwayne Emmons then reviewed the trust land transfer program, which was codified in statute in 2023 after being funded through the capital budget for decades. He said more than 130,000 acres of underperforming trust land have been transferred since the 1990s to other public or tribal entities for more appropriate use, while DNR acquires replacement lands to keep the trust whole. He described the current application and ranking process, including tribal input, and said DNR is requesting funding for remaining parcels from the last round, including portions of Tract C, Babcock Bench, and Middle Fork Snoqualmie. In questions, Senator Wagoner raised concerns about DNR’s decision to remove some acres from timber harvest rotation and its impact on local revenue and mills; the commissioner responded that current five-year harvest plans provide short-term stability and that any changes would be explored through the Board of Natural Resources process, not through immediate reductions in supply. The committee then received a history briefing from staff member Jeff Olson on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and agency structure. He traced the evolution from early fish and game commissioners to the current commission-appointed director model adopted by voter-approved Referendum 45 in 1995. Olson explained the commission’s statutory duties, membership requirements, and how Washington compares with other states. Chair Chapman said he had no plans to hear a bill this session changing the commission’s makeup, but he expressed personal interest in exploring reforms, accountability, and possibly a future broader coalition or referendum process. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair adjourned the session with holiday and New Year’s wishes.